Current Skincare Routine

I'm a skincare junkie, and anything with the word cleansing has got my attention. I have combination and sensitive skin, so I try avoiding oil based products and hard ingredients. Still, I enjoy using deep-cleansing products as I find makeup and the enviroment clog my pores from time to time (gross, I know!) So here's a list of products I use every other day.

The first thing I do after I shower is wash my face with cold water with Origins Checks and Balances ($21.00)  a creamy cleanser that gives a good lather, so I only use a tiny amount. When I feel like I need a little extra something and feel the need to get off dirt and oil I use the Antipodes Juliet Skin- Brightening Gel Cleanser ($34.00) which is ideal for combination or oily skin. At night I usually use the Olay Fresh Effects Shine Minimizing Cleanser ($7.99) as it removes makeup and reduces shine.

Twice a week I use face masks, my favourites are Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque ($39.00), Origins Clear Improvement Mask ($24.00), Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask ($39.00) and Lush Mask of Magnaminty,I ran out of this one but it's soooo good. As an exfoliator I use Origins Modern Friction ($20.00)

As a moisturizer I use the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentré ($28.00) which the LOVELIEST moisturizer ever! and the Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream ($46.00) that has lasted me ages as it's twice the size (60ml) as a regular eye cream. It seems like a lot of products but I don find my current routine very complex. 

What are your daily skincare products?

Antipodes Organic Lip Balm│Review & Photos

 
Chapped, cracked, splitting lips are the worst! Caused by cold weather, exposure to the sun, dehydration and allergies. Drinking enough water and applying the Antipodes Organic Lip Balm ($.9.00) has helped me counteract the environmental causes that make my lips crack. It contains organic oils of olives, jojoba and shea butter. It's very soothing and hydrating and leaves my lips feeling smooth and moist. I think I'll add this to my list of lipcare products.

Kiss kiss!  What's your favourite lip balm?

Wants: Skincare Obsession!

Lately I've been obsessing with skin care products rather than makeup ones, as you can see on my previous posts. So I made a list of new products I'd like to try according to my skin type and needs :)
1. Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Treatment Mask ($39.00): I've heard many great things about this mask, it's deeply moisturizing, cleansing and anti-oxidizing. It's suited for most skin conditions. 2. Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection SPF 50 PA+++ ($.88.00): We all know that protecting our skin against sun damage is super important and this invisible shield delivers comprehensive UV protection. The formula contains a combination of highly effective broad spectrum UV filters (SPF 50 for UVB and PA+++ for UVA). 3. Lush Coalface Facial Soap ($.13.95): Am I the only one who thinks about the movie Annie Hall whenever I see black soap? Well, actually this soap is inspired by it! It contains liquorice root and charcoal that help clear up blemishes. 4. Lush Mask of Magnaminty ($.24.95): A deep cleansing mask with china clay and fresh peppermint to clean the pores deeply and tighten at the same time. Suited for most skin conditions except those sensitive to peppermint. 5. Skinfood Rice Mask: Skinfood is a korean brand I recently discovered, they have a variety of products made out of organic fruits, vegetables, etc. This wash off face mask contains ground rice, it moisturizes skin and brightens tone. 6. Antipodes Juliet Skin Brightening Gel Cleanser ($.34.00): A high performance gel cleanser that helps to bring out the brightest complexion. It contains exfoliating extracts from the New Zealand kiwi superfruit and vibrant hibiscus flower. It's known for helping with freckling which is why I'm most interested on trying this! 7. Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste ($.49.00): This tube is packed with fine river-bed quartz to exfoliate away tired skin. I've always wanted to try Aesop and this would be a great product to start with!
Would you recommend any of these products? What's on your skincare wishlist at the moment?
Don't forget to enter my giveaway for a chance to win Urban Decay's Naked Basics Palette!  ENDS TOMORROW!

Wants:

I've always been a big supporter of brands who are against animal testing and I wish all of the brands were cruelty-free and vegan. But due to some regulations, it isn't possible. It saddens me that countries like China have animal testing as a requirement, and I don't support that. However, there are brands that don't test on animals and others contain vegan ingredients only. I know, you'll be thinking "but she uses Estee Lauder brands". Yes, I do. I can't help to like some of the non-vegan brands, too. But I'd really like to change that, I'm a vegetarian and have been for about 2 and a half years now. But anyway, I would LOVE to use only cruelty-free brands from now on. Yeah, this means no more Mac and such popular and great brands too! But I rather use brands I know haven't tortured innocent and helpless animals, it's too sad. If you're interested to know which brands DO TEST and DON'T TEST on animals, click here. 

1. Antipodes Reincarnation Pure Facial Exfoliator ($.39.00): Suited for most skin conditions, an effective yet gentle facial exfoliator. Enriched with avocado oil, calendula oil and jojoba beads. The skin is cleared and revitalized by carrot deed extract and essential oils of cedarwood and sweet orange.

2. Stila Smudge Pot in Kitten ($.20.00): Gel eyeliner/shadow. I really like Benefit's creaseless eyeshadows and I think the formula might be similar, not sure why I haven't tried these Smudge Pots before.

3. Tarte Fantastic Foursome Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush Enthusiast Set ($.35.00): Having tried the famous clay blushes, I'm hooked. And oh my, aren't these lovely? Universally flattering shades. Limited edition.

4. Lush Imperialis Cream ($.24.95): I've been looking for a new moisturizer, and this one is made out of lavender to balance the skin's sebum production and orange blossom water to brighten up dull looking areas. Who doesn't love Lush?

5. Ahava Purifying Mud Mask ($.31.00): A deep cleansing mask that purifies and restores skin to reveal a brighter, even toned, radiant complexion. It contains jojoba oil ans antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

6. OCC Lip Tar in Hush ($.16.00): Now these include a mini lip brush, how cute is it? The colour is described as an antique bridal pink. I think it's a perfect shade for me, at first I really wanted Nylon but now I'm really into this one. 

7. Stila One Step Correct ($.36.00): A triple-swirled serum that instantly corrects, brightens and covers skin imperfections. The green tone neutralizes redness and conceals blemishes. The lavender tone counteracts sallow undertones and the peach tone brightens, illuminates and helps diminish the appearance of sun spots.

What's on your wishlist?