If you're anything like me, fighting shine is a daily battle one must face.
During the summer, anyway.
Oh well. It's the price we all have to pay for amazing weather. Right?
WRONG!
I'm sick and tired of looking like a shiny round beacon in public. As such, I'm sharing three of my favourite ways to beat shine at its own game.
Showing posts with label Skin care. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skin care. Show all posts
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
Sunday, 3 August 2014
Summer swaps | Bases
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We're all about skin care here at AM to PM. In an ideal world, I'd get out of my house after slathering on some SPF and go about my day with amazing, luminous skin. Naturally.
Real talk: that's never going to happen unless I'm just going to exercise, run quick errands, am sequestered at home on the weekends or it's a really, really good skin day.
We're all about skin care here at AM to PM. In an ideal world, I'd get out of my house after slathering on some SPF and go about my day with amazing, luminous skin. Naturally.
Real talk: that's never going to happen unless I'm just going to exercise, run quick errands, am sequestered at home on the weekends or it's a really, really good skin day.
Friday, 18 July 2014
Sample Selection Saturday | The Face Shop Intevia Active Original Emulsion
The Face Shop is amazing. I get samples just by going there sometimes. Well, not just by going there, I think you have to hit some sort of quota. Although those baskets they hand out sometimes have a sample just there.
Anyway, this week's sample selection is care of The Face Shop.
What is it?
Apologies, I've scratched most of the writing off the tiny bottle. This is from The Face Shop's Intevia line. Placenta proteins, apparently, were part of the ingredient list.
Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on your view, The Face Shop has since discontinued this line.
FYI: The emulsion is a light moisturizer, that typically follows toner and essence/serum.
In brief: The good and the ugly
The good:
It's an okay moisturizer. Light and perfect for the summer, providing enough moisture to the skin without weighing it down.
The ugly:
The smell is a bit off-putting. I don't know how to describe it. Like a foul-smelling flower would be the closest thing comparable.
The texture it left on my face felt a bit weird. After a while, once it dried, I touched my face and it felt as if I had put mattifying primer on top. (I did not). My skin felt moisturized, it was just accompanied by a weird texture. I'm not a fan.
I'm sure the placenta proteins that were in this emulsion was minimal. But that idea of putting something like that on my skin sort of grosses me out. This coming from the girl who slathers on snail cream daily.
Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
Would I purchase?
No.
Monday, 7 July 2014
Summer spotlight | SPF
Sunscreen. It's a topic I can't really get enough of, especially now that the weather is getting so good.
Sunscreen should be used daily. Slathering it on during the summer or just when you're about to leave the house should not be the only times you use it. Winter calls for sunscreen, especially if you're heading out to the slopes. Higher altitude increases UV exposure and snow reflects the sun's rays.
Stay vigilant about sun protection in all seasons to stave off wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and other nasty stuff! Sunscreen might need some time to kick in and protect you from the sun's rays.
If it's a chemical sunscreen, aim to apply it a half hour before heading outside. If it's a mineral (physical) sunblock, you are protected as soon as you slather it on. Mineral sunscreen is made up of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Each type of sun protection has its advantages and disadvantages. Some mineral sunblocks can break out skin and leave a whitish cast on skin. Chemical sunscreens can irritate skin. Experiment with both and see which one your skin prefers.
Apply about a shot's worth of sunscreen. That should cover an average adult body. Apply everywhere, even where skin is covered and often. Two hours at a time and more often if you're sweating or swimming. If your skin feels red or itchy, seek shade and reapply more often.
Open bottles really should be tossed within a year. Don't keep used bottles for next summer, as tempting as that is. Chances are the filters will deteriorate and your sunscreen won't be as effective.
Like time, high heat is sunscreen's mortal enemy. Too hot temperatures can degrade a sunscreen's efficacy.
Pro tip: Hide your sunscreen at the beach by burying it under the sand and covering it with your towel or beach read.
Practice safe sun. Carry a parasol or seek shade under a tree, beach umbrella or a canopy/tent if you want to be really fancy about it. If you do overdo it, aloe is your best friend!
How should it be used
Sunscreen should be used daily. Slathering it on during the summer or just when you're about to leave the house should not be the only times you use it. Winter calls for sunscreen, especially if you're heading out to the slopes. Higher altitude increases UV exposure and snow reflects the sun's rays.
Stay vigilant about sun protection in all seasons to stave off wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and other nasty stuff! Sunscreen might need some time to kick in and protect you from the sun's rays.
If it's a chemical sunscreen, aim to apply it a half hour before heading outside. If it's a mineral (physical) sunblock, you are protected as soon as you slather it on. Mineral sunscreen is made up of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Each type of sun protection has its advantages and disadvantages. Some mineral sunblocks can break out skin and leave a whitish cast on skin. Chemical sunscreens can irritate skin. Experiment with both and see which one your skin prefers.
How much should you use
Apply about a shot's worth of sunscreen. That should cover an average adult body. Apply everywhere, even where skin is covered and often. Two hours at a time and more often if you're sweating or swimming. If your skin feels red or itchy, seek shade and reapply more often.
Kick it to the curb
Open bottles really should be tossed within a year. Don't keep used bottles for next summer, as tempting as that is. Chances are the filters will deteriorate and your sunscreen won't be as effective.
Keep it cool
Like time, high heat is sunscreen's mortal enemy. Too hot temperatures can degrade a sunscreen's efficacy.
Pro tip: Hide your sunscreen at the beach by burying it under the sand and covering it with your towel or beach read.
SPF is not enough!
Practice safe sun. Carry a parasol or seek shade under a tree, beach umbrella or a canopy/tent if you want to be really fancy about it. If you do overdo it, aloe is your best friend!
Wednesday, 18 June 2014
A newbie's guide to…chemical vs. mineral sunscreens
I take sun protection very seriously. Every day, without fail, I put sunscreen on my face, neck and chest. I amp up my sunscreen application during the spring, summer and whenever I'm out in the snow.
I'd like to say it's because I'm health conscious, but it's mostly because I want to stave off wrinkles and age spots.
In my quest to find my perfect sunscreen, I've done some research on different types and want to share that knowledge.
Before heading straight to my sunscreen reviews, here is a quick primer on the topic.
Putting it really simply: chemical sunscreens absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays; mineral sunscreens protect the skin by sitting atop and bouncing UV rays away from the skin.
There are lots of chemicals that can go into chemical sunscreen. Some of which are Octisalate, Mexoryl XL, Mexoryl SX, Octocrylene and Avobenzone.
Chemical sunscreens tend to be a bit runny. And they definitely sting when they get into your eyes. From personal experience, save for one bad batch of sunscreen, chemical sunscreens have never left my skin looking all white and ghostly.
There are two minerals that make up mineral sunscreen: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. An important advantage mineral sunscreen has over chemical sunscreen is immediate efficacy. Once you put it on, you're protected. No more waiting half an hour before venturing out!
On the other hand, for anyone with darker skin or a tan, watch out! Mineral sunscreens can leave your skin with a ghostly pallor. Make sure to rub it in real nice, if you don't want to look like a ghost.
Again, drawing from personal experience, I can say walking around like Casper is not my idea of a fun time.
Whichever type of sunscreen you do use, it'll be 100 per cent better than going without sunscreen. Application is important; apply every couple of hours and whenever your skin turns red or feels itchy. Extremities need love, too – don't forget the backs of hands, tops of feet, ears, the back of your neck and your nose.
I'd like to say it's because I'm health conscious, but it's mostly because I want to stave off wrinkles and age spots.
In my quest to find my perfect sunscreen, I've done some research on different types and want to share that knowledge.
Before heading straight to my sunscreen reviews, here is a quick primer on the topic.
What's the difference?
Putting it really simply: chemical sunscreens absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays; mineral sunscreens protect the skin by sitting atop and bouncing UV rays away from the skin.
Chemical sunscreen: at a glance
There are lots of chemicals that can go into chemical sunscreen. Some of which are Octisalate, Mexoryl XL, Mexoryl SX, Octocrylene and Avobenzone.
Chemical sunscreens tend to be a bit runny. And they definitely sting when they get into your eyes. From personal experience, save for one bad batch of sunscreen, chemical sunscreens have never left my skin looking all white and ghostly.
Mineral sunscreen: at a glance
There are two minerals that make up mineral sunscreen: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. An important advantage mineral sunscreen has over chemical sunscreen is immediate efficacy. Once you put it on, you're protected. No more waiting half an hour before venturing out!
On the other hand, for anyone with darker skin or a tan, watch out! Mineral sunscreens can leave your skin with a ghostly pallor. Make sure to rub it in real nice, if you don't want to look like a ghost.
Again, drawing from personal experience, I can say walking around like Casper is not my idea of a fun time.
Bottom line
Whichever type of sunscreen you do use, it'll be 100 per cent better than going without sunscreen. Application is important; apply every couple of hours and whenever your skin turns red or feels itchy. Extremities need love, too – don't forget the backs of hands, tops of feet, ears, the back of your neck and your nose.
Sunday, 8 June 2014
Three things…for the days when you can't be bothered to cleanse
Attaining – and maintaining – good skin isn't brain science. It requires a good diet, adequate sleep, hydration and daily cleansing.
But there are some days when I can't be bothered to cleanse properly.
Just like there are some weeks where I can't be bothered to post.
Life happens. Sometimes you stumble home late at night from work or a party. Sometimes you collapse into bed after work for a nap, only to wake up at 2 a.m. and can't be bothered to get back up.
Those days happen!
I've stocked up on some heavy-duty cleansers and makeup removers, in preparation for those very days.
While these three products can't compare to my regular skin care routine, these do fine in a pinch.
1. Bioderma Créaline: Créaline isn't the only cleanser of its kind, but it's the one that is shown the most love. Bioderma offers this cleanser in two forms, though Créaline (Sensibio) is definitely the one to get. It's gentle on skin, yet powerful at removing makeup and cleansing. Arm yourself with some cotton rounds, cleanse to your heart's content, and be prepared to see how much comes off. An added bonus – no rinsing required.
Runs for $22CDN for a 250mL bottle and available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale and London Drugs.
2. Etude House Wonder Pore freshner: This "freshener" from the Wonder Pore line can do a lot of things, cleansing being one of them. Wonder Pore is similar to Créaline, with a few exceptions. It contains alcohol and is a teensy bit harsher than the Créaline. It also has a convenient pump – something lacking with Créaline. In similar fashion to Bioderma, arm yourself with cotton rounds and prepare to wipe off all that makeup and grime. Again, no rinsing is required.
Find this online in a variety of sizes.
3. Olay cleansing wipes: I reserve these for especially lazy days when I can't be bothered to use cotton rounds. Or, for that matter, find them to use with the other two cleansers. These are pretty good, despite the heavy alcohol smell. Oddly, my skin doesn't feel at all taut or dry afterwards. The sheet is pretty generous and it's possible to use both sides – great if you're wearing a lot of makeup. Its texture reminds me of a Swiffer cloth and it's just as effective at catching dirt and makeup. This is strong enough to easily take off eyeliner, ditto Créaline and Wonder Pore, but I have to tread gently while taking off my mascara.
Still possible, though!
Olay wipes come in a pack of 30 and retail for $8CDN and can be found at London Drugs.
But there are some days when I can't be bothered to cleanse properly.
Just like there are some weeks where I can't be bothered to post.
Life happens. Sometimes you stumble home late at night from work or a party. Sometimes you collapse into bed after work for a nap, only to wake up at 2 a.m. and can't be bothered to get back up.
Those days happen!
I've stocked up on some heavy-duty cleansers and makeup removers, in preparation for those very days.
While these three products can't compare to my regular skin care routine, these do fine in a pinch.
1. Bioderma Créaline: Créaline isn't the only cleanser of its kind, but it's the one that is shown the most love. Bioderma offers this cleanser in two forms, though Créaline (Sensibio) is definitely the one to get. It's gentle on skin, yet powerful at removing makeup and cleansing. Arm yourself with some cotton rounds, cleanse to your heart's content, and be prepared to see how much comes off. An added bonus – no rinsing required.
Runs for $22CDN for a 250mL bottle and available at Shoppers Drug Mart, Murale and London Drugs.
2. Etude House Wonder Pore freshner: This "freshener" from the Wonder Pore line can do a lot of things, cleansing being one of them. Wonder Pore is similar to Créaline, with a few exceptions. It contains alcohol and is a teensy bit harsher than the Créaline. It also has a convenient pump – something lacking with Créaline. In similar fashion to Bioderma, arm yourself with cotton rounds and prepare to wipe off all that makeup and grime. Again, no rinsing is required.
Find this online in a variety of sizes.
3. Olay cleansing wipes: I reserve these for especially lazy days when I can't be bothered to use cotton rounds. Or, for that matter, find them to use with the other two cleansers. These are pretty good, despite the heavy alcohol smell. Oddly, my skin doesn't feel at all taut or dry afterwards. The sheet is pretty generous and it's possible to use both sides – great if you're wearing a lot of makeup. Its texture reminds me of a Swiffer cloth and it's just as effective at catching dirt and makeup. This is strong enough to easily take off eyeliner, ditto Créaline and Wonder Pore, but I have to tread gently while taking off my mascara.
Still possible, though!
Olay wipes come in a pack of 30 and retail for $8CDN and can be found at London Drugs.
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
Quickie | FOREO Luna
Quick post: Thanks to UPS I now have a new skin care gadget!
And, yes, it is for skin.
Friends, this is the Foreo Luna. Never have I been so excited to wash my face!
It even has an anti-aging component!
Stay tuned for a review soon!
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