(belated) Skincare Sunday V - I'm back!

I am back after a month-long hiatus where I finished school, worked like a maniac aaaand managed to squeeze in a trip to Romania to see family for a couple of weeks.

I am so excited to get back into gear and to blog my little heart out.

Today's (well, technically yesterday's... since this is a skincare related post) topic is a type of facial cleanser that has absolutely been rocking my world for the past couple of months.

I mentioned in a previous post that I had visited a dermatologist prior to my Silk Peel and one of the things she gave me to try was a Hydroxy Foaming Cleanser that she produces at her spa. Sadly it's only carried at her office and not able to purchase online but after getting my hands on a bottle and studying the ingredients - it's pretty much identical to the Dermalogica Clearing Skin Wash.

The Dermalogica option actually ends up being cheaper than what I paid for at my med spa so rest assured I will be purchasing it soon.

Nonetheless, this post is about active ingredients and the type of cleanser - it is a gentle foaming cleanser that contains a small dose of salicylic acid combined with lactic acid. It leaves the skin feeling extremely refreshed and clean. It is most suitable for normal/oily skin types that are prone to acne and I have noticed a dramatic difference in how quick my breakouts clear out and how nice my overall skin texture has been. Especially during the summer when we all tend to get more oily, cleansers like these seem to be just what the doctor ordered (in my case... literally!)

PS: Obagi and SkinCeuticals also make similar foaming cleansers geared to maintain a clear complexion. I should also add that while these are foaming, the foaming action is very gentle and they do not contain SLS.

Claw Of The Day: Dior 155 Tutu Nail Polish

I couldn't resist to pain this baby on as soon as I got it in the mail. The nail polish in question is Dior #155 "Tutu". It came out in the Spring 2013 Cherie Bow collection but for some reason in America it was not released (as far as I know, only Rosy Bow and Gris Trianon were sold in all the displays I saw). It later became available as a Neiman Marcus exclusive shade, part of the "Pink Champagne Collection". Confusing, right?

Long story short - I bought it from Neimans and I love it. I painted my nails with it ASAP last Wednesday. No top coat, no base coat. Just two rushed coats of Tutu and I was out the door. This photo is of my nails a full 5 days later. No chipping, no scuffing, and minimal tip wear. Application was a breeze. 

Dior nail polishes have a slightly thicker tapered brush so if you are careful it literally only takes one stroke to coat the nail. This polish could have probably used a third coat for total opacity but I cannot rave about it enough. Finally a pastel pink that's not a pain in the ass (*cough* OPI Mod About You and Essie Fiji - I'm lookin' at you!)

You can order Dior Tutu nail polish here: Link.

What's on your nails today?

Skincare Sunday IV: Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser

Note to self: I should publish these posts earlier on Sunday but I'm in the middle of exams and procrastination is in my nature so alas, here we are!

Today's subject is a beauty product I'm on the fence about: Eve Lom's Morning Time Cleanser. I purchased it at a Space NK inside Bloomingdale's while I was traveling last summer.It's a slightly changed formula of a cult cleanser, the Eve Lom Cleansing Balm. While I found the traditional cleansing balm too heavy for the oily, acne-prone skin I had at the time of purchase, the sales lady wooed me into purchasing the Morning Time Cleanser. The damage? 60 of my hard-earned Earth dollars. The packaging is very sleek and beautiful. The cap twists to reveal a hole through which the product is squeezed out.

What it promises:

More lightweight in texture than the traditional balm, making it suitable for all skin types. The addition of fruit enzymes designed to aid in gently exfoliating the skin.

This product has a rather thick and balmy texture that becomes more liquid as it melts in your palms.  It has quite a strong medicinal/sweet/herbal scent. You're supposed to warm it up in your hands and massage it onto dry skin. Leave it on for about two minutes then rinse off. 

The sales lady claimed it worked awesome with the Clarisonic but I'd have to disagree on that front. I personally find that cleansers that produce some sort of foam are the most Clarisonic-friendly. This cleanser does not foam at all. It just becomes sort of like an oil that washes off with water. It left me confused. It's marketed as a morning time cleanser yet the back of the packaging boasts about its ability to break down waterproof eye makeup... er... ?

While the experience of using this product is rather luxurious and I like the scent and feeling of massaging the product into the skin, I just didn't get enough benefits to warrant a repurchase. It didn't break me out and it did do a good job at removing eye makeup when I used it at night. However the enzymes that claim to exfoliate didn't do anything better than a what cheaper or similarly priced glycolic acid/lactic acid cleanser or mask would do. 

Have you tried any Eve Lom products? Am I right to be unimpressed?

Skincare Sunday III: Aztec Healing Clay Mask

I've talked about this little tub of wonder in my last video on YouTube, and it's time I blab about it some more. So what is it?

It's a tub of fine powdered pure bentonite clay. It cost me less than $10 (I got mine at Whole Foods, but you can find it online on Amazon as well) and it's probably the most effective clay mask I've ever used.

How do I use it?

I mix one tablespoon of the clay with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (you can use water as well, but the acidity of the vinegar tends to do a better job at softening and gently exfoliating the skin). I mix in a small glass bowl with my fingers and apply it all over my face. I look really attractive for about 20 minutes as it dries down:

It gets super super tight as it dries down, you can actually kinda feel your blood pulsating to your face. If you have sensitive/dry skin, I would maybe use a thinner layer and use water instead of vinegar since it can be a bit harsh. I wash it off after about 20 minutes with warm water and my skin looks and feels tight, clean and glowing. There is a hint of redness on my forehead right after but it dissipates after 30 minutes.

I can't recommend this baby enough! It's cheap, customizable and amazing especially for combination/oily skin. I wouldn't use this more than once a week or once every two weeks since it can over-dry your skin, but it clarifies just as well if not better than more expensive masks currently on the market.

Have you tried this? I'm a happy camper :)

Late Night Spring Blouse Trollin'

What better way to cure insomnia than to indulge in a healthy dose of Forever21? That's exactly what I was up to last night.

Seriously, though! Their blouses have gotten prettier and prettier and if you're in need of something sweet and simple to pep up your wardrobe this spring, then look no further.

Here's what is currently in my basket:

Note: I posted links to the products on the Canadian, US, UK and EU Forever 21sites to make it easier for you to check them out if you're interested :)

Lace Peter Pan Collar

...so feminine and simple!

Canada // USA (not available) // UK // EU

V-Shaped Keyhole Neon

It reminds me of a top by the designer brand ALC that I had my eye on but I wouldn't dare spend $150+ for it. This does the trick!

Canada // USA (sold out) // UK (not available) // EU (not available)

Pastel Yellow Contrast Pocket

Pockets on a loose-fitting blouse? This may as well have my name stitched on it. It also comes in a coral option, but the cream/yellow combination appeals more to me. I don't like the way they styled it with a black skirt but I can see this with rolled-up sleeves tucked into a pair of light denim shorts, some sandals, aviators and it'll take me right into summer!

Canada // USA // UK // EU

Pastel Colorblocked Sheer 

This has "please wear me with black leather trousers" written all over it. I'll happily oblige.

Also comes in a yellow/black/ivory option which is just as beautiful. 

Canada // USA // UK (not available) // EU (not available)

I hope you enjoyed my picks! Now next on the list would be some spring bottoms/shoes... apparently I'm still in my tops phase :)

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