lipstick tree

Acne treatments

2011-08-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

With multiple acne treatments on the market, I've found benzoyl peroxide based products most effective against existing outbreaks aswell preventing them. Two products, Duac and it's over the counter equivalent Panoxyl are most widely available.

While both visibly reduce existing acne, I've found panoxyl far too harsh when used for longer periods of time. Duac on the other hand can be used for an extended periods.
Redness was often a problem I encountered when using panoxyl, duac to a lesser extent. As for dryness, as is often experienced, daily moisturisation easily combats any flakes and/or dry patches.

These treatments are most effective when used daily, preferably in the evening. Both have a gel like consistency and should be applied on cleansed and dry skin.

Body moisturisers

2011-08-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

I was never a fan of moisturising but dry skin is now a thing of the past. The first body moisturiser I ever bought was The body shop Body butter in coconut after a friend at university couldn't stop raving about it, now it must be mentioned she worked part time at the body shop. The coconut scent is brilliant if you're a fan and one that definitely lingers. Now the only downside with the body butters are that although they're excellent at moisturising they just don't sink/soak into the skin and I cringe at being coated by a film of product. The cocoa butter body butter unfortunatelt had this peculiar scent that I soon religated it to the back of my draw after purchasing.

Palmers cocoa butter on the other hand is very thick, too thick in fact, not for the entire body, but a product that is ideal for dry patches....elbows and knees. Now my recent purchase has been Elemis Frangipani moisutre melt. It's essentially an oil, solid at room temperature but easily liquified by running under warm water. It's best applied directly after showering and sinks in well. It has a heavenly scent that I will soon be re-purchasing.

Pink gloss

2011-08-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

My top 3 pick of baby pink glosses: I've been reaching out for these three lately as I'm going for a more natural look to complement my summer tan. Shiny lips glosses always look more youthful, are easy to apply on the go, not to mention forgiving especially if you have dry chapped/ peeling lips from sunburn/air conditioning or as winter approaches. My all-time favourite is NARS Turkish delight, its the perfect baby pink/shimmery shade with no strange purple/blue undertones that you get with some lips glosses. The only downside is that it has to be re-applied and re-applied and re-applied, longevity is a factor that unfortunately it lacks. My next favourite is MUFE Glossy Pure Couleur in Number 7, this is a more vibrant pink shade, menthol scented and gloopy in consistency so has good lasting power. Finally a violet/pink variation of the baby pink is Mac Creme sheen glass in Fashion scoop ( a little trickier to wear) but works well under lighting.

clear skin

2011-08-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

My top three favourite skincare products: Ren Glycolatic peel, this is a great alternative to particle/bead based exfoliators. Its gentler on the skin yet just as effective. The cocktail of glycolactic and lactic acid enzymes work to remove the upper epidermis of dead skin cells, revealing a brighter complexion. The gloopy orange mix can be easily applied to the face and is washed off with luke warm water and a wash cloth. I then follow this with Eve Loms rescue face mask which does the trick of drawing the dirt and oil out of any blocked pores. It's a clay mask that solidifies, taughtening the skin. My skins really sensitive so to calm and cool any irritation I follow with Origins Mega mushroom skin calming mask. This soothes and restores luminosity. Its a creamy consistency with a herbal scent owing to the marine algae contents that makes perfect for a relaxing facial.