Should you have an Extensive or Simple Skincare Routine?

Hello Lovelies,

Today we are going to talk about skincare routines! Since the time that I developed such a keen interest in all things beauty, I have been very interested in learning about the skincare products that people with fabulous skin use on a daily basis. I absolutely love visiting various blog sites that interview celebrities on their beauty routines. Between all the different products they list, it's hard to determine what you really need that will truly make a visible difference in your skin. It actually starts to become rather confusing, especially with all these new innovative products that have recently been released. Essences, sheet masks, face mask primer...Do we really need all this stuff?? What really made me begin to reflect was learning about the 10-Step Korean skin care routine. 10 Steps. It sounds daunting and kind of crazy at first but then you look at the skin that these Korean women have and it all starts to seem like it wouldn't actually be that hard, especially with those kind of results. They GLOW.

But then again, I think that there's a lot to be said about keeping it simple, and not going product crazy. So here's my take on what I believe is essential to a skincare routine.

Cleansing is an absolute must for anyone and everyone, no matter your skin type. People with dry and sensitive skin would probably benefit from gentle cleansers, like oil cleansers or lotion cleansers. I think these are great for people with combination and oily skin as well, but I do believe that they could also benefit from going in with the infamous double cleanse, whether that be with the same cleanser, or following up with a water-based cleanser that yields a deeper clean. You should also take into account how much makeup you wear. If you do wear a good amount of makeup, I would suggest using a makeup remover first, whether it be with a balm or micellar water.

Toner is a step that some find crucial yet others find useless. I say give it a go, but if it doesn't seem to do anything for your skin, you probably don't need it. I personally find toner very beneficial because I think that it really does help your other skincare products absorb much more nicely.

Next would be essences and serums. These are great if you have any skin concerns you want to address, whether it be acne, dullness, wrinkles, or discoloration. Serums and essences penetrate super fast, which is what makes them so effective. If you have skin that doesn't need the extra help, then I don't think that this step is completely necessary. Many women with awesome skin just use moisturizer and that works perfectly for them.

Moisturizer is next, and this is the step that is crucial. Moisturized skin is protected skin that results in skin that is hydrated, healthy and overall balanced. Even people with oily skin need to moisturize. If you don't, your skin will lack moisture and will try to compensate by producing more oil which will result in breakouts. Be sure to find a moisturizer that best suits your skin! Gel moisturizers are lovely for younger skins as well as people with oily and combination skin. They rock in the summertime as well, since they tend to be lighter. Richer cream type moisturizers are typically better for skin that is dry or aging or eczema-prone.

Next is eye cream which is a great step to include in your skincare regime if you are in your twenties or older. Teens don't really need eye cream. If you have a moisturizer that is thin enough, you could also probably get away with using that under your eyes as well. Some moisturizers will state that they are suitable for the eye contour area, which I think is brilliant as it takes away the need to buy two separate products.

This last step is the step that I think is the most important. I'm talking about sunscreen people, and there's no way to get around it. Even kids should wear it every single day. I'm sure you know the drill by now. Never skip sunscreen. It should be worn every day, year round, no matter the season.

After those steps everything else is extra. Exfoliation is a great thing to do a couple times a week, and if you want to, I think adding in a face mask is great! I think the one thing you should take away from this is that whatever works for you is what is best. If you wash your face with cetaphil and moisturize with jojoba oil before slapping on some sunscreen and that's working, keep on doing that!

Bottom line: Don't feel the need to complicate a process that is already working for you. 

I tried to get into a more extensive skincare routine once, and it didn't work out that well for me. People with sensitive skin generally have better luck with keeping things as simple as possible because then there are less products and ingredients that could possibly cause irritation. I use micellar water to remove makeup, cleanse with a lotion cleanser, tone with grape water and then moisturize with a basic, no-frills moisturizer. During the day I add sunscreen. And that's it right now. And my skin looks the best that it ever has.

I would love to hear your take on what's essential within a skincare routine, and what you have found to work best for you. It's always interesting to discover what works for others!

Until next time, beautiful people! :)

BEST EVER Eye Makeup Remover

Hello Lovelies,

Today I am going to share with you guys my absolute favourite eye makeup remover. Before I found this, I always struggled with finding the perfect product that would be strong enough to remove waterproof mascara, but gentle enough to not irritate my eyes, or pull my lashes. I don't have too many lashes to begin with, so I'd like to keep the ones I have thank you every much. I'm sure many of you can relate. I tried so many drugstore ones, from Nivea, to Loreal, to Almay. None of them really did the job that way I wanted them to. Some were sufficient, but nothing to really right home about. Until I found my magical product of course.

My absolute favourite product to use for eye make-up removal is...(drumroll please)...

Grapeseed Oil!

All natural, super nourishing, and most importantly, GENTLE. It's amazing stuff. I bought a huge bottle with 473 ml for $15 from the health store, and my life has been changed. It takes off my eye makeup effortlessly, and after I've washed my face, my eye area actually feel much softer and more moisturized. My eye lashes look amazing too. I think they've actually even grown a little, which thrills me to no end. The brand I use is Now Solutions. I've been using this oil for about two months now, and I have probably used about one tenth of the bottle, which is crazy. You can even use it to take off your face makeup, which I love to do. It's a slightly astringent oil, so it won't make you break out, and will actually help to nourish your skin. This is great for any of you who suffer from dry skin. 

What I also love about it is the fact that it has pretty much no scent. I'm very sensitive to fragrances, and I have absolutely no problems with grapeseed oil whatsoever.

Oils in general are all fantastic when it comes to makeup removal, so if Grapeseed oil isn't the one for you, maybe give coconut oil a shot. I've jojoba oil is amazing as well.

Have you ever tried removing your makeup with oil? Let me know :)

Why Body Wash Rocks

Hey guys,

Today I wanted to take the opportunity to spotlight on of my favourite beauty indulgences; body wash! I absolutely love body wash. I think it totally outperforms soap, and I can't believe that I had been using plain old dove up until a few months ago. Here are the reasons why body wash is so awesome.

1. The scents - One of the reasons why I love body wash is how much more potent the fragrances are, and how much longer they last on the skin. I personally love to go with body washes that contain all-natural fragrances, but honestly, just go for whatever works for you and makes you happy. There is nothing better than smelling wonderful after a shower. You can even customize scents depending on what time you shower; perhaps you want something fresher, or more minty in the morning to wake you up, and something more soothing, like lavender, for night time showers. The possibilities are endless. My personal favourite scents are vanilla

2. They don't melt in the shower - One of my biggest pet peeves with bar soaps is how they always begin to melt just sitting in the shower, which means they don't last nearly as long. It bothered me so much that i would keep my soap in a plastic container and take it out of the shower when I wasn't using it. Now, I'm sure that this works perfectly fine for many people, but I tend to be somewhat forgetful, which would result in me forgetting to bring in my soap. And no one likes that moment where you have to trek across your bathroom in the middle of your shower to grab something, thus leaving a huge puddle on the floor. *Sigh.*

3. Typically more moisturizing - Bar soap is known to sometimes be somewhat stripping on our skin, so if you happen to suffer from dry skin, body wash is probably the best way for you to go. More moisturizing ingredients are usually included in body washes, from Shea butter, to coconut oil to cocoa butter.

So there you have it guys! I know a lot of you are probably adamant about remaining faithful to your trusty bar of soap, but why not try something different? It's all about finding the right body wash for you that fits your needs, so a little trial and error may be required before you find your perfect fit.

Do you guys prefer body wash or bar soap? What's your favourite?

Keeping Your Skin Calm And Reducing Redness

I've always been a sensitive-skinned babe. It's not fun at all, but it's something I have grown to live with. Incredibly cold or hot temperatures affect my skin, spicy foods are a huge no-no, and I need to thoroughly read the ingredients on every product before I even think about buying it. It's important to take care when it comes to what we put on our skin and what we do in our daily lives if we want to ensure that our skin remains happy and healthy. It may seem as though red, sensitive skin is out of our control, but let me tell you; it is absolutely controllable. Here are the ways I keep my skin calm and clear.

1. Chug Water - I know, I know, I know. You guys have probably heard this one dozens of times, but it really truly does work. Try going above and beyond and drinking even more than the recommended eight to ten glasses. Hydrated skin is far less susceptible to irritation and sensitivity. Try herbal teas as well; they're great for keeping you hydrated while additionally providing antioxidants.

2. Take Lukewarm Showers - Hot showers are notoriously terrible for drying out your skin. On that note, cold showers too can be too much of a shock and therefore irritating. I recommend taking lukewarm showers. They're great for your skin, and once you start, I guarantee you'll notice a huge difference.

3. Try Camellia Oil - I have recently become addicted to Camellia oil. It's an oil derived form green tea flowers, and it is really such a beautiful oil. It is nourishing, calming, reduces redness and even promotes wound-healing. I really like this one from Pure + Simple, a great company based in Toronto.

4. Avoid Harmful Chemicals - One of the best ways to ensure that you're skin remains calm is to stay away from chemical laden products that contain harsh ingredients which will only strip your skin and further irritate it. I suggest avoiding products containing sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, artificial fragrances, mineral oil and products with lots of drying alcohol. Perhaps try going more natural; your skin will thank you.

5. Avoid Harsh Essential Oils - While I do believe that natural products are very effective for those of us with sensitive skin, I believe it's also important to steer clear from natural products with astringents ingredients, such as peppermint, lemon, ginseng, or high amounts of vitamin C. These ingredients may be natural, but they too can irritate your skin, and are better suited for those who have normal or oily skin types.

6. Clean Up That Diet - Try to limit your intake of processed foods, fried foods and excessive amounts of meat, dairy and sugar. These common foods can trigger rosacea, eczema and acne, so if you want you complexion to remain calm and clear, do try to reduce your intake of these foods. Instead, try to eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and clean proteins. You are what you eat.

7. Don't Smoke - Need I say more? We should all know by now how smoking is not only detrimental to our health but also to our skin.

8. Ditch The Alcohol - Drinking alcohol creates inflammation in the body, thus inflicting inflammation to our skin. You've probably noticed how red people can get when they consume too much alcohol. Theres nothing wrong with a glass of wine here and there, but try not to drink to excess if you want to improve your skin.

So there you have it! I hope you have enjoyed these tips to help keep your sensitive skin happy! What do you guys do when you want to reduce redness and keep your skin calm?

Natural Eczema Remedies

Hey guys,

January is always bone-chillingly cold! The air is dry, the wind is gusty, and snow is literally everywhere. Even with these cold temperatures, I can't help but love winter. It's perfect weather to curl up with a book and a nice steaming mug of peppermint tea. It's also the perfect time to wear thick chunky sweaters with comfy leggings pretty much everyday. Yup, I love winter alright. However, I hate what it does to my skin. It makes me so dry, and can sometimes even make my eczema flare, which is a common winter skin woe. I hate the idea of constantly slathering myself with steroid-filled hydrocortisone, so after endless trial and error, I found a few natural, EFFECTIVE ways to alleviate my eczema. Here are some of the remedies that worked wonders for me!

1. Shea butter - This is easily one of my favourite eczema remedies! Shea butter is rich in vitamins A,E and F and also in fatty acids, making it wonderful for healing scars and accelerating your skins renewal process. It can heal not only eczema, but also burns, sores, psoriasis and other irritations you may randomly develop. It can get a little greasy, so I suggest using it mostly at night. Make sure that you get unrefined Shea butter, as it is much more effective.

2. Coconut oil - Coconut oil in anti-inflammatory, ant-fungal, anti-bacterial and is also known for its high level of antioxidants. It is rich is nutrients and lauric acid, both of which will help to soothe your skin, combat itchiness and deeply moisturize. Like Shea butter, it too is amazing at healing damaged skin, which is why it is so excellent for those of us who suffer from eczema. Not only can you apply it topically, you can also take it internally by incorporating it into your everyday diet, which will help to treat your eczema and dry skin internally. I personally love spreading coconut oil on toast! It's also amazing as a healthy baking ingredient.

3. Camellia Oil - This stuff is golden. Seriously. This oil is cold-pressed from green tea plants, and is the best oil I have ever used on my face. It is incredibly moisturizing and incredibly calming. It soothes redness, heals irritations and is generally wonderful for all skin types, whether your skin is sensitive, mature, dry, or acne-prone. When it comes to treating eczema, I use camellia oil fro treating any on my face, and use the above two for treating any on my body, like my arms or elbows.

I hope that these remedies work with helping you to alleviate your eczema, or even just very dry skin!

What do you use to help combat eczema?

The Unexpected Causes of Your Breakouts

Breakouts suck. I break out, my friends break out, pretty much everyone on this planet has had a breakout at some point in their life. Most people credit it to teenage hormones, but if that were the only cause of zits, why do so many people break out in their adult years? The truth is, there are many unexpected things that could be causing you to break out that you never even thought of.

1: food allergies - I believe that food affects our skin very strongly. So while you may be eating all your fruits and veggies, there could be other things that you're eating  that could be causing acne, such as dairy and gluten. These are two huge food allergies that many don't think about. You could possibly have an intolerance or food allergy to something which in turn could be causing you to breakout. If you think your eating habits may be the culprit, try an elimination diet where you cut out certain foods one at a time and see how your skin responds.

2: Your phone - Your phone harbours tons of bacteria; think of all the places your phone has been! And that's what your putting against your face. Try to clean your phone more often, or better yet, use earphones or an earpiece when talking on the phone. You may notice a huge difference in your skin.

3: Your hair styling products - Yes, your favourite hairspray or curl cream could be behind what's causing you to break out. Especially if you constantly have your hair down, which could be irritating your skin if your hair is constantly brushing against your face. When applying hairspray, take care to cover and avoid your face. Also, perhaps give more natural hair styling products a try. Coconut oil is probably the best conditioning treatment out there that works really well as a styling cream as well.

4: Your pillowcase - your pillowcase gets dirty like everything else, so imagine the repercussions of putting your clean face against a dirty pillowcase every night? Especially if you use hair products that may transfer onto your pillow and thus your face. Try washing your pillowcases more often, and try sleeping with only clean hair.

And there you have it! Sometimes acne can be caused by the things we never think of. I hope that this post has been helpful to you. Let me know in the comments of any other unexpected things that could cause breakouts! Good luck!

My Morning Glow Booster

I always look kinda puffy when I wake up in the morning. Even so, when it comes to my skin, I always feel as though it looks its best in the morning.

So you've just woken up, hopefully you're well-rested, and you want to do whatever you can to maintain that fresh-faced glow. I have found a surefire way to start your morning right and give your skin a boost of essential vitamins and minerals. So what is this fabulous secret?

A green smoothie of course!

(Isn't the colour so beautiful??)

Seriously, though. The day I started drinking green smoothies for my breakfast, I started noticing an immediate difference in my skin. After drinking it, I swear I look more radiant, and the long-term benefits are extreme. My skin is much clearer, and if I do get a zit, it heals much faster, and the discolouration left behind fades much more quickly. Plus, you feel absolutely amazing. Combining fresh fruits with greens is super cleansing in the morning, and I truly believe in starting your day off with a pure, healthy breakfast.

You may miss your morning cereal at first, but in no time, you will be addicted; addicted to feeling great and the awesome beauty benefits!

So get creative and make yourself a green smoothie using your favourite greens and fruit. If you're wary of tasting the greens, try spinach. It's fairly mild, and when blended with fruit you can hardly taste it. Kale is an amazing option too, as is chard, collard greens, arugula and romaine. As far as fruits go, use whatever you want! My go-to recipe is lots of kale, an apple and frozen mango, all blended with cold water and the juice of 1/4 of a lemon. It's incredibly refreshing, and absolutely delicious. Feel free to add some chia or flax seeds as well for an added dose of omegas.

Green smoothies are an absolute game changer when it comes to your skin. You'll never know until you give it a shot!

If you already drink green smoothies, what are you favourite recipes?