Skin

UPDATED SKIN ROUTINE

Posted on by thefrenchcaterpillar

Hi folks,

I’m back with a new skin routine! I have tried to stop using any potentially irritating products and given up on  harsh acne-treating products, and I must say that after using these products for 3 months I see a real difference. I haven’t had any major breakouts, except 2 hormonal zits on my neck (?) the first month right before my period, but now my skin feels balanced and ready to heal. If you have sensitive acne-prone mixed skin like I have, this could be for you!

 

 

MORNING ROUTINE: 

If I need to shower, I clean my face while showering with the So’ Bio etic Clarifying mousse which I actually bought in a supermarket and I was amazed! It really clarifies the skin and gives you a radiant look!

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If I don’t need to take a shower, I opt for a gentle clean with some Bioderma créaline H20 micellar water and/or some witch hazel water.

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Now when it comes to my every-day moisturiser, I have a new favourite:

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the Clear it up oil-free moisturiser by Lumene

These past couple of months, I have been very disappointed by many high-end products, so I’ve decided to stop thinking that expensive means good, and simply base my decisions on the ingredients in the products. This moisturiser is cheap while really keeping my skin in control while not drying out my face at all. It’s not an acne-treating moisturiser, but it’s oil free and contains a short list of good ingredients and very little fragrance, which my sensitive skin always appreciates. It’s hard to find in stores but you can find it on internet.

EVENING ROUTINE:

If I’m wearing a lot of makeup, I use coconut oil and massage it into the skin. Then I start taking it off with a little warm water and finally use a cotton pad to take the rest off.61hb3sobt1L._SL1000_.jpg

Then I use La Roche Posay’s Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser to wash away any makeup residues.

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As the water is rather harsh in Paris (where I live) I try to always spray some chamomile or witch hazel water on my face after washing it with water.

Once my face is squeaky clean, I proceed with my favourite part of my skin routine: the Aromessence Neroli Night Balm by Decléor ❤

 

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Where do I start… it’s simply the best thing that has ever happened to my skin. My mother has used it for years, but I’ve avoided her advice of trying it because I thought we did not have the same skin problems and there was no way it would work on my sensitive acne-prone skin. Boy was I wrong. Its composition is simply marvellous: the basil oil in the balm purifies my skin while the neroli hydrates and calms my skin. I wake up with beautifully hydrated, balanced and plumped skin. Even though it contains a lot of different essential oils it does not make my skin break out at all. I think this night balm + the oil-free moisturiser from Lumene is a really good combo for my whimsical skin.

 

 

 

MY SKIN ROUTINE

Posted on by thefrenchcaterpillar

Morning: 

I start off by gently cleaning my face with Witch Hazel or Rose water and then apply my day cream. Right now I’m using the Melvita rose facial gel which is really fresh and hydrating and let’s the skin breathe. In the winter I use the Biodroga Puran Formula 24H care for dry impure skin.

 

 

Night:

I first apply a large amount of coconul oil on my face and massage it into my skin and eyes. Coconut oil is a great make-up remover, even if you’re wearing waterproof mascara. I then wipe it off with a cotton ball or wipe. Then I either use my Konjac sponge with a little bit of oil and fragrance-free face wash, my Tri Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash or my Bioderma Sensibio H2o Micellar Water

As I have microcystic acne, I need quite a lot of exfoliation but as my skin is sensitive, I try to alternate between the three. Konjac sponges are very useful if you want a deep cleanse without irritating the skin. After that, I apply one of my home-made oil serums.

Right now I have two home-made oil mixes:

  1. Balancing, Calming, Acne-fighting: Hazelnut oil with Lavender and Tea Tree essential oil
  2. Balancing, Hydrating and Healing: Jojoba oil with a few drops of  Vitamin E extract

I sometimes alternate with aloe-vera based serums when my skin isn’t dry. Other recipes to come !

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Do you own oil mix according to your skin type: it’s easy, cheap and natural!

Treatments:

I use La Roche Posay’s Effaclar Duo on spot that are still “under the skin” and for scars as it has two effects: it unclogs pores and works wonders on red scars. It’s also not as agressive as all other acne treatments.

To kill inflamed zits I use the miraculous Tea Tree oil. Tea tree oil is an aboslute must-have if you have problem skin. Crajiru extract is also very purifying but it’s a bit more expensive.

I also put Manuka honey on my dry spots and scars 3 times a week, it works miracle.

Once a week I steam-bath my face (or just put a hot towel on my face for a few minutes if I’m in a hurry), use a very gentle scrub such as Caudalie’s gentle scrub or my Konjac brush to gently exfoliate the skin before applying a home-made mask.

The base of the mask is pretty much always the same: clay (while, green or red) or yogurt, and then I add other cheap natural ingredients. I will make a complete list of easy DIY face mask recipes in my next post.

Basic Make-up:

Make Up Store Oil-free Primer

Biodrogan BB cream “for mixed impure skin”

Une concealer “Skin glow”

Une BB highlighting pen

Maybelline green concealer

Shiseido “UV Protective Compact Foundation” in the summer, a mineral powder in the winter.

Elizabeth Arden Blush “Wild Berry”

Bourjois Bronzing Powder “Délice de poudre”

Bare Minerals Eye Shadows “The Truth”

Maybelline Baby Balm “Cherry Me” or Isadora Twist-Up Matt Lips “Nude Rose”

Anastasia Brow Pommade “Taupe”

+ some brown eyeliner and waterproof mascara

DONE !