Wednesday, 21 May 2014

Evening Rituals


In terms of skincare, some may opt for a simple soap + water + cold cream routine whilst others spend a small fortune a few Crème de la mer products. I’ve heard my share fair of hoo haa criticism from either side of the extremism, “Oh, she only uses soap?” or “Why the hell would she pay the price of a mini Ipad for a face cream?!” All are interesting questions, and all are quite frankly irrelevant. The whole point of skincare ranges is to highlight the fact that there are so many different types of skin and that taking care of it is a must. There is no excuse NOT to do it. Whether the product is expensive or inexpensive, if it works for you then that is all that’s relevant. As for me, I have never battered an eyelid at paying money for good skincare, as long as it does what it claims to do. And if it doesn’t, then I hurl straight back to the retailer like the angry tornado I become when struck with disappointment, and demand a refund and a total rethink of the product. Of course, I normally just get the refund, but a suggestion to rethink the skincare in question is always compulsory even if it is ignored.

On the topic of rituals, today’s post focuses on my recent evening routine and the brilliant products I have come across which are playing their part in clearing up my ridiculously awful acne. I use a mixture of products, cheap and expensive hence the rant above, and all of them have been doing jolly well in living up to their miracle claims!

Face and eyes
(applied in listed order)

1. Bioderma Micellar Water
A very well known product among beauty editors, artists and bloggers, this Micellar water is heaven for the skin. For even the most sensitive of skin it helps clear away the day and rid the skin of all makeup, dirt, oil and impurities. I use it after I’ve washed my face in the evening instead of a toner – it works better for me and doesn’t aggravate my skin even after it’s already been washed. Amazingly, it manages to take off the invisible dirt that is still there after cleansing with a foaming cleanser. www.bioderma.com

2. Nuxe Contour des Yeux Prodigieux
Nuxe is one of the most luxurious brands for the body, it’s like skin caviar. This particular eye cream has done wonders in reducing puffy eyes and in soft on the sensitive skin in the eye area. It is non greasy and works well in the day and night and more importantly, it is well suited to people who wear contacts lenses without irritating or drying the eyes. The eye contour is scented with a scent synonymous with the brand, orange blossom and is packed full of active ingredients to prevent tired and dark eyes.www.nuxe.com

3. Pai RoseHip Biogenerate Oil
This product is a recent and VERY exciting addition to my nightly routine. Pai is a London based brand, which has been extensively raved about in fashion tabloids and by many celebrities. The price point is average for the amazing things this oil does. RoseHip is well known for it’s healing and all round amazing properties when it comes to skin. As an acne sufferer, blemishes and spots are a constant problem and it is always a constant struggle to find products, which will actually help reduce the irritation without compromising the health of skin. Just after three days of using this oil I can safely say it really does do what is says on the packaging. Active blemishes have actively decreased overnight and brightened my complexion. Aside from the odd smell, this is a product that everyone should use no matter what your skin type to ensure your skin is always being well looked after. Packed full of rosehip oil, trans retinoic acid and vitamin a, this oil is a skin healer and a pure and chemical free one at that. www.paiskincare.com

4. Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil
Clarins is always a treat for the skin and it’s products are soft and simple. This rebalancing oil is available in 3 options depending on your skin type. I have the lotus oil specifically for oily and combination skin and in short, it has done exactly what it says. The smell, like Nuxe, is lush. With only 2 or 3 drops needed for the whole face, skin feels instantly revitalized, moisturized and soothed of any irritation. It is a common misconception among oily skinned people that there is always a constant need to strip the face of any oil present; even the good oils. It is another misconception that no oily products should even go near an oily face. In using this rebalancing oil, I have actually noticed a severe decrease in the amount of oil my face produces, because instead of stripping all the oil away and encourage the sebaceous glands to produce more, it has in fact ‘rebalanced’ the amount of oil being produced. HOORAY a product that actually helps to reduce sebum production. Only used at night, the oil ensures I wake up every morning with a moisturized and a smaller resemblance to a bright red tomato. www.clarins.co.uk



Lips

1. Nuxe Rêve de Miel Stick Lèvres
Like its predecessor in a jar, the famous Nuxe rêve de miel lip balm is now in a stick! It perfect for a quick rub on the lips before bed and it also smells like lemon curd. It is not as thick and moisturizing as the balm in a jar but is perfect for those who do not suffer from extreme lip dryness. www.nuxe.com

2. Anatomicals Don’t Crack Me Up Balm
A relatively small brand but one of my favorites, their products have killer names, they’re cheap as chips and certainly do not slack on quality. This particular balm is great for a change up and is like a lip-gloss without all that sticky business. It is clear and smells subtly of olive oil, beeswax and zingiber. It leaves lips glossy, stays on for the whole night and is sure to cure any chapping problems.  www.anatomicals.net

Sleep

1. Anatomicals Cruisin’ for a Snoozin’ Sleep Balm
The occasional night of insomnia is always inevitable, but it never lasts long with this beauty. This tin of waxy sleep remedy is enriched with lemon, lavender and beeswax puts even the most manic of insomniacs to sleep. Applied just above the temples and for me, under the nose, I can’t even remember when I fell asleep but the next morning I know that I had a good old doze. Yet again, another staple bargain from Anatomicals that works wonders for those sleepless nights. www.anatomicals.net




This is the current routine which I’m sure will be altered soon enough with another new cosmetic discovery! I hope this post has been helpful and informative and has reinforced the importance on having a good routine in the evening to maintain your skin’s health. PS – Boys, this is just as important for you. If you’re lazy, at least invest in a cleanser and cream. You’ll thank me when you still look 30 at the age of 45! As my father always says, “They may look good now, but in 10 years that’ll be a different story.” Skincare is key.


Whilst these products have worked for me, I cannot guarantee that they will do the same for you. However if you have tried any let me know in the comments below how you got on! 


RougeRox

Instagram - @rougerox
Twitter - @msrougerox



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