Lets talk acne: My favourite foundation!

*Sorry for the messy eyebrows guys.. growing-out-my-eyebrows-to reshape-them problems*

Why Estee Lauder?

I’ve always had a thing for Estee Lauder. I don’t know whether it’s because I’ve seen my mum use the products religiously since I was a dot, or because Kendall Jenner is the face of the brand - either way, it’s a brand I’ve dabbled in here and there. I even worked on counter for some weeks before my hectic university timetable wouldn’t allow me to carry on. So, it’s fair to say I’ve got a little soft spot for the products that I spent much of my time learning about.

My skin

I have oily to combination skin, which at times can be a little unruly. It goes through stages – mainly for hormonal reasons – and sometimes it’s clear whilst other times I have crazy breakouts. I wish I was one of those people who only gets a spot or two but no, when I break out, I really break out. And it was on one of those bad skin days that I decided to go on the hunt for a foundation that doesn’t feel like an oily layer on my skin or clog pores, whilst lasting a long time.

The down low on Double Wear Light

Double Wear Light is pretty self-explanatory for already avid users of the original Double Wear. It’s a much lighter formula for people looking for sheer-to-medium coverage; it still carries elements of the original formula that so many women love, and it lasts all day!

I’ve used Double Wear before, but full cover in a foundation isn’t a desirable quality for me anymore. A lot of the time my face feels cakey and uncomfortable – I hate it! However, Double Wear Light allows me to start off with sheer everyday coverage that can be built up without feeling thick and oily on the skin; it’s perfect for those looking for a fuss-free foundation that gives a beautiful finish.

But most importantly, for those who suffer with acne like myself this lightweight foundation is non-acnegenic (products that are formulated to not clog the pores) and oil-free just like the original Double Wear, which is so useful for oily skin types that are prone to breakouts.

The lightweight formula is perfect for summer, and along with SPF 10, it really takes care of your skin all year round.

Why have I chosen Double Wear Light instead of the original?

I’ve recently taken a different approach to my skincare and makeup and I think this is important for all acne sufferers who are conscious of their skin. It’s so important to be patient with yourself and your skin during a breakout and I’ve come to realise that no amount of makeup caked on my face will make me feel any more comfortable with my spots. So instead, I think it’s time we embrace the lumps and bumps. Our skin goes through so many changes throughout our lives and the naturally ‘airbrushed’ look is almost impossible without Photoshop.

Instead, I’ve been using lighter products to cover up redness and just accepting that today, this is how my skin has decided to be and I think we all should. After all, I can guarantee that the only person looking at your spots is you – give people a pretty smile to look at instead!

What makeup or skincare products are you loving for acne-prone skin this Summer? : - )

Summer Skin Saviours!

As the British summer cranks up the heat, we need to turn up our skincare game. Naturally the condition of our skin can change with the seasons so its important to make sure we maintain its healthiness whilst striving for that beach girl glow. Whether your skin becomes more dry or oily in the heat, these products will kit you out for the months ahead! : -) 

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish (hot cloth cleanser)

You know what’s coming. I’ve mentioned this product on here quite a few times now and I have to say, judging by the amount of empty tubes I’ve hoarded over the past year, it’s become a holy grail of mine! For anyone who hasn’t jumped on the Liz Earle bandwagon yet, hop on RIGHT NOW although I don’t think it’s going anywhere anytime soon!

I’ve tried other cleansers but I can’t help but come back to this one. It’s so gentle on the skin and the beautiful mix of naturally active ingredients always leaves my face feeling smooth and fresh - compared to other cleansers anyway, it’s the only one that leaves my face feeling squeaky-clean. Either way, I don’t think this baby is going anywhere out of my skincare routine and in case you’re wandering, it’s for all skin types so suitable all year round!

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate Facial Oil

This is a product I’ve had my eye on for aaaaaaages since developing my loyalties to Liz Earle as a brand but I have always assumed that having oily skin meant that introducing facial oils into my skincare routine would make the situation worse. However this particular oil is suitable for all skin types and has in fact counteracted the excess oil that I’m constantly trying to battle.

Firstly, the scent is overwhelmingly soothing and I can’t pump a drop without someone commenting on the aromatic waft! It’s quite a rich oil so can only be used at night but I really prefer this because our skin is continuously regenerating and repairing every night so it’s important to find the best product to enhance this process.

However, when applied at night (I like to take some time to massage the product onto the face) the oil doesn’t sink in straight away but continues to sink in throughout the night, allowing me to wake up feeling fresh; my skin always feels smoother and plumper the next morning! Give it a whirl if you’re looking for a boost of radiance this summer! : - )

No.7 Purifying Exfoliator

Everybody needs an exfoliator! It’s so important to get rid of all those dead skin cells to avoid congestion and potential breakouts and I’ve recently taken a liking to this No.7 exfoliator in particular. Since clawing my way through university exams, my skin has been all over the place and it feels like the dead skin is making a come back every night! So although it’s not the best for dry skin types, this more abrasive exfoliator has been doing the trick.

I’d describe it as your everyday exfoliator that is an essential for any skin type – but sensitive and dry skin types only stick to once a week application! Any form of exfoliation will do but this is the one I’ve been trying to use up – plus I thought I’d include it in this post because the colour of the packaging matches the other products and looks cute in my perfectionist mind (please don’t say it’s just me who does that… hehe).

The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Body Butter

In this case I really am saving the best till last. Believe the hype but until you have a sniff of the Body Shops green tea range, you’ll understand why everyone’s been raving about it. Obviously my favourite thing about this product is the scent – super super fresh, and most of all hydrating. I’ve always thought that the other body butters were overrated because apart from the potent scents, they weren’t actually that moisturing. However the consistency of this body butter is more of a light gel formula that sinks into the skin quicker leaving long-lasting, comfortable and non-sticky hydration.

I have yet to purchase the rest of the range but i’m sure I won’t be able to resist much longer!

P.S Does anyone know why the Fuji Green Tea body butter is a different formula to the other Body Shop butters? Is this a thing now? (pls)

Comment and let me know! : - )

Have a lovely day guys and I hope you’ve taken away some ideas to add a little sunshine to your skincare routine!

Lets talk Summer bodies: Motivation and advice

Let's not kid ourselves, Summer has arrived and I'm not ashamed to say that I didn't create a bikini body in the Winter like the experts say we should - instead I ate lots of rubbish and hoped the day I had to reveal an inch of skin would never arrive. But with a little tweak here and there to my everyday lifestyle, I think I'm finally on the road to achieving some of my fitness goals. I've always had a turbulent relationship with food and exercise, and it's something I'm still working on, every day in fact. But each day, I feel like I've become stronger, mentally and physically, which has strived me to work harder - but of course it hasn't been easy. With beauty comes pain and effort, but that doesn't mean it's not worth it. Here are a few tips and bits of advice to keep you motivated:

- Be kind to yourself. Achieving your fitness goals cannot be done overnight (there's a reason you consider it to be a goal) so look after yourself in the process and don't be too hard on yourself: take regular breaks, and reward yourself when you've worked your bum off. 

- Buy some pretty gym clothes... so working out becomes an excuse to wear your cute patterned yoga pants.

- Practise yoga. I've recently loved doing yoga before or after a workout, and it's soooo beneficial for the horrible aches and pains you feel the next day - recovery is quicker, so you can get back out there girl! Also, who doesn't want to be one of those cool Instagram yoga girls stretching on a beach (can I be one pls)

*If you're a beginner like myself, try 30 days of yoga with Adriene - I've been loving this!*

-Routine. Finding structure to my workouts has really been motivating me, because I know how easy it can be to become overwhelmed, especially when you walk into a gym and there's machines designed for pretty much every muscle in your body. Results With Lucy and Yoga with Adriene has really transformed the way I exercise. I wake up knowing what I have to do instead of giving up before I even try!

-Eat Eat Eat. Never starve your body or eliminate food groups that are crucial to maintaining a healthy balanced diet! Depriving your body can either lead to yo-yo dieting, giving up, or going in completely the opposite direction and binging. Eat your greens and protein, but a girls gotta have some chocolate here and there. 

After all, who said chocolate had to be unhealthy? Swap your whopping great Cadburys bar for dark chocolate, it's nutritious, a powerful source of antioxidants, improves blood flow, and the bioactive compounds are great for your skin! 

-DRINK WATER... Need I say anymore? You know it's for the best. Or if you're a tea drinker, switch to herbal/green tea! It counts towards your daily water intake and it aids digestion and bloating. I've been loving the Your Tea: Tiny Tea Teatox for cleansing the system, although this is a detox and shouldn't be a permanent element in your diet. 

- Do it for the after pictures. 

 -Do it to be the best possible you. Although swooning over Beyonce's figure never hurts - one for the fitness inspo list right? 

I hope a few of these tips have inspired you in one way or another, but this is only the beginning of my journey, so I'll be updating you through the tough times and the great. Feel free to join me and let me know if you have any fitness tips and tricks that could help others! Keep smiling : - )