Horrible histories...

As you all know, I am constantly on a quest for clear skin so regularly research anything which claims to help this. I came across this image on Tanda Skincare's website and thought I'd share! I thought the timeline on here is really interesting to see how us women have always gone to extreme lengths for perfect skin - and how lots of the things they did then have actually filtered down now into our current regimes! I also liked the components of the skin bit too, I can't tell you how many times I've had this explained to me by the experts and still struggled to get it - it's very complex!


P.S: don't try the facial toning exercises in public - you'll definitely get some strange looks!!


 
Via: Tanda Skincare

Clear success

Since posting about how amazing Pantothen is (see blog here) my skin really has stayed amazingly clear, the odd one or two spots occasionally when I'm stressed, but that's it! Which is pretty incredible really considering how stressful deadlines are at that I tend to spend most of my working life in a state of panic!

Although I'm sure my clear skin must be down to taking the supplements, the skincare regime I'm using also seems to be working really well, so thought I'd share that with you all too! I've been recommended all of these after having facials so they've been 'prescribed' for my skin specifically, but to give you the proper information about each product I've put the official 'blurb' in there too and put any notes of mine in bold...

So, here goes, and in the order I apply:

Morning

Cleanse. Elemis Tri Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash - this daily facial wash stimulates the skin's natural cell renewal cycle, actively smoothing and refining, whilst gently sloughing away dead skin cells which dull the complexion.A deeply cleansed, deeply moisturised and smoothed complexion is revealed. 

Tone. Keraskin Eau Personnel - a mineralising toner with corallina extract (algae from the ocean depths that is known for its rich mineral concentration) leaving skin profoundly invigorated, clean and ideally prepared for a treatment product.

Eye Cream.  SkinCeuticals AOX+ Eye Gel -  this breakthrough serum-in-a-gel contains a synergistic antioxidant combination to help protect the delicate eye area from oxidative stress, while targeted actives revive under-eye skin and reduce the appearance of puffiness. 

Prevent. SSkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense Serum - a targeted, oil-free approach to treating adult imperfections and signs of aging. This 1st-to-market acid blend combines 2% dioic acid with an optimal alpha- and beta-hydroxy acid formulation, designed to prevent the formation of blemishes, minimise hyperpigmentation, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I use this on my breakouts so usually put on my chin after I've done the eye cream so both dry before I put on the below.

Prevent. SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF Gel -  formulated with an optimised acid combination of 2% phloretin, 10% vitamin C, and 0.5% ferulic acid, this serum-in-a-gel protects skin from the range of reactive molecules known to cause DNA mutations and damage among the integral cell types. This trusted antioxidant trio also accelerates cell turnover and stimulates collagen synthesis to boost skin’s structure for a firmer, brighter complexion.

Moisturise. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkle depth by up to 78% and increase skin hydration and moisture levels by up to 45%.

Protect. I always wear sun protection and if one in't included in my foundation then I use a factor 30 daily, at the moment it's Elemis Liquid Layer Sunblock SPF 30.

Night.

Make-up remover. At the moment I’m using a Darphin eye make-up remover and a cleansing water of theirs too, but that’s only because I’ve been given them! Usually I just use cheapy remover products or facewipes as I always put proper effort into cleansing so don’t mind using any old product here!

Precleanse. Dermalogica Precleanse - a lightweight Olive and Apricot Kernel-based cleansing oil, fortified with Kukui Nut, Borage Seed and Rice Bran oils, that gently liquefies sebum and oil-based debris from the skin’s surface. The hydrophilic (water-loving) formula enables PreCleanse and oil-based debris to be readily rinsed away without leaving behind any greasy residue.

Cleanse. Same as morning.

Exfoliate. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. This unique rice-based enzyme powder microfoliates dulling debris and instantly leaves skin noticeably smoother and brighter. This is a must-have product, everyone needs this in their regime!

Tone. Same as morning.

Eye Cream. Pai Skincare Echium Anti-Ageing Eye Cream which helps to regenerate skin and smooth fine lines. I use this at night as it’s thicker so don’t mind the texture at night.

Prevent. Darphin Hydraskin Intensive moisturising serum – a high-potency serum that immediately softens and hydrates to restore comfortable suppleness and glow. I use this all over my face and neck but leave my chin (breakouts!) for the below...

Prevent. Darphin Skin Mat Balancing Serum - improves the texture and look of combination to oily skin by absorbing excess oil and diminishing the appearance of pores. I use this on my chin area to balance it.

Moisturise. Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Night Cream - this night treatment cream stimulates the skin's natural cell renewal cycle, actively smoothing and enhancing the skin whilst cellular respiration is at its optimum during sleep. Skin feels softer and super-hydrated, imperfections, lines and wrinkles are reduced as a stunning complexion is revealed.

Treat. NeoStrata NeoCeuticals Acne Spot Treatment Gel - an acne treatment penetrates clogged pores to eliminate blemishes and promote healing. If I have a spot come up then this is fantastic, it vanishes by the morning – definitely an essential!

Et voila! I realise it’s quite extensive but I started using these all after I’d noticed a big difference in my skin from the supplements and I’m sure these are keeping it looking as good as it is at the moment. The star products for me here are definitely the SkinCeuticals ones I use in the day, especially the C F Gel, that’s amazing. These are only supposed to be used once a day which is why I use the Darphin products in the evening (they say you get a more intense result when used at night) and they are such lovely, nourishing products.

Tantastic!

I've tried many a tan as seen in my previous posts, but was recently sent these tanning tips from Vita Liberata which I've followed and ended up with a beautifully flawless tan. As tempting as it is to keep this little secret to myself, I thought it only fair to share these top tips as well as my tantastic recommendations!

Skin must be smooth and clean:  if you need to wax or shave, make sure you do this in advance of your tanning. It is generally advised to wax 48 hours before you tan, and shave 24 hours before.  You should also DRY exfoliate before tanning – so apply a body polish all over your body, carefully massaging the exfoliating beads into your dry skin for several minutes, then rinse off in a shower. Make sure you have nothing on your skin, including deodorant, as this creates a barrier to the tan. The ‘white armpit’ look is a sure giveaway that you’ve been faking it!

Hydrate your skin: Dry, thirsty skin will always lead to an uneven tan, but what most people don’t realise is that standard moisturisers create a barrier to the active tanning ingredient (DHA) in self tanners. Vita Liberata have created a Skin Plumping Peptide Mist, which hydrates your skin thoroughly, but also balances the pH of your skin; another relatively unknown fact is that the pH level of your skin affects how well it absorbs DHA, and the pH level is governed by lifestyle factors such as how often (and how much) you drink, as well as your hormone levels, so the Peptide Mist ensures your skin is perfectly balanced at the right level of pH to absorb tan efficiently.

Use a mitt: A mitt not only protects your hands from unsightly ‘stains’, but it also guarantees even coverage. If you don’t have a mitt to hand, or prefer to use your fingers to work the tan in, latex gloves are a good alternative.

General: Tan one area of your body at a time, starting with your lower legs. Use wide, sweeping motions working up the leg – as this avoids you smudging anything you’ve already tanned.  It’s often best to apply your tan in front of a full length mirror, so you can see how you have applied the tan to parts of your body that are not immediately obvious or easy to see, like the inside of your knee, and of course your back…

Back: A simple trick to achieve a flawless finish on your back (if you don’t have someone you can ask to do it for you!) actually involves cling film; lay a long strip of it on the floor, and apply a small amount of your self tan to the middle. If you carefully pick this up by either end and hold it up behind you, you can sweep it over the centre of your back moving the cling film as if you were drying your back with a towel. Magic!

Face: Exfoliate and cleanse your skin thoroughly to make sure the skin is smooth and clean. Dab your face with an ice cold damp cloth to ensure your pores are closed. The facial pores are incredibly sensitive, and if your tan seeps into them this can cause them to block and lead to spots. Apply liberally as you would apply a moisturiser on face and neck, blending down to décolleté and taking care on the hair line. Wipe upper lip and eyebrows with a dry towel to ensure they are not overly dark.

Hands: When applying to the hands keep the fingers closed to avoid tanning between them (this would look very unnatural). Work away from the nails toward the back of the hand to avoid staining the nail bed. Now open the fingers and gently blend the side of each finger in turn. Wipe the knuckles and nails with a slightly damp cloth to remove any excess product for a superbly natural finish.

Feet: For perfect ‘beach feet’, firstly imagine you have been on a beach holiday for 2 weeks. The sun will only hit the tops of your feet, and the bottom half of the sides will remain untanned. Apply your tan with this thought in mind, blending halfway down the sides and then wiping the blend with a dry cloth to give a totally natural finish. Always work away from the nail bed, back up the foot and blend at the ankle.

Maintenance: Obviously allow your tan to dry before getting dressed, but once it is dry, be careful about what other products you are putting on your skin. What people don’t realise, is that innocent looking shower products and moisturisers can strip your tan off almost instantly. Anything that contains lemon, lavender, essential oils, salt, mineral oil or petroleum can strip the tan off, as can your regular bar of soap. Read the labels of your favourite bathroom essentials, and wherever possible, avoid soaking in a bath as this will also speed up the natural fade of the tan.

Spring/Summer Trends 2012

The weather in the UK is so depressing at the moment that it feels as if spring still hasn’t sprung, and summer is never going to arrive! However, it is in fact May, so I thought I’d round up my key trends for SS12 and hope that some positive thinking brings the sun out!

Trend #1 – Peachy Keen

Seen across Preen, Jaeger, Max Mara, Stella, Versace and Louis Vuitton, peach is the new bronze for spring/summer. Universally flattering and warming to the complexion, this colour can be used all over, from cheeks to the eyes and lips giving a warm glow without being too heavy. Perfect for pasty skins (like mine!) who have yet to benefit from a summer tan.

Preen

Jaeger

Issa

Louis Vuitton

Make-up bag essentials:

Clarins Instant Light Blush in Coral Tonic (RRP £19):

Aveda Nourish-mint Rehydrating Lip Glaze in Coral Sea (RRP £15.50):

Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Emerge (RRP £17 and can be used anywhere): 

Trend #2 - Feeling Fresh

This is one trend which is never going to go out of fashion: radiant, glowing skin. Seen across many of the SS12 catwalks including Richard Nicoll,  Nicole Farhi and Erdem, fresh-faced beauty is something we all aim for any time of year, but especially leading into spring/summer. Focus on reflective pigments on the cheekbones, temples, cupid’s bow and nose to give faces a flattering light.

Aquascutum

David Koma

Nicole Farhi

Richard Nicoll

Make-up bag essentials:

Sothys Summer Veil (RRP £19):

Mii Illuminating Face Base SPF15 (RRP £25.50):

Benefit Hervana (RRP £23.50):

Trend #3 – Smokey Eyes

Unusually for the spring/summer catwalks, various shades of the classic smokey eye were seen across the shows from deep berry tones at Bora Asku to dark, heavily lined eyes at Jacob Kimmie and glitter smudged eyes at Ashish. Take this definitive ‘winter’ look and give it a spring twist by keeping away from the usual blacks and greys and use teals, plums and metallics instead.

Ashish

Holly Fulton

Bora Asku

Jacob Kimmie

Make-up bag essentials:

Neutral Palette from Illamasqua (RRP £30):

Smooch Twilight Eyeshadow duo (RRP £9.50):

Myface Cosmetics Soulful Trio in Crocodile Rock (RRP £15.99):

Trend #4 - Beautiful Brows

This season sees the return of the big, bold brow and was prevalent on most of the catwalks this season with Acne, Daks and Missoni all using models sporting a strong brow.

Acne

Daks

Emilio De La Morena

Missoni

Make-up bag essentials:

Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Brow Colour (RRP £13.50):

HD Eye & Brow palette (RRP £19.95):

Shavata Brow Tamer (RRP £14.50):

Enjoy the sunshine! xxx