Category Archives: Skin

Summer Heatwave – hot weather makeup tips

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I don't know about all you young girls out there, but as an older woman I am really finding that I have had to modify my makeup routine to cope with the heatwave we have been experiencing off and on since Christmas.  I've also become a master in the art of pinning my short bob up off my face or shoving the frizzy mess under a broad-brimmed hat.  Why don't we Ausies accessorise more with hats?  They hide a multitude of hair sins and are saviours for our faces!!

2 pictures of woman in hat and sunglasses

Anyway, I think I have found the perfect light makeup combination for me, that is not too cakey, creasy (made this up but you know what I mean), shiney or runny.  It may or may not work for you – but I think we would all agree that in heat and humidity less is definately more, because 'more' just wants to slide off your face and onto your strappy top.

1.  Don't aggravate your skin.  Hold exfoliating back for a milder day, as your skin is extra sensitive with the blood close to the surface.  Cleanse gently and pat dry.

2.  Toner is your friend in the heat.  Use it after cleansing, and follow up with a very light moisturiser.  I use the Clinique 3 step system, so Dramatically Different Moisturiser works a treat as it is light and applies easily.

3.  DO NOT GO ANY FURTHER WITHOUT APPLYING SUNSCREEN!  I'm using Ego Sun Sense daily face invisible tint finish (image source).  It's a UVA and UVB SPF 30+ protector that is non-greasy and that I'm finding works well for me.  It doesn't matter what you use, as long as you make sure that any face that is leaving the house in the Australian summer is covered in a broad spectrum sunscreen.  No excuses.

4.  Next I layer on extra protection in the form of BB cream.  Currently I use the L'Oreal and Garnier products interchangeably.  However, I'd really like to get my hands on the Smashbox one which is SPF 35. 

5.  I then sparingly apply concealer only where absolutely needed, following with a very light dusting of mineral powder.  Currently I'm using Ultraceuticals Ultra Active Even Skintone Compact (image source) because it's a mineral pressed powder and I love it.

 

 

6.  Now it gets easy.  I have dispensed with blush, eyeshadow, eyeliner and lower-lash mascara in the heat.  Blush is a waste – because you are already naturally glowing and rosy and you need nothing more.  Even with primer, eyeshadow still creases and liner still runs.  If you must use a liner, gel has the best staying power.  And my experience is that no mascara, waterproof or not, has the staying power to not end up on my under-eyes (is that what we call them?).  And my bags are dark enough without the added 'noir'.  But as sunglasses are such an important item in eye protection you'll have them on ALL the time when you're outside, making eye makeup less important.

7.  So next step is a slick of mascara on my top lashes followed with highlighting my eyebrows in blonde pencil to give them definition, before spritzing with MAC Fix+.  (If you don't want to splash out the $$ you can use any similar spray.  I have found Avene to be just as effective.)  This step is the saviour of summer makeup.  MAC Fix+ – I LOVE IT!!!

8.  Last but not least, while the MAC dries (and I promise, it does, even in high humidity) I choose a lip liner and lipstick or gloss in a summery pink or neutral.

Now, I have to tell you that the competitor in me strives to get all this done before the perspiration starts to bead on my upper lip, which is nearly an impossible feat in the Queensland heat.  But it means I have acquired more time in my day, and I really feel pleased with the finished result, which, I promise, lasts the distance.

And I know I don't have to remind you that the most important thing to do in the heat is to DRINK LOTS OF WATER – beauty really does come from within.

Do you have any further tips for surviving the harsh Australian summer?  Please share and I promise I'll try your suggestions. (And sorry about all the shouty capitals – but there are just some things that need stressing when it comes to the summer sun and beauty.)

 

 

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My New DMK Addiction

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You may recall that I visited The Laser Lounge a little while ago to check out the DMK Enzyme Therapy Treatment. Immediately in love with the treatment and the glow it gave my skin, I also got the opportunity to try out a few of the DMK products recommended for my skin.

As I write this, I'm actually neck up in a masque mixture of exoderma peel and foamy lift…can't…use…face…skin…too…tight…but, I digress.

I wanted to really give the products a good run before reviewing them because this is really the first time I've used paramedical products before and wanted to see how they would work with my skin. I will be honest, it is a bit of a shock using DMK because there is nothing fancy to make you THINK your skin feels amazing.

Little by little, it just DOES feel (and look, and FEEL) amazing and that is so much better. What I mean is, I've often found that expensive department store moisturisers are luxurious and creamy and nice-smelling, but minutes after applying, my skin goes back to feeling…well nothing.

According to DMK, there is a reason for this. Most cosmetic products work topically on your skin (ie. on the surface layers), but DMK products are designed to get right down into the depths and work on skin problems and dysfunctions. I like that.

I've been using Milk Cleanser, Herb and Mineral Spray, and Biogen C Creme twice a day and the masque mixture of Exoderma Peel and Foamy Lift weekly. I'm officially a convert.

You don't get the silky, frangrant, luxurious feeling of a cosmetic skin care regime in a similar price range, in fact, the sticky marshmallowy consistency for the Biogen C Creme is a little unusual but you can almost feel it getting right down deep in your skin layers.

The Exoderma Peel/Foamy Lift combo borders on unpleasant. It is itchy and it gets REALLY tight throughout the 30 minute drying time, but OH MY, the feeling once it is removed is really something (and worth a little discomfort). What a way to reinvigorate your skin and exfoliate. It feels really good and looks bright and dewy for a lot longer than any home masque I've ever tried.

DMK (Danne Montague-King) products are available exclusively to The Laser Lounge and I highly recommend the Enzyme Therapy Treatment while you're there! The lovely ladies will ask for your skin concerns, do your treatment, and then help you with the products that will work best for you.

My problem is that now that I've tried a little DMK, I want more. I want to try some of the serums and boosters and maybe the body products. Oh this addiction is dangerous (but I know my face is going to thank me…)

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Mother/Daughter Monday – Palmer’s Eventone BB Cream

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The Product: Palmer's Eventone BB Cream

The Purpose: They say: "Palmer's Eventone BB Cream (Beauty Balm Cream) is a multi-functional formula that targets discolouration and spots whilst providing natural pigment-perfecting coverage and SPF 15 protection.  This all-in-one beauty balm replaces the need for multiple products by targeting discolouratation and preventing hyperpigmentation from recurring, protecting against and preventing sun damage, providing lightweight coverage to conceal imperfections, instantly improvng radiance and reducing redness. Skin is beautifully luminous, naturally more even tone and younger looking. Formualted with our Tone Enhancing Complex & Mineral Pigment, to even skin tone, renew radiance and leave skin with a flawless finish."

The Price: RRP $9.99 exclusive to Chemist Warehouse and My Chemist.

Sue says:

Regular readers would know that I am a big BB fan and use both the Garnier and L'Oreal brands interchangeably.  My daytime makeup rarely involves foundation these days as I prefer the lighter and more dewy, natural look of the BB base, and I am strengthened in my resolve to use them as I am convinced by my research that they are doing my skin good.

So I was really excited to receive a parcel from Katherine this week containing the newly released Palmer's product in Medium/Dark.  We received both the Light/Medium and the Medium/Dark to try and the darker one was definitely too dark for her translucent skin.  I was a bit concerned when I first squeezed it out of the tube and as I bravely put it onto my face I started to have visions of looking like the crazy woman from the US who is addicted to solariums and rose to fame from taking her small daugher into one (you know the woman – she has a face that looks like Crocodile Dundee's boots).  But, as I say, I've done a bit of BB cream research, and everything I've read about other brands told me that it will blend with your complexion if you just have faith.  And I do. And it did.

And I wore it for two days (not the same application of course, I cleansed and applied it again the next day) and was really happy with the look and the way it wore throughout the day.  And it did look a little darker than my complexion usually is, but it's spring in Queensland and we're all starting to look a little browner and healthier up here.

Then I got my second parcel for the week – Katherine in person!  Surprise visit, and she came bearing gifts – the Light/Medium that she was using, for me to also try.  Now I have to say, well I don't really but it is the truth, this one was a little more scary.  It goes on very white and I felt that it was harder to blend, as I could see the very pale cream pooling in my pores.  But I worked it in with my fingers (using a 10X mirror) until I was happy with the coverage.  A bit more blusher was the order of the day, and voila – a paler look, reminicsent of Cate Blanchett (LOL), but still wearable.

The texture of the Palmer's product is lovely, and it leaves a beautiful sheen on the skin, which for a glowing, daytime look is great.  Today, with a little more time and feeling experimental, I used it as a base, popped a thin coverage of foundation over it and a light dusting of powder.  The BB cream made a great primer and 12 hours later with no touch ups my face still looks well made up.

Well done Palmer's!  I love your Cocoa Butter products and the texture and formulation of your BB cream is a great addition to the range.  If I may make a suggestion?  The only way you could improve here would be to have a three colour range – Light, Medium and Dark.  I'd be a Medium for sure. 

Katherine Says:

If you've been here before you may have noticed that we really love BB Cream. Like Mum, I have almost (almost!) completely substituted my foundation for BB Cream – I just add a small amount for extra coverage when required, but mostly stick with the more natural look.

My first time using the new Palmer's Eventone BB in Fair/Light (the perfect way to describe my complexion) and it was just like applying sun cream. I wouldn't say I found the finish white (as Mum described) but then I'm not brave enough to view any part of my in a 10x mirror! My skin took on that immediate sheen of freshly applied SPF 30 and was just slightly too shiny for my liking.

After a couple of minutes, though, I looked in the mirror again and the BB Cream had completely adjusted to my face. That might seem strange if you are new to the BB world, but it's kind of the primary objective of Beauty Balm. I was shocked at the results, my skin is pale but it took on a porcelain finish that I usually can only dream about (wish I could say the same about the bags under my eyes – that's how you know I haven't edited it!).

I did a swatch of the lightest Garnier shade with the Fair/Light Palmer's Eventone to give some comparison. The Eventone is much lighter both in colour and in weight (if that makes any sense) and has less of an orange undertone that I appreciate as a fair skinned female. I just love the finish on my skin (especially with a touch of powder to take some of the shine away – just a little) and the more natural tones of the Eventone works with my complexion flawlessly – and I guess that is probably what they were going for!

Left – Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream in Light  // Right – Palmer's Eventone BB Cream in Fair/Light (unblended)

Left – Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream in Light  // Right – Palmer's Eventone BB Cream in Fair/Light (blended)

For me, the light colour is perfect, but I agree with Mum that most people would fall into a middle category that doesn't exist in the Eventone range at this point in time.

Palmer's have some great, affordable products that are beloved Australia-wide and I think the Eventone BB Cream could just join that list.

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DMK Enzyme Therapy Treatment at The Laser Lounge

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There is something amazing about beauty treatments. I'm not sure what it is but I think because women are naturally carers, being taken care of in peace and quiet is an absolute treat…I wonder if that's where the 'treatment' part comes from (and I can barely talk because I don't even have kids!).

Earlier this week I got the chance to try the DMK Enzyme Therapy Treatment at The Laser Lounge and can I just say, it was really something; my skin is still glowing!

In case you're unfamiliar with DMK, Enzyme Therapy, and The Laser Lounge (as I was until recently), please allow me (or, rather, the experts) to explain:

"Enzyme Therapy restores skin to its peak condition.

DMK is the only company in the world to utilise the beneficial effects of transfer messenger enzymes. Enzymes are living substances that regulate health and work with certain minerals in the body to form a natural system of antioxidants that fight corrosive free radicals. Properly formulated, they can remove dead protein, toxins and other effluvia from the epidermis using a process called ‘reverse osmosis’.

Where some cosmetic facial treatments may only act on the surface of the skin, DMK Enzyme Treatments works with the skin. The enzymes strengthen the structural integrity of the skin to create a healthy environment for cells to live and thrive in.

Enzyme Therapy exercises facial muscles and works to leave the skin feeling firm."

If you're anything like me and have had the usual kind of facial every now and again, this is NOTHING like that.

In the past, the basic facials I have had always feel amazing at the time, but it's almost as if the minute you part with your money and walk out the door, your skin starts to feel just how it was before, if not just a little too greasy.

The process was quite typical – the lovely Dana from The Laser Lounge at Castle Hill cleansed and exfoliated my face. She explained everything as she went and the benefits of what she was doing. This did involve having cling wrap placed over my face and hot towels positioned on top and I will be honest, this was somewhat strange but also really envigorating.

 

Following this, Dana applied the Enzyme treatment to my face and neck and it felt almost like cement being rolled onto my skin and left on for 40 minutes. During the 40 minutes, I got an amazing scalp and arm massage, how relaxing!

But, unlike facials I have experienced before, the Enzyme treament itched like crazy and felt rock hard and tight, which is why I compare it to cement. Eventually I got used to it as the product dried and got tighter, and then my skin started pulsating. Apparently, this is the purpose of the treatment, to draw the blood to the surface and strengthen the skin layers, but the relief after its removal was like a cold glass of water on a hot day. So refreshing.

After removing the mask, Dana then applied some of the DMK products, again, explaining what she was using and why. She said that my skin looked incredible and they judge the health of the skin by the veins that are visable once it has been removed.

I'm very fair and have almost translucent skin (an Australian television personality once compared it to the wrapper of a Vietnamese spring roll) so I wasn't at all surprised by the veins that appeared after my treatment. The ladies at The Laser Lounge said this was very good and not everyone experiences the 'plasma' effect on their first treatment, so I was pretty happy with that! You can sort of see it in this grainy iPhone photo:

24 hours after my DMK treatment and I swear my skin felt the best it possibly ever has – tight and dewy, and so smooth. Four days later and it is still taut and in excellent condition. I'm 27 and have stayed out of the sun my whole life because of my colouring and family history of skin cancer (I think I've been sun burnt only a handful of times in my whole life) so the 'before and after' photos don't show considerable changes in my skin because I don't have wrinkles (sorry, not bragging just being honest!) but I can imagine older skin would have very dramatic effects! I did have a big arse pimple on my chin and it cleared up immediately, which was pretty exciting but not something I'd like to have photos of around the internet, I hope you don't mind!

Naseem and Dana and the other wonderful ladies at The Laser Lounge were so friendly and it was a great experience – I really look forward to having the treatment again some time and I'm definitely going to try the DMK products because they left my skin feeling amazing! The Laser Lounge has clinics in Sydney, Castle Hill, and Brisbane.

Have you tried any of the DMK products or treatments from The Laser Lounge? I'd love to hear what you thought!!

 

 

DIsclaimer: This service was offered to me for editorial consideration but has in no way affected my opinion.  The Perfect Lipstick is in no way affiliated with the companies mentioned. Additional informations and photos provided for use by The Laser Lounge.

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BB Cream Follow Up – Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector vs L’Oreal Revitalift Total Repair

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This morning I've had a bit of a revelation.  On second thoughts, I think I've had a couple. 

The first happened when I went into the bathroom and looked in the mirror and realised that the skin on my face has improved dramatically in its colour and texture.  At first I thought I'd forgotton the cleanse last night and I was still wearing make up from yesterday, and then it began to slowly dawn on my that maybe this was the result of using BB Cream every day since Katherine and I wrote about it (here).

The second revelation, and this one was more of a shock, was that I really haven't been very self aware recently so instead of noticing my improved skin as a gradual process, it seems to me that it had happened overnight (and I'm smart enough to know that hasn't happened).

But I think I can only put it down to the one new addition to my daily routine.  I started using Garnier BB Miracle Skin Perfector Cream (great price at RRP $13.95 but often at much lower prices depending on where you shop) 3 months ago even though I knew that it was recommeded for younger skin.  So when I read that the L'Oreal Revitalift Total Repair 10 BB Cream was specifically anti-aging, I bought that about 6 weeks ago.  However, at RRP $39.95 it's hard to compare the two from a cheapskate's price perspective.

So I'm wearing both products interchangeably.

This means that unfortunately I can't say which of the BB Creams has done the trick, however, I can tell you which finish I prefer………….definitely the Garnier.  It goes on beautifully, has a lovely finish and doesn't shine like the L'Oreal.  My humble opinion is that the Garnier is more like a light foundation, but the L'Oreal has the finish of a tinted moisturiser.

I wear at least one of the two every day, sometimes as a primer with foundation, or if I'm going 'a la natural'  the BB cream is the finish.   However, if I'm not wearing foundation – I will use the Garnier every time.

This addition to my daily routine gives me the confidence that I am sufficiently sun protected all day, and the other BB benefits of evening up tone, repairing damage and correcting blemishes are too good to pass up.

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Scent-sory Overload!

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One of the things I love about being a girl is the sheer pleasure of wearing perfume in order to smell nice, however, I don't want my perfume to be competing with other products that I'm wearing, so generally try to wear scent-neutral 'other stuff' (althoug I have to say that hair spray is a difficult one to try and get on the neutral side – but have you noticed that you don't smell it on people throughout the day – so the smell must wear off!!)
 
Whew – that was a long introduction to make my point, but it is coming.  Remember a few weeks ago when I was so excited about all the free samples I had got in a week?  Well, I've tried some of them and the ones I tested got me ranting on about smell (see above) and I just wonder what everyone else thinks of over-perfumed skin care.
 
 
First up is the Nivea Vital Multi Active Soy day cream, night cream, and eye cream combo for mature skin.  Loved the eye cream – light, creamy and scent-neutral.  The day cream and night cream both feel beautiful, and I love soy so the soy element attracted me.  But the smell!! Wow – super overpowering!!  I couldn't use either of them more than the first time I put them on – too much for my sensitive nose.
 
The second product I want to mention is the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion.  Can't go wrong with cocoa butter (and added Vitamin E) surely?  Smells great when you open it up.  Smells great when you rub the beautiful formula into your skin after showering in the morning, and before getting dressed for the day (do not lick arm – is not really chocolate).  Smell starts to get a little tiresome late in the afternoon when you've been at work all day, and everytime you move, remove cardigan/jacket, go to the loo, you can still smell the cocoa-y buttery smell under your winter clothes.  Another one lost on me because of the smell, but the reviews out there give this product top marks, so you might just have to try it for yourself.

 

Anyway, I'm just off now to pick up some Palmolive Naturals Body Butter Body Wash in Luscious Mango …… ummmm!

Please tell me that I am not alone here!? Do you love the scented body stuff or does it drive you crazy too?

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My Currently Clinique Face Routine

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Despite the fact I am going to have to switch to a more aggressive winter skin regime (a list of potential products can be seen here), I have been using a Clinique facial system for the past couple of months mostly because of Mum's influence to start with and then when I found out that they were all natural, fragrance and chemical free, I was in.

Here is what I use every day at the moment:

Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser – $38

Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion – Free GWP  (full size – $40)

All About Eyes – Free GWP (full size – $58)

Redness Soultions Daily Relief Cream – $90

Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief – Free GWP (full size – $60)

 

DAY TIME:

Before putting on my makeup, I cleanse with the Redness Solutions Cleanser, put on the Dramatically Different Moisturisng Lotion, the All About Eyes for dark circles, and then the Redness Solutions Daily Relief Moisturiser.

 

NIGHT TIME:

At night, I exchange the Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion for the Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief.

I would love to try Take The Day Off Make Up Remover, All About Lips,  Turnaround Instant Facial, and De-Puffing Eye Massage because they all sound like they would be great additions to any beauty cabinet!

This is probably the most I've ever spent on skin care but I have found there has been a significant improvement in my skin since I started using the Clinique products.  As the weather is getting colder and I'm having some skin problems possibly because of super sweaty Bikram Yoga, I may have to try something new out for a while, but Clinique will definitely be a brand I always keep as my general use skin care system.

What products do you use morning and night?

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Sample size

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Last week when Katherine wrote about the 5 'Try Before You Buy' tips, she urged you to try sample sizes first.

I love free samples.  It doesn't matter whether it's a sachet in a magazine, or a sample dropped into the letter box – I love them.  And I use them.  And I think all companies should use as many opportunities that they can to get their products into women's hands.
 
I have just had the most wonderful girl's week-end away at the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, on the Gold Coast in Queensland.  It included two different cocktail functions on board two different boats on the Thursday night; Ladies on the Water lunch on Friday with Ita Buttrose as the guest speaker; and Ladies on the Water High Tea on the Saturday.
 
At the two Ladies on the Water functions we were presented with goody bags.  I love goody bags.  One of them even included Ita's latest book 'A Guide to Australian Etiquette'- For all occasions from weddings to work by Ita Buttrose. But enough about the book, what about the beauty products.  Palmer's gave us sachets of their great Cocoa Butter Formula and Alpha-H gave us samples of their two lovely products, Liquid Gold and Triple Action Cleanser. 
 
The Palmer's Coca Butter is so thick and creamy, smells great and contains Vitamin E.  I will definately buy this product based on the great sample, and the fact that the company went out of its way to let me try it.  Probably wouldn't work so well in our hot, humid summer here, as the product is so thick, but for our cold, dry winter, it is perfect. The combination of Vitamin E and 100 percent cocoa butter gives deep and long lasting moisture.
 
The Alpha-H Liquid Gold is a powerful night time resurfacing and firming lotion for the skin. The promotion says it jump-starts the skin’s metabolism, tightens enlarged pores, and delivers lighter, clearer and more even skin tone.  Teamed with the Triple Action Cleanser, it feels really great.  It's a non-foaming gel cleansing gel that works by removing with a damp cloth.  I use a micro-fibre cloth, and that works really well.  The product also sucessfully removes all traces of face & eye makeup.
 
And if all that wasn't enough, when I got home on Monday, Priceline had sent me a Nivea sample sachet set of Visage Vital Soy Anti-Age Day Cream (with SPF12), Night Cream and Eye Cream for Mature Skin plus a $5 off voucher.  Great marketing Priceline and Nivea – five stars to both companies!  I'll be trying these next week and will let you know what I think.
 
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Tried and Tested: Dry Body Brushing

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The other week I came across this post by Kimmi from The Plastic Diaries about achieving super soft skin. I read, with interest, that she is an avid dry body brusher and loofaher (yeah, I made that up but you get the gist). Her post explains her favourite products and, more importantly, HOW exactly to successfully body brush.

Basically, you are trying to direct blood flow from your limbs to your heart to increase circulation and reduce cellulite, but for more extensive, step-by-step instructions click here to see her post. I also checked out Jess' tips from Well of Being and found them really helpful too.

Image from Well of Being

I decided to take her advice and switch out my normal body puff for a more heavy duty hand-sized loofah. I also purchased a dry body brush (both EcoPure Bath from Priceline, relatively cheap)

I have been dry body brushing every morning before my shower (in the shower so as not to coat my bathroom with skin flakes) and then following that up with a warm shower using the loofah and body soap. When I get out of the shower, i moisturise with The Body Shop's Aloe Soothing Body Lotion while my skin is still damp and let it soak in. The results: the first time I tried dry body brushing, I couldn't believe how painful it was. I was concerned that the sharp bristles were going to welt my fairly sensitive skin but I could actually feel the blood pumping around my body (as weird as that sounds, it could have been from all the brushing movement though…). Surprisingly, there were no adverse effects to my skin and once I got out of the shower, there was no indication that it had been brushed too roughly at all.

I've been dry brushing for over a week and use the loofah at least once a day, often twice, and always follow up with a moisturiser or Bio Oil. I can honestly say that my skin feels amazing. My arms, in particular, used to always feel a bit rough and they are so smooth, also the skin on my stomach and hips is much softer and more even; there are visible improvements!

It's sometimes hard to add another 10 minutes to your morning routine, but I think it's worth it! I am a little bit addicted now.

Have you tried dry body brushing before? What are your thoughts?

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Mother/Daughter Monday – Rose Hip Oil

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This week on Mother/Daughter Monday, we tackle the ever popular rose hip oil. I had been thinking of trying it out to prevent the disaster I incurred last winter when my skin fell apart in the harsh Sydney conditions and have been reading a lot about rose hip oil from fellow sensitve skinned bloggers. When Mum was in Sydney and we hit up Priceline one day, we decided to both try it out and see how we liked it.
 
Here's how we went:

Sue says:

When I went to Sydney a fortnight ago, I told Katherine that in everything I was currently browsing, women were extoling the virtues of rose hip oil.  Now, I am a big rose hip fan since suffering some arthritic symptoms about 6 years ago. I have been taking five Rose Hip Vital tablets per day and, as a result, the pains in my joints disappeared and, as rose hips are the highest plant source of Vitamin C available, the additional benefit is that I haven't had a cold in all these years.
 
But I said we both had to try the rose hip oil.  Me, because I am older and Brisbane's winter is unforgivingly dry and Katherine because she has such beautiful, delicate skin, and she has been raising her concerns regarding the parabens in today's skin care products with me for a while now.
 
At Priceline there were a number of brands available and I chose Australian brand, Sukin.  They create organic products that are free of, amongst a number of bad ingredients, parabens and Sodium Laurel Sulphate in their entire skin care range.
 
I have been using just the rose hip oil after cleansing every night for 10 days now, massaging it into my face and neck.  It is not greasy to go to bed in, rather just makes my skin feel like velvet.  In the morning the same soft feelng is still there, and I believe I can see a difference in my skin tone and colour – I'm just waiting for the wrinkles to start melting away now.  This is a beautiful product and I would recommend it to anyone.  At only $17.60 for 25ml it is very affordable.
 

Katherine says:

We chose different brands of rose hip oIl, assuming that both would be quite similar and incur the same results. I selected award-winning A'kin Rose Hip Oil ($17.99) and I suggested that we incorporate it into our night routine for a week or so to see what results we got. As well as not entirely agreeing wtih Mum's take on exactly whose idea it was to trial the product together in the first place (her recollection is literally the complete opposite of mine), my skin did not agree with the rose hip oil at all.

The day after first using the oil, I awoke to red bumps under the surface of my skin on my usually extra dry forehead and my cheeks. I thought it couldn't be possible that this could have been a result of the rose hip oil but, all the same, decided not to use it the next night. Sure enough, the following morning the bumps had almost completely gone away and, mostly due to the outstanding reviews of it, I was sure that it was a coincidence. I used the rose hip oil for two consecutive nights and the bumps came back worse than the first time.

I decided to stop using it and went back to my Clinique regime for sensitive skin and reducing reddness. It took about three or four days, but the red bumps have finally subsided. I really wish that I'd had the same positive results because I have been searching for so long for a product to ease my dry, sensitive skin but, alas, it would seem that my hunt must continue. In no way do I believe or am I suggesting that there is anything wrong with the A'kin product, just that I perhaps had some sort of allergic reaction or sensitivity to the oil. I'm glad that Mum (and so many others) have had great success with it and hopefully I will find my winter skin cure one day soon!

We'd love to hear how you combat the winter skin blues or if you've had similar results with rose hip oil. Join the conversation below, on Facebook, or here on our new Twitter account!

 

 

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