Focus On: Blemish Fighting Products - Keeping My Skin Clear

I have always struggled with my skin breaking out. Started when I was a teenager, and now decades on, in spite of now needing anti-ageing products, I am sadly still finding that my skin breaks out more frequently than I like. Over the years I have tried more products than I can remember and spent more money on useless products than I care to think about. Here’s a rundown on some of the products that I am currently reaching for when I’m facing a breakout..

 

 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel

 

 

 

This purifying foaming gel is soap free as well as it is free from added colours, alcohol and parabens, and is so gentle on the skin yet it helps purify the skin deep down every single pore. The clear gel is very concentrated and turns into a soft foam, and it easily and gently removes all my makeup, with the exception of my water proof mascara, but I always use a specific eye makeup remover so I don’t mind that at all. And afterwards my skin is left so soft and clean, and my pores seem refined, yet without my skin feeling tight or dried out.

RRP: $19.95 (200ml) – Available from Priceline and selected pharmacies

 

Biore Blemish Clearing Scrub*

 

 

This Scrub is oil free and contains Salicylic Acid which helps to gently exfoliate the skin deep down every single pore, and release built up dirty, oil and grime from the pores, which can potentially cause blemishes. It is very effective leaving the skin feeling soft and smooth, and visibly less greasy, yet very gentle so it can be used every couple of days. And over time I have noticed that I have less breakouts, especially in the t-zone area. And as a bonus it has a gorgeous fruity scent of mandarin.

$10.99 (130ml) – Available from Priceline, supermarkets and select pharmacies

 

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips*

 

 

There’s nothing worse than the blackheads that always gather especially on the nose. And squeezing them is not a great idea (although I think most of us is guilty of doing it), as it can damage the skin and make the problem even worse. And that’s where the Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips come in handy. The strips have been designed to fit the nose perfectly, even into the crease on the sides of the nose. And it is so easy to use simply wet the nose area and stick on the strip, leaving it on for about 10 to 15minutes to work, after which you can slowly and gently peel it off. The strip works kind of like a magnet drawing out the blackheads and gunk from the pores so used frequently, you can really tell that you have less and less clogged pores.

RRP: $5.69 (6 strips) – Available from Priceline, supermarkets and select pharmacies

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

 

 

This cream is designed to act on the two main symptoms of skin with imperfections: Severe localised imperfections and pores clogged with sebum. It contains among others LHA and Linoleic Acid to unclog pores while eliminating the accumulated dead cells responsible for blockage, and Niacinamide and Piroctone Olamine to fight against bacterial proliferation and eliminate imperfections, along with La Roche-Posay thermal spring water to reduce redness.
The cream is a very light oil-free gel that is suitable for use both morning and night, and it works perfectly under makeup as well. I don’t use it all over my face, just in those areas always prone to breakouts, such as the nose and chin area, and in no time it helps clear my skin, even those stubborn pimples that otherwise take forever to go away. And all without drying out my skin or making it irritated or red.

RRP: $25.95 (40ml) – Available from Priceline and selected pharmacies

 

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Spot Treatment Gel

I always have one of these gels handy. Whenever I feel a pimple is on its way, I pop a little of this clear gel on, and the next morning, I can already see and feel that it has worked its magic. And as it goes on clear, it works perfectly under makeup as well. At $ it is not cheap, but it is very concentrated so you only need the tiniest amount so the 15ml bottle will last you forever!

RRP: $32 (15ml) – Available from Clinique

 

Maybelline New York Dream Pure BB Cream*

This new BB Cream from Maybelline is specifically targeted for oily and blemish prone skin as it is water based and contains 2% salicylic acid. This means that it not only leaves skin with a nice even finish concealing imperfections, it also works over time to reduce blemishes and minimise pores. It is easy to apply and blend, and feels very comfortable on the skin. And in spite of being formulated for oily skin, it still leaves the skin feeling soft and moisturised and without drying it out. It has a nice long wear, leaving my skin looking matte well into the afternoon before I need a touch up.

$15.95 (30ml) – Available from Priceline, department stores, supermarkets and select pharmacies

*Products were kindly provided for consideration, and have reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

So there you go, some of my go to products when my skin is playing up and breaking out..

What do you think of these products? Have you tried any of these? What do you use when your skin is breaking out?

  

Product Review and NOTD: Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Hemlock

Today I’d like to share with you a review of the *Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Hemlock;

 

What They Say:

Leave your mark with bold, rich, vibrant colours. Hardwearing and chip-resistant with individual finishes from matt to high gloss. Apply two coats for intensity and use with Illamasqua Nail Base Coat and Illamasqua Nail Top Coat for the perfect finish. Talk with your hands and make a statement.

 

RRP: $16.50 (15ml) – Available from Myer

 

What I Say:

The Illamasqua Nail Varnish in colour Hemlock is a pink pearlescent semi-sheer nail polish, which has a green iridescent tinge when seen in the right light. In the bottle the nail polish looks a little lavender pearlescent and the green iridescent is more visible than when on the nails where is more sheer. Well, that is when you as me apply two coats, as I am sure that if you apply more coats, the colour will also appear more solid, but having worn a lot of bright and strong colours, the delicate sheer colour is such a refreshing change. And it has such a lovely and glossy sheen.

 

The nail polish is very easy to apply smoothly and evenly, and it dries instantly, before I manage to smudge it, which I am usually pretty good at doing.

Being a little bit in a hurry as I applied this while my baby boy was sleeping, I omitted both the base coat and the top coat, but even with very regular hand washing during the day, the nail polish still stayed put for four days before I felt the tips of the nails were so chipped that I needed to remove it. And again, that also includes tapping away on the computer keyboard, doing dishes (without gloves as I always forget), so really four days is not bad at all.

And once it came time for the removal, the nail polish removes quickly with a normal nail polish remover without leaving any colour residue on my nails.

The packaging of the Illamasqua Nail Varnish looks sleek and elegant, and unlike other nail varnishes, it comes in a small square black box. The actual nail varnish also comes in square bottle with a square cap that makes it easy to hold. The actual brush is also of a good quality, making it easy to cover the nails in just a few strokes.

On the negative side, I do wish that the nail polish had been 3-free, especially considering it is not a budget nail polish.

However, all I love this nail varnish, it has a good long wear, and I love the delicateness of this pearlescent colour, so I hope to be able to add more colours to my collection.  

* Product was kindly provided for consideration, and has reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

Have you ever tried any of the nail polishes from Illamasqua? Or maybe some of their makeup? Which nail polish colours do you prefer? And do you care if the nail polish is 3-free?

 

 

Product Review: Clarins Extra-Firming Tightening Lift Botanical Serum

The last few years as I’ve aged, I’ve become a massive fan of serums and can’t live without my daily dose twice a day. Today I’d like to share with you my thoughts on the *Clarins Extra-Firming Tightening Lift Botanical Serum;  

 

What They Say:

"The ultimate non-surgical "lift"! Clarins’ concentrated serum instantly tightens and tones contours on face and neck — with lifting and firming benefits that are immediate and long-lasting. Soothing botanical blend — including firming Oat Sugar and line-minimizing Hibiscus — creates an invisible "mesh" on the skin’s surface to help "lift", tighten and reshape facial contours. The natural alternative to surgery, lasers and injections."

RRP: 89.95 (30ml) – Available from Clarins Counters

What I Say:

The Clarins Extra-Firming Tightening Lift Botanical Serum comes in a cream/pale peach coloured pump bottle with a gold lid with the typical Clarins logo.

The actual serum is a clear gold gel, and like all other Clarins products I’ve tried, it has the most gorgeous floral scent, it is gentle and not too overpowering. The gel is very light and absorbs quickly and easily into the skin, and only the tiniest amount is needed as it is so concentrated. And even with my combination skin, prone to breakouts, I have not experienced any breakouts from using this serum.

 

 

 

Extra-Firming Tightening Lift Botanical Serum claims to have a lifting and tightening effect, and as you apply it, you can instantly see its effects. It is like the fine lines around the eyes in particularly are minimised, and my whole face gets an unbelievable soft glow. The skin feels velvety soft and smooth.

The serum works perfectly as a primer under makeup, and it is as if it makes my makeup look even nicer and more flawless.

I don’t believe that there is a miracle product that can completely get rid of lines and wrinkles, but after the serum for over a month, morning and night under my usual moisturisers, I feel that my skin is thoroughly moisturised and looks more ‘rested’ and relaxed.

What I Like:

• That it makes my skin feel velvety soft and smooth
• Fine lines are minimised
• It doesn’t make my skin break out
• The nice fragrance
• The easy to use pump bottle

What I Don’t Like:

• It is a little pricey

Overall, this is a lovely serum, and I love how it makes my skin feel, with small lines minimised in such a short period of time, and without making my skin feel drowned in moisture or getting congested. I particularly love when I used it during the day how it makes my makeup look so much nicer, even without the use of another primer – so while it is a little expensive, if you can skip the primer like me, then I feel it is reasonably priced for an anti-ageing serum of such high quality.

*This product was kindly provided for consideration, and it has been reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy.

 

What do you think of this Extra-Firming Tightening Lift Botanical Serum from Clarins? Do you use serums? Which ones are your favourites?

 

 

Industry News: Estée Lauder Launches the Bronze Goddess Summer Collection 2014

In the height of summer one of my favourite brands, Estée Lauder is now launching the new Bronze Goddess Summer Collection 2014. The Bronze Goddess Summer Collection 2014 is inspired by the sultry shades and exotic scent of the Caribbean.

For those of us who can only dream of visiting tropical island, the Bronze Goddess Summer Collection embodies the golden sands, flourishing palm trees and exotic elements of a remote tropical Caribbean paradise.

 

 

With the sensation of shimmering waters, soft sandy beaches and the scent of tropical air, this seductive and modern Bronze Goddess makeup look, paired with the warm and inviting Bronze Goddess fragrance, transports all who wear them to the most sublime and luxurious of Caribbean getaways.

The Bronze Goddess Colour Collection features hot and sultry shades born from bold and vibrant colour mixes. An array of sunset hues with vivid bursts of colour surprise and awaken the senses, while a captivating spectrum of bronze and metallic tones provide a rich and daring makeup look. Eyes seduce with shimmering aquatic hues and glistening golden tones, defined by deep, dramatic colour. Lips entice through brightly pigmented pinks and corals with a reflective affect and skin glistens with a bronzed, sun-kissed glow.

 

Pure Color Five Color Gelée Eyeshadow Palette in Batik Sun

Turn up the heat through a spectrum of summer shadows with the new Limited Edition Eyeshadow Palette in Batik Sun. This palette of brilliant green, gold, and nude shades highlight and dramatise eyes in luxurious finishes that range from matte to shimmer. RRP: $90.00

 

 

Pure Color Liquid Eyeliner Duo in Black Sands

The waterproof formula of new Limited Edition Pure Color Liquid Eyeliner Duo in Black Sands defines eyes with a dual-ended, felt-tip wand in smoldering shades of bronze and black for an eye opening affect. RRP: $50.00

 

 

Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Mascara in Extreme Black

To enhance this purely seductive eye look, Sumptuous Extreme and NEW Sumptuous Extreme Waterproof Mascara in Extreme Black magnify and multiply lashes with intense volume. In one stroke, the synergy of these high-performance mascaras’ lightweight Extreme Bold Volume™ formula and exclusive Extreme BrushComber™, create lashes that appear outrageously big and amazingly bold. RRP: $52.00

Pure Color Sheer RollerGloss in Succulent and Squeeze

Complementing eyes, are impossible-to-resist lips that shine in sheer fuschia and citrus shades. The new Limited Edition Pure Color Sheer RollerGloss in Succulent and Squeeze features a metal roller ball applicator and contains a formula of fruit extracts for lips that look hydrated and supple. Lightly flavoured with a hint of either Passion Fruit or Guava Lychee, these luscious glosses evoke the fresh, tropical scents of summer. RRP: $40.00

 

Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in Solar Crush and Fuchsia Fever

Lips entice and excite with Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick in new Limited Edition Solar Crush and Fuchsia Fever. Enveloping lips in pink and tangerine tones, these vibrant lipsticks also include a dynamic long lasting formula for a powerful, fade-proof lip that lasts for hours. RRP: $45.00

 

 

Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Hot Spell

To complete this enviably sexy, summer makeup look new Limited Edition Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Hot Spell adds a touch of surprising coral colour to nails. RRP: $38.00

 

Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in Heat Wave

Utilizing True Vision Technology - an innovative “tribrid” technology that creates a unique sensorial texture as well as true color finish – Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in Heat Wave illuminates complexion and leaves skin with a sexy polished glow. With blendable and buildable coverage for a finish that goes from subtle and soft to highly pearlized, this ultra-luxurious gelée also features a delicate pattern to celebrate the sand and sun of Summer. RRP: 75.00

 

Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer

Housed in an elegant tortoise shell compact, Bronze Goddess Powder Bronzer contains a delicate shimmer that reflects light with buildable coverage to subtly warm complexion or provide for dramatic facial contouring. This silky smooth powder, now available in a new and extended line of four shades to complement a broader range of skin intensities and undertones, can be swept onto face, shoulders or décolletage to enhance skin with a beautiful year-round glow. Available in Light, Medium, Medium Deep and Deep. RRP: $58.00

 

 

Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer

Alternatively, the weightless and comfortable Luminous Liquid Bronzer is a luminising formula with uniquely blended bronzing pigments in a pearlised, reflective base for sheer natural-looking radiance. RRP: $63.00

 

Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche SkinScent

Continuing this Caribbean-inspired experience, the Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche SkinScent captures the beauty, sensation and enjoyment of sun-drenched beaches in a luscious fragrance that makes every woman feel divine.

Bronze Goddess Eau Fraiche SkinScent is housed in the classic Bronze Goddess bottle silhouette, re-invented in a semi-transparent golden bottle design. Comprised of luxurious and intoxicating ingredients, this exotic scent is reminiscent of a tropical beach under the constant heat of the sun, with a creamy heart of golden Amber that emanates pure summer. 

 

 

The Sensuous Heat of the Sun: The core of this Radiant Amber scent exudes smooth sensuality. The creaminess of Coconut Milk, Sandalwood and Vanilla unwinds with silky warmth. The exotic combination of Vetiver and Myrrh deepens the sexiness with its embrace.

The Silky Softness of Warm Sand: Velvety smooth Amber, with its warm, mysterious scent, glows at the centre, pulsing the uninhibited spirit of summer’s sultry heat through the fragrance. The vibrancy of bright, zesty elements infuses the fragrance with sun-drenched lightness. Juicy Mandarin, Sicilian Bergamot and Lemon blend with Pulpy Orange for a mouth-watering sensation.

The Radiance of Bronzed Skin: An intoxicating blend of milky flowers adds to the creaminess of the Amber signature. Luscious Tiare Flower and exotic Jasmine blend with the tenderness of Magnolia Petals for an indulgent floral effect. Orange Flower Buds add a glimpse of sunshine with lustrous floralcy, while fresh Lavender adds a breath of softness. RRP: $100.00 (100ml)

 

The new Bronze Goddess Summer 2014 Collection will be available at selected Estée Lauder counters nationwide and online from 2^nd February 2014.

 

What do you think of this new Bronze Goddess Summer from Estée Lauder? Keen to get hold of any of these products? Personally I love the sound and look of the Illuminating Powder Gelée and the Pure Color Sheer RollerGloss and the....

 

Industry News: Invisible Zinc Spot Check Month - Win a Skin Check!

Today I thought I’d share with you an amazing campaign just started by Invisible Zinc. Aussie media personalities, Fifi Box, Emma Freedman, Hayden Quinn and Bondi Rescue lifeguards Greg Bishop, Tom Bunting and Brad Malyon, have teamed up for Invisible Zinc Spot Check Month – encouraging Australians to check their skin for bad spots this January.

The six Aussie celebs got together to film an online video to spread the word about bad spots this summer – which for every share on Facebook, $1 has been pledged to fund the Genome Project – to highlight the importance of skin checks and further aid the detection and prevention of skin cancer. The Genome Project is an ambitious national research program into the diagnosis and treatment of some types of skin cancer.
 

 

Go to the Invisible facebook page, watch the video and enter to win your free skin check. And don't forget to share the video with your friends, to support the Genome Project, and because your friends need a skin check too!

With skin cancer Australia’s most common cancer and the country having one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, skin health has never been so important than at the height of the Aussie summer.

Most of us have probably underestimated the strength of the sun in Australia sometimes, so have most of us have more than likely overexposed ourselves at one time or another, which is why it is so important all Aussies have their skin checked regularly. Good spots can turn to bad spots without you noticing and as they say, prevention is better than a cure.”

As a part of the campaign, Invisible Zinc and MoleMap are giving away $150,000 worth of free skin checks by dermatologists, as well as money is also being raised for skin cancer research. The key is to help ensure long-term skin health is via early skin cancer detection and prevention, which is why Invisible Zinc and MoleMap are providing 400 of the normally $375 full body skin cancer checks for free to Australians across the country this month. MoleMap is a leading skin cancer detection service with clinics throughout Australia, New Zealand and the USA.

You can also enter here to win the skin check here

 

And finally some tips for the best protection under the sun:

• Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible
• Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun
• Slap on a hat – broad brim or legionnaire style to protect your face, head, neck and ears
• Seek shade
• Slide on some sunglasses – make sure they meet Australian Standards

 For more information on sun safety, visit www.cancer.org.au 

 

And don't forget to check out the products that will keep my skin protected during summer....you can see them here

 

Have you ever had a skin check? Or maybe planning to?