The skincare tag

I've been tagged. This post is exposing some of my skincare routine, tips, tricks and general advice. I was tagged by my friend from Let's Get Lippy.

The tag

Describe your skin care routine in five words?
Minimal. Easy. Experimental. Refreshing. Nourishing.

What’s your skin type?
My skin type is normal/combination. I only break out when something irritates my skin or before or after PMS.

What’s your favourite skin care product?
I was given mini bottles of Dermalogica cleanser and daily microfoliant in a goody bag a long time ago but as I didn’t know much about the brand I didn’t use them. I had run out of the face wash I had normally used so I started using both products together. I quickly realised what all the hype was about. Dermalogica is gentle on the skin, light and feels clean, fresh and not tight.

Top blemish zapper?
I use a little tea tree oil stick to banish my blemish if it puffs up, otherwise I just leave it until it disappears. I think the more you fuss over it, the worse it gets.

Face wipes yay or nay?
Yeah, I use Johnson’s Dreamy 3in1 Facial Night Wipes to remove my daily make up, cleanse and tone. Previously I used the Refreshing Facial ones that come in the pink packet and I felt like it didn’t do the job. With the night time wipes I noticed a difference so I’ve stuck with those, I also love the Aromasoothe with Moonflower fragrance it’s calming and perfect for bedtime. For the nights when I wear heavier make up I use Superdrug Vitamin E Eye Make Up Remover, this is a cream based lotion that you can squeeze out on to a cotton pad and really tackle the make up on and around your eye. 

High-end skin care or high-end make-up?
I would have to go with high-end make up because I haven’t really tried that much high-end skincare. I tend to buy high-end make up as a treat or if I have been recommended a specific product that would suit me. The majority of my skincare products are bought from the high street, I’m happy to try out new items and I’m really interested in product and brand recommendations through word-of-mouth or through reading beauty blogs.

What’s the most unusual skin care product you’ve tried? 
LOL. I tried this organic facial spray that you used to refresh your skin, it smelt like vinegar and water (yuck) but to be honest this thing was probably better for your health than some of the items on the market. Despite that I just know it wasn’t for me.

You’re in a French pharmacy and can only pick up one item – what is it?
One of my friends gave me a manicure once and she put this almond oil on my hands to nourish my cuticles. It was different from the almond oil I’ve bought in the UK, it felt lighter and seemed like it could be used regularly. She had bought it in France as that’s where she’s from so if I had to buy anything it’d be that.

Top skin care tips

• Drink water 
• Change your bed sheets regularly 
• Less is more. A pea-size amount is enough and you won’t run out too quickly 
• Try out new products and give them a good go before discarding them 
• NEVER sleep in your make up 

Who I'm tagging

Shanaz and Kamaria - La Belle Aventure
Melissa - The Avenue Online
Bree - All About Bree
Ayesha - Miss Tinks Beauty
Sophia - Sophia Bella

Bianca x

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My top beauty products to relieve dry skin

Since the bitterly cold weather set in I noticed how flaky and dry the skin on my face was getting. So I decided to bump up my facial skincare regime because I’m really low maintenance when it comes to beauty. Until now it consumed of facial cleansing wipes and the occasional splash of water morning and night.

The products I’m using on my face to prevent, protect and restore hydrated skin are pictured below.
I decided to go back to tried and trusted products I had used before and tried some new items too.

Blistex Relief Cream

A good friend of mine recommended this cream to me as an effective formula that will help to correct chapped lips. The cold weather has really made my lips crack so I thought I’d give this a go. It seems like something you would use for medicinal purpose and to be fair it does say it treat cold sores, so yeah it’s not your typical lip balm. However it really does the trick, after a couple days of applying the cream it smoothed the dry and sore areas and acted like a primer underneath the usual application of lip balm or butter.

St Ives Apricot Scrub for Sensitive Skin

I use St Ives as my exfoliator because I love the fruity apricot smell and the formula’s creamy texture. I know this scrub isn’t for everyone but it has worked well for me before. I had previously used the Invigorating Scrub but since I noticed my skin had become sensitive I opted for that version. There is also type for renewing and firm which is called Timeless Skin and blemish fighting called Naturally Clear.

According to St Ives this extra mild formula for dry or sensitive skin, “instantly smoothes skin and is gentle enough to use every day.”

It’s also Oil-free - Non-irritating • dermatologist-tested • 100% natural exfoliants • 100% natural extracts • Formulated without parabens and phthalates.

The exfoliating beads are made up of crushed walnuts and corn kernel meal and when gently rubbed across the skin they don’t feel too abrasive. I spent a couple minutes massaging the cream into the skin, washed it off with warm and patted my face dry. The thing I like about this scrub is that it leaves the skin feeling refreshed and soft rather than tight. The directions say to use every day but I think use is best twice or three times a week morning or night.

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream SPF 15 Moisturiser

When I am not planning on wearing any make up for the day I apply the EA Eight Hour Cream Daily Moisturiser.

According to Elizabeth Arden, ‘This daily hydrating lotion leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and moisturized for up to 8 hours. Protects skin from the effects of extreme weather and climate changes while SPF 15 shields skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Suitable for all skin types.’

It leaves my skin feeling hydrated and soft without being too greasy, I think it’s a great moisturiser for dry sensitive skin as it relieves the tight feeling. The tube I’m using is a part of the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream starter kit so it’s only 15ml. When it runs out I’d definitely buy the full size.

The Body Shop All-in-One BB Cream

For days when I do apply makeup I’ve been using The Body Shop’s All-in-One Colour Adapting Tinted BB Cream. It was a real struggle for me to find a BB cream that matched my skin tone, when I got my hands on this it was a pleasant surprise. The colour adapting beads really work, there are only three different shades - I’m using 03 for darker skin tones. I’ve used it for three months and I’m so happy with the results.

The Body Shop says this, “All-In-One BB cream transforms from a white cream to suit your skin tone. Pigment-filled capsules burst when applied to the skin, releasing the colour inside. Just blend for a perfect match and an even, undetectable finish. It’s make-up and skincare in one.”

I found that this worked wonders for dry skin as the mositurising qualities create a dewy and glowing complexion. I applied small amounts of cream around my face and blended in with a foundation brush. The formula is light and gives the right amount of coverage, I don’t use any foundation over it but I do apply concealer under my eyes underneath because it’s not totally flawless. If you have sensitive skin and don’t want to wear foundation this is your product.

What beauty products do you use to combat dry skin during winter?

Bianca x