My Beauty Bag

I was going to write about my beauty routine – but that never stays the same, I have accumulated and collected so many products and brands that it is kind of like a lucky packet – so instead of writing about the routine, I will tell you what products I have and what I think about them:

Face wash:

Clarins Daily energising Cleansing Gel – I still find this to be the best, it does not dry my skin out to much, it also isn’t too badly priced +- R125.00

Woolworths Daily Cream Cleanser – This is another one of my favourites, My skin is left smooth and hydrated. Not only do they not test on animals this Cleanser retails for about R100.00

Clarins one step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser – You know when you buy a new exfoliator and you cant wait to use it, only to find that the exfoliating beads are big and rough and you know immediately that it is not good for your face. This is not one of them, these beads are perfectly smooth and just the right size, my skin glows after using this and you really only need a small amount.

Toner:

Clarins One Step Facial Cleanser – Its ok, smells good. I have never been a fan of toners, i find them quite pointless (I know they are important for some reason, but i always tend to skip this part)

Instead of using a toner I use the Clicks 3 in 1 facial wipes (These re also fantastic for those late nights when washing your face is just a NO) I use these every night to remove excess makeup and eye makeup.

I ran out of these about 2 weeks ago and haven’t had a chance to get more, in these 2 weeks I have noticed a big change in my skin, I have had a few breakouts and my skin just isn’t looking so good. It is not like I have stopped my routine at all, i still wash my face I use my toner etc.

Moisturiser:

Clarins Daily Energising Cream – I have been using this for about 2 years now, I love it. I use this in the morning and also sometimes at night. it is extremely light and absorbs quick enough to put makeup on straight after.

Clarins Hydraquench Cream – This is my absolute favourite – unfortunately I only get this in sample size when I purchase my products on a Clarins special and get to choose 5 products – I always try and make all 5 this – it is that good 🙂

Face Oil:

This is a new product i have started to use, I was hesitant at first. I thought this would make my skin oily and clog my pores.

Boy was i wrong, this has been my lifesaver this winter, i am trying to make it last as long as possible and also dont enjoy the feel of only applying the oil – I miss the oil with some of my chosen face cream then apply.

It does not absorb instantly so put it on 10- 15 minutes before you go to bed.

Eye Cream:

Currently I am using the Clarins Contour Gel – To be honest i dont use this every night. but out of all the eye creams I have used in the past – this is the best. it absorbs quickly and is so light on the skin.

My Other favourite eye cream has got to be the ROC Sensitive Eye Cream, this is a bot more on the pricier side and is not really an eye cream for my age group, but whenever i used it i looked so awake the next day, I looked different, it was magical. I have stopped using this because its not for my age group but will definaltey use this again when I am a bot older and need that extra help 🙂

What are your favourite products? I love to hear your feedback.

XXX

LB

What is a serum – and how do I use it?

What Is A Serum?

While regular moisturizers contain only between 5 and 10% active ingredients, serums are far more concentrated and contain an incredible 70% active ingredients. This means that your skin gets a real boost of nutrients that will truly make a difference and work on your specific skin concern. Serums are thinner and more fluid than moisturizers and are all water-soluble, meaning they contain no oil.

How Do Serums Work?

Serums have smaller molecules than moisturizers allowing them to penetrate deeper delivering added nutrients to the deeper layers of your skin.

What Are The Skin Benefits Of Serums?

Serums improve your skin cells and all deliver a beautiful healthy glow with regular use. Because Serums are so highly concentrated they deliver a potent boost of nutrients that will work on your specific skin problem. The three most common serums are ones that target acne, fine lines and wrinkles and ones that brighten the skin.

How To Choose A Serum?

Look for ones that contain natural, organic ingredients so that you know you are providing your skin with antioxidants and not chemicals.

How To Use A Serum?

Don’t ditch your moisturizer after purchasing a serum! A serum is applied after cleansing and toning your skin and before you apply your moisturiser. Once your face is clean simply pour about 4-5 drops into the palm of your hand and use your fingertips to gently pat the product into your skin. Don’t rub, but rather pat it in as this allows it to absorb better and more evenly. Wait 5 to 10 minutes before applying your moisturiser to really allow the serum to penetrate and work its magic.

A great tip is to keep your moisturizer in the fridge and then when you apply it over your serum it will push the blood away from your skin and create a vacuum effect, which will pull the powerful ingredients deep into your skin.

If you have never tried a serum before, then you should definitely invest in one, there is never a wrong age to start! Serums are more pricey than regular moisturisers, as they do have a far more potent concentration of nutrients and antioxidants, but the fantastic benefits will truly show. Once you start to see the improvement and brightness in your skin, you will be hooked. Even though serums are a bit more expensive, only a small amount is needed at a time so it can last you for quite a while! unlike moisturiser, Serums are mainly used at night, helping your Serum to last a bit longer.

My Top Serums:

Obviously Clarins would make the top:

Clarins Double Serum

Clarins Hydra Quench Bi Serum – The Hydra quench raange is great for dehydrated skin.

Vichy Liftactiv Youth Serum 10

The Body Shop – Nutriganics Smoothing Serum

There are so many brands out there to choose from – these are just the brands I have used.

Please let me know if you have tried any out there that you find fantastic, would love to try out some new brands 🙂

XXX

LB