Updated Evening Skincare

My skin condition pretty much changes with the seasons and therefore I like to update my skin care two to three times a year.

First things first: I got to take off my make up and all the dirt my face likes to collect throughout the day and for this step I like to take good old coconut oil. Unless you have been living under a rock, you must know by now how many benefits coconut oil has and it works great as a first step cleansing balm. 
I like to rub it on my dry face and really massage it in, to get everything off that doesn't belong on my face, like oil (oil attracts oil), dirt, make up, primer, sunscreen and all that fun stuff. Then using a clean face cloth and running it under hot water, I take everything off. 

After that I cleanse my face with the Body Shop Vitamin E Cream Cleanser. I like to use a better cleanser for the second round, because I don't just want to use it to get my make up off but to actually benefit my skin. And I simply take it off with water.

Then comes my favourite step involving acid toners. 
This step is so crucial and really makes the biggest difference in my skincare routine. I like to switch between the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Salicylic Acid, the Paula's Choice CLEAR Anti- Redness Exfoliating Solution 2% Salicylic Acid and the Alpha H Liquid Gold. 
I use the Liquid Gold only two to three times a week, because it is very strong and I use the other two exfoliaters the rest of the week.
Acid toners help with acne, blackheads, red scars, fine lines, they minimise the appearance of pores and they help your face absorb whatever product comes next better. 

Sometimes, when I have a lot of extra time, I like to use an exfoliating mask on top of that, for example the Avene Cleanance Mask.

The next step is eye cream, I especially like the Hübner Augenbalsam plus, because it contains hyaluronic acid and last but not least I use the Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream for very dry skin.

- Julia xxx


 

September Favorites

I am so excited for fall.  
I'm excited for golden and red leaves dancing in the wind and collecting chestnuts.
I'm excited for big oversized sweaters and scarfs, fluffy blankets and hot tea. 
I'm excited for candles and fairy lights and long nights by the fire place watching TV. 

Make up wise I am looking forward to smoky eyes, dark red lips and just being able to get away with wearing more make up and experimenting with bold colors. 

Bath and Body Works - Leaves Candle

Laura Mercier - Hydrating Primer

p2 - Sophisticated Volume + Stretch Mascara

Precision Beauty - Angled Blush Brush

  Dolce & Gabbana - The One

OPI Nail Lacquer - Red

 Maybelline - Instant Age Rewind Concealer 01 Light

Argania Spinosa - Argan Oil

- Julia xxx


 

Product Empties #2

Over the last couple of months I have been collecting the products I have used up, so you know what's coming.

 I love Lavera. Everything they do. There has not been one product that disappointed me. The shower gel is not drying, the body lotion is nourishing but not sticky and the smell is just divine.

CD is my favourite brand for deodorant, because the don't use aluminium as an ingredient and it works best out of all the products I have tried without aluminium. It is not the best deodorant I have tried, it has probably a 4- 6 hour protection, but it is the safest.

Surprise! Lavera again. Lavera GALORE! Like I said, they can do no wrong in my book. 

The hand creme is very moisturising, yet sinks in very quickly. 

Both the "Foam" Cleanser (which doesn't foam at all and isn't stripping) and the Cleansing Milk are amazing. I repurchased the cleansing milk and use it as a second cleanse in the evening and in the morning. 

And on the right- hand side we have two samples but they still count, right?! After I have used them both up I had to get the full size one.

Lush is one of my favourite brands for moisturisers because they use natural ingredients and my skin does not react badly to them. The Celestial one is great for the winter, since it is so nourishing. The Cosmetic Warrior was a face mask with garlic as an ingredient. Don't ask. Not my favourite.

Balea Shower Gel. A bit to drying for me. Won't repurchase. The same goes for the self tanning spray by Ganier. It was too orangy and it only tanned by legs?!

The Silver Shampoo by Schauma was my saviour in dark times. A couple of months ago I bleached my hair myself, as I do, and my hair turned out yellow. Enough said. This shampoo really made a difference, though.


Now that I am done with Roaccutane, I have also finished my Aquaphor. I love this stuff, even though it caused a little dilemma at the end of my course. 

Rituals body cream for dry skin. Nothing that has impressed me too much. 

Unfortunately I also wasn't too impressed with the Dr. Hauschka Ice Plant Face Cream. It just wasn't rich enough for me, as opposed to it's big brother the Ice Plant body lotion, which is one of my holy grail products.

I also finished some eye drops, which very fine and two make up products. My favourite drugstore concealer, Maybelline Fit Me, and a mascara.

Hopefully next time there will be more make up products because that's always more exciting. Thanks for reading!

- Julia xxx
 

 

Post- Roaccutane Update ( 1 Month )

I think it's been roughly one (maybe two) months after I finished my Roaccutane course and I must say I am rather happy with the results.

Honestly, I can't even remember when my skin last looked this good. I don't have any active breakouts, almost no white-/ blackheads and the rash I developed last month is pretty much gone, also. 
The only thing I am left with are some scars, but they are pretty easy to cover up so I can't complain. 

I'm slowly re-introducing some acids (AHAs/ BHAs/ Glycolic Acid) back into my skincare routine. At the moment I am using Paula's Choice BHA Exfoliant every other day and even though my skin feels fine, I can tell that my skin is still very sensitive and thin (?), so I'll be holding off on the Liquid Gold for a while.

I've been noticing that the last few bits of the drug are wearing off, so my hair is starting to get oilier quicker and the extreme hair growth has stopped as well. But on a more positive note, my skin is not so incredibly dry and flaky anymore and I am starting to feel confident again not wearing any make up, which is a big deal for me. 

  
- Julia xxx
 

 

Benefit Gimme Brow Dupe?!

 
 I may or may not have found a dupe for the Benefit's Gimme Brow eyebrow gel. Check out this Catrice Eyebrow Filler Perfecting and Shaping Gel.
 It is a "naturally tinted Eyebrow gel, suitable for all eyebrow colours. The fibres fill in small gaps - for dense and perfectly shaped eyebrows within seconds!". 

I would say it's suitable for all eyebrow colours except really dark ones. 
The tinted gel colours your eyebrows, making them look more defined and the fibres help fill them in and make them look three dimensional. After a few seconds it dries and sets, so it lasts throughout the whole day. This is a great alternative to the Benefit eyebrow gel and for only 2,95€ it doesn't break the bank. 

 - Julia xxx


 

Stranded On An Island

I just read a blogpost here, on what beauty products to bring to a deserted island and I wanted to share my own rendition with you.

Two things here go hand in hand and this would be sunscreen (Paula's Choice - Skin Balancing Ultra Sheer SPF 30) and a pair of sunglasses. Obviously, on a deserted island you want to stay protected from the sun. I would probably also bring sunscreen for my body (waterproof, SPF 50) and maybe a little sun hat. You can never be protected enough from the sun.

The next thing I would bring is a moisturiser for dry skin (Lavera - Moisturising Cream), because the salt water and the sun will dry out your skin, and the same goes for your hair, so a nice hair oil (Loreal - Oil Magique) would be essential, as well.

A concealer palette (Catrice - Allround Concealer) would be a nice luxury to have, but is definitely not an absolute must, in my opinion. Tea Tree Oil on the other hand is something I wouldn't want to miss, because you could get so much use out of this one product. Whether you have blemished skin, a dry scalp, an insect bite or a sore throat, this product is a miracle worker.

And last but not least, I would bring a nice little book to keep me company and also to keep me entertained. 

What do you think about my choices and what would you bring to a deserted island? 

- Julia xxx
 

 

I Wish ...

It is time for another wish list. I don't know about you, but I always have a bunch of products on my mental wish list, and the ones that make it onto here, are the ones that I can't stop thinking of and really want to try/ want. 

Benefit Gimme Brow 25€

This is a new innovation that I personally haven't seen on the beauty market before: A brow gel with fibres that will give your brows some colour and texture. I recently haven't been filling in my brows and I think this would be great if you already have pretty decent brows, that don't need much filling in, and if you're lazy, like me. 
 

Estee Lauder Double Wear All- Day Glow BB Cream 40€ 

I love my Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation, but because I am on Roaccutane, this foundation is too dry for me at the moment. I am looking for a BB cream that is light, has good coverage and stays on my face all day long. 
I have heard good things about this one, even though I am always a little sceptical when it comes to BB creams, because they tend to slide right of my face after ten minutes of wearing them. 

Birkenstock Arizona 40€- 60€

I can't believe this is really happening. I managed to stay strong for so long and now this. I want them. Nay, I need them. 
Let's be honest, they look like orthopaedic shoes and the teenager in me is horrified. But the grandma that I really am, or going to be, with my heated blanket and orthopaedic shoes, is loving this.

Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner 25€

I want to get back into wearing winged eyeliner again. I originally gave up on it, because I wasn't very good at it. It took me way too long and I just couldn't find a eyeliner that worked for me. But I have watched many YouTube videos on this little one and I really want to try it. Again, benefit with their new innovations. I have been into make up for quite a few years now, and sometimes I feel like I have seen/ tried it all and when companies come out with something completely different/ new, of course I need to form my own opinion on it.


If you have tried or own any of these products, feel free to let me know your opinion on them.

- Julia xxx


 

Cheeky Friday

I didn' t get around to doing an April Favourites but I still want to share with you two products I have been absolutely loving this month. One is a rather resent purchase and the other one I bought way back when I lived in Colorado.

The first product is part of the make up family, like I said, for quite a few months now and it is the Lancome Blush Subtile Palette in Rose Flush. 
It's a palette consisting of a contour powder, a blush and a highlighter. I have always loved this palette, since the powder is so fine, it feels like silk on your skin. But I have only ever really used the contour shade, which is perfect for paler skin by the way, and never payed much attention to the two other products. 

Well let me just tell you, I don't know how I have lived without this very blush. On ma face. All day, every day. It is the perfect shade of pink, leaving you looking healthy and fresh. 
It is a shimmery blush but the shimmer is so fine, your cheeks don't look glittery, they almost look wet. Dewy... This word. Put it on any product and I will most likely purchase it. Who doesn't wanna look dewy?! Yeah, that's what I thought. 

For a matte option I have been loving the Clarins Colour Accent Face & Blush Powder, which I believe was from a limited edition, but I was able to get my hands on very recently. It is a bronzer and blush duo and I especially like to use it to give my chubby face some shape. I don't exactly contour with it, instead I use a big fluffy brush and trace the rim of my face with it. 

This product is perfect in my book because of two things. It is a light bronzer for the paler people out there AND in combination with the blush it has a slightly reddish undertone, which is also a plus when you are pale.  


And some swatches: The first picture was taken in the middle of my room and the second picture near the window in daylight.  
 

Swatches: (rtl) Clarins all colours swirled together, Clarins blush colour, Clarins bronze shade in the very middle of the palette, Clarins darkest bronze colour and Lancome blush

Swatches in daylight: (rtl) Clarins all colours swirled together, Clarins blush colour, Clarins bronze shade in the very middle of the palette, Clarins darkest bronze colour and Lancome blush

What blushes have you been liking for the spring? I heard the Estée Lauder Gelée Blushes (LE) are supposed to be super nice but maybe, just maybe, the Lancome blush could be a dupe? Tell me what you think.


- Julia xxx


 

Product Empties #1

¡Hola! What's up? Over the last few weeks I have been collecting garbage. Well...kinda. Basically products that I have used up and wanted to share with you. 

Quick overview of all the products. Very exciting.

Lavera Handcreme (Organic with Almond- and Sheabutter) - This is the best handcreme I have ever tried. Therefore it is already my second tube. It is really nourishing but sinks in within seconds. 

L'Oreal Elvital Total Repair Extreme Reconstructing Conditioner - This is a conditioner I just tried because it was on offer and I must say that I do like it. Compared to the Lush one I am currently using it is not my favourite, but it does the job and leaves your hair feeling really soft. But full of silicone probably.

Alverde Repair Shampoo Grape and Avocado - This smells vile, like some cough medicine I had to take when I was a child. And it also left my hair feeling coarse. In the end I just used it to wash my brushes with. 

Lush Aqua Marina x2 - This is a face cleanser and apparently I must really like this because I had two of those in my Empties- Bag and I totally forgot about them. I would this cleanser is great for oilier and/ or acne prone skin. And it did make a noticeable difference in my skin. Smells a bit fishy though, but I was able to get past that because it's just a great product.

Lush Cosmetic Warrior Face Mask - This is a face mask for acne prone skin with Garlic! What is it with me and bad smelling things?! This smell made me gag a bit, not gonna lie and it didn't work THAT well either. I am not gonna repurchase this one, for sure.

And another picture of the open Lush containers, just so you can see that I am not a liar. 

Dr. Hauschka Face Mask - Really moisturising and soothing and it is natural, so you can't go wrong with this one. You can even apply it underneath your eyes and leave it on for as long as you want. Big thumbs up for this one.

Dr. Hauschka Ice Plant Body Lotion - This is just a life essential. Always. I have incredibly dry skin on my arms and this is the only thing that can soothe the dry-, itchy- and redness. 

Luvos Face Moisturizer with Healing Earth - This is great for all skin types, except if you have really dry skin. Like really really dry skin. Otherwise this is perfect. Not to heavy, but still moisturizing enough and it helps keep blemishes at bay. Also perfect as a primer underneath make up if you have slightly drier skin. Unfortunately for me, since I am on Roaccutane at the moment, this is not enough for my skin, but I can see myself repurchase this after the 6 month course.

Dermalogica Precleanse - This was just a sample, but I thought I'd still mention it. To be honest I don't really get the concept of a "precleanser", doesn't double cleansing with your regular cleanser do the trick? I mean, it was nice and everything but I think it's just a money maker. 

Lavera Cleaner for Dry Skin - It says "foam" on the bottle and that was what kept me away from it for the longest time. But my bought it and I tried it and fell in love. It is not drying at all and really light. I'm already on my second bottle.

Clinique Take the Day off Cleansing Balm - This was my very first cleansing balm ever, after I read about cleansing balms on Caroline Hirons blog. And once you use a cleansing balm, there is no going back. But really. Cleansing balms are the best. Especially this one from Clinique since it is so gentle and doesn't contain a bunch of unnecessary ingredients. BUT ever since I ran out of this, I use plain old coconut oil and it works just as well.

Lush Breath Of Fresh Air Toner - Didn't do anything for me. I initially bought it because I read so many good reviews about it. Since it contains tea tree oil and what not and it's supposed to help with breakouts. But the effect was just like I was spraying water on my face. And the spray- thingy squirted out way too much product and made your whole face wet (that's what she said- I don't know about you, but I am cringing over here haha).

MAC Eyebrow Pencil Fling - Nice colour. Way too much money for an eyebrow pencil and way too little product, though. I ran out of this after 3 weeks of using it. Not cool.

Manhattan Tasty Lips Peach - A shimmery, peachy browny lipgloss that isn't sticky and smells of peaches. Excuse me? Does it get better than this? I don't think so. Already repurchased.

I am going to "Back to Lush" the three empty containers and you're allowed to choose one face mask for it. Do you have any recommendations for their face masks? Thanks ;)

- Julia xxx

Morning Skin Care Routine

Following up my Updated Evening Skin Care Routine blogpost, I want to share with you what I use in the morning these days. Now since I take so much time cleansing my face in the evening, I don't feel like I have to go as hardcore on my skin it morning. 

In the morning I just like to quickly cleanse my face with the Lavera Reinigungsschaum, which I have already talked about here. Not only does it work really well, but it is also very inexpensive at only 6 €. Then I like to use my Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Toner again. I swear by this stuff. I don't know what it is, but it is life changing. 
For eye cream I use the same on as in the evening. The Hübner Augenbalsam (plus). It is with hyaluronic acid and we all need a little hyaluronic acid in your lifes, don't we? I just use less than I use in the evening, since I don't want my concealer to melt off.

For moisturizer I use the Dr. Hauschka Med Mittagsblume (Ice Plant) moisturizer. Like its big brother, the Ice Plant Body Lotion, it is REALLY hydrating. If you have eczema, try this. I like to use it in the morning, because it sinks in really quickly and doesn't leave a greasy residue. 
On top of that I use the Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Ultra Sheer Daily Defense SPF 30 sunblock. I just saw that this is a moisturizer + spf, but I always just apply on top of my regular moisturizer and it isn't to heavy for me. It dries within 5 minutes to a matte finish. And its the only suncream that doesn't break me out [knock on wood!]. 

So this is it. Simple but effective. Talk to you later. Byeeeeee.

- Julia xxx

Updated Evening Skin Care Routine

I know I haven't been posting as regularly these days and that is because Uni has taken over my life, once again. So please bear with me here, I'm trying my best to balance everything and eventually everything will settle down. 

Now I have been on Roaccutane for over one and a half months now and with the change of my skin comes the change in my skin care. My skin is (still) nowhere near perfect and I still break out quite frequently and don't even get me started on the acne scars. It is certainly not the hardest part but it kinda sucks not being able to do anything, since I can't use anything harsh on my skin during the 6 month Roaccutane course. 

Being back at Uni, I have noticed that within the first week my skin went crazy and started breaking out again. Maybe it came with the stress/ nervousness (even though I am not that stressed yet). My other guesses where that I am either allergic to the washing powder or the water just isn't as clean, since I live in a bigger city and my skin is just being a diva over it. 
Be that as it may, I had to change my whole entire skin care routine adjusting to the circumstances. 

I have found a few products (mainly in my mom's little cupboard over the sink), which I would've never tried without my mom introducing me to them or at least encouraging me to use her things, which is weird since she is not into skin care at all and just buys whatever falls into her hands and I am the total opposite. 

Now in all the years I have been struggling with acne, I have never, not once, found a product that REALLY worked for my skin and where I could actually see a difference over the course of one week/month. Duh. That's why I started taking heavy (legal!) drugs. But I am so happy to say that these products I am using at the moment make all the difference. Of course I am still on Roaccutane and one could say that it's only due to that, but when I stop using these products, even for one night (!), my skin gets worse again. So without further ado: the products.

Starting of with cleansing. I like to double cleanse in the evening and believe me when I say: This makes all the difference! Before trying it out myself, I wouldn't have believed it either, though. I know everyone always says that you shouldn't go to bed with your make up still on, so I used to use whatever cleanser I had laying around and quickly took of most of my make up. Out of sheer laziness. What a mistake I can tell you now. You have to take off your make up first (properly) and then also clean your skin underneath. 

So first I use the Dermalogica Precleanse and rub it into my dry skin and over my eyes. Then I apply some luke warm water to my face, so it turns into a milky liquid, and I rub some more, gently. Using a washcloth, which I run under hot water, I take everything off. Then I use coconut oil and massage it into my skin. I really massage my face, and let me tell you, it does not feel great. I learned it from Caroline Hirons (my Queen) and again, this makes all the difference! Make sure to take your time here, it will be worth it. Using the same washcloth rinsed under hot water, I take everything off. 

Make sure you change your washcloth on a regular basis. I don't use mine more than two to three days in a row. And you don't really need the Dermalogica Precleanse, I just need to use it up, but I find substituting it for coconut oil as a precleanser works just as well.

After that I use another cleanser, yes you have heard me right, but this time not a balm cleanser but a 'regular' (?) one. Now my mom bought this and when I saw that it said 'foaming' on the bottle I had to give her a little bit of a lecture. BUT I have tried it myself and it only foams because of the dispenser. Once you work it into your skin, it doesn't foam, hallelujah! 

Another product which my skin loves is the Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Toner. Now I believe I have talked about this before, but somehow it just can't be the same. I formerly said that this product does nothing for my skin and was a little bit of a waste of money. Again: BUT, my mom bought herself a new one after she ran out and I used it for a few days (because why not, when it is sitting there anyway :D) and I noticed that my skin has gotten significantly better. I didn't put it down to this product, though, more so to the drugs. Then after moving back into my dorm room and not being able to use my mom's stuff, my skin got worse again, like I said. So I decided to splurge and see if my skin would get better again when using this product, and it has. I don't know why, though. Have they changed the formulation or something? Whatever it is, I love it.

The last few steps involve moisturizer. A lot of moisturiser. The Dr. Hauschka toner is a little drying but over all my skin is just super dry at the moment anyway. The best moisturizer is by far the Lush Celestial Moisturizer. It is super moisturizing and gentle and it also just contains good stuff. 

Fun Fact 

A dear friend of mine has suffered from neurodermatitis (or atopic eczema) every since she was a baby and she found out about Lush around 4 years ago. Ever since using this exact moisturizer, her neurodermatitis has improved SO much and never came back. She even uses it on her body. For years her parents and doctors have tried all kinds of creames and methods and nothing worked, until she stumbled across this Lush moisturizer. 

Rambling over.

And for my eyes, because I already have fine lines around my eyes (I AM 20 FOR GOD'S SAKE, sorry), I use the Hübner Augenbalsam with hyaluronic acid.

Ok, so this was a rather long blogpost, I am sorry. But I did have a lot to tell you about. If you found this interesting then stay tuned for a morning skin care routine sometime this week. 
Talk to you soon!

- Julia xxx

It's Not Me, It's You

There are so many hyped up products out there and quite frankly, I want to try ALL of them. Please! Thank you. But that being said, some of those products have turned out to be great disappointments. Not only for my wallet but also for my face. No matter how many times and in how many different ways I try them, they just do not work for me. I'm sorry darling, it's not me, it's you. At least this time.

 

TIGI Catwalk Your Highness Root Boost Spray - This is a volumising spray, which you are supposed to spray onto your roots when your hair is still wet and then blow dry it as usual. And it works. Especially if you blow dry your hair upside down it gives it quite a bit of volume. BUT it feels heavy, like when you have a think foundation on and all you can think about is that foundation ON YO FACE, it smells extremely strong, to the point where it gives me a headache and it makes your hair feels sticky and just gross. Am  being a diva here? I don't know. All I know is that it does not work for me.

Covergirl Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation - Now for some reason when i first bought it, it really worked for me. Maybe because I was in Florida that time and it was really hot and humid. Now I live in Germany and the weather is crappy and cold most of the time. So my skin is really dry and this foundation sits really awkwardly on my skin and extenuates the dry patches like no other. The features I like are that it's a full coverage foundation, concealer and primer in one. PLUS it has an SPF of 20, a nice range of shades and lasts up to 18 hours. So maybe this time it is me and not you, dear foundation, since I think you would work amazingly on normal to oily skin. I hope you can forgive me one day and that we can remain friends.

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Nude Pink - Nice colour and smells like candy, this alone should make it a winner. But it has a really thick consistency and just sits awkwardly on my lips, looking streaky and extenuation dry patches. What's up with all that awkwardness, huh?!

Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate - Ok here is one I really didn't wanna put on here, believe me. I was super excited when I first got it because every one was raving about it. It's supposed to be some kind of miracle product that you apply over night and in the morning your skin should look and feel renewed and refreshed. I tried it out for almost one year, on and off, but besides not doing anything positive for my skin, it also broke me out horribly. And this is by far not the only product from Kiehl's which broke me out. In fact, I believe every product that I have tried from this company, broke me out. Especially the suncreames. 

Nuxe Reve de Miel Lip Balm - I blame this purchase on EssieButton. haha She, amongst other Youtubers, were saying so many good things about this lip balm that I just had to get my hands on it. It's supposed to be one of the best lips balms out there, tried out on people living in places in Canada where it gets really cold in the winter. So with those reviews and at 12€ not exactly being cheap, I had very high hopes for this. But the texture is really thick, it smells sickeningly of oranges and it contains mineral oil, which really put me off from using it. Something you put on and around your mouth and will, inevitably, get in your mouth, should not contain mineral oil. Because it is so thick I always applied it before going to bed, not without gagging though, and in the morning my lips feel smoother but that feeling just doesnt last very long. The only thing I like about it is that it's fairly matte looking on the lips.  

Have you tried any of these products and if so, what do you think about them? Please let me know!

- Julia xxx