Current Quick and easy Morning Skincare Routine

Good Morning loves!

I'm on to my second coffee, because some mornings are just like that aren't they?

Following a recent, unfortunate reaction to a product, I have been trying to pare down my skincare routine a little. Over the last 3-4 weeks, I have introduced some new products into my routine, both morning and evening, which I have been thrilled with. Today, I'll focus on my morning routine. It is quick and fuss free, and is just ticking all the boxes for my oily/combo/acne prone/ageing skin at the moment.

You may have seen my recent post about my travel skincare choices, I still love and would recommend all of those products. Being the beauty nerd that I am, I do love trying new products, and when I find good ones, I have to share them with you!

Now...I am not a morning person. At all. 

There are many mornings, whilst trying to get myself and four children ready for school/preschool, that I am pressed for time. I can honestly say, that if I neglect my morning skincare, then it will certainly show over the next few days. My skin will look dull, dehydrated and congested. Keeping the products to a minimum, and using products that are gentle, hydrating and protective is key for me. This routine takes me no more than 4-5 minutes, sometimes less...and is always accompanied by a fresh coffee.

The Morning Line Up....and coffee of course!

RosehipPLUS Organic Daily Cream Cleanser 150ml  RRP $16.95 AUD.

The RosehipPLUS Organic Daily Cream Cleanser landed on my beauty desk towards the end of September, and is a new addition to the RosehipPLUS range, which includes their Hydrating Day Cream, Nourishing Night Cream and their beautiful organic, cold pressed Rosehip Oil, which I adore. Sometimes I have a feeling that I know I am going to love a product, and that is how I felt about this cleanser. 

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you will know that I prefer a non-foaming gel, or cream cleanser for my morning cleanse. If I wake up looking parched and dehydrated, I will often reach for a lightweight oil. I have no problem using oils or cream cleansers of a morning, they don't need to be restricted to evening/makeup removal at all.

The RosehipPLUS Organic Daily Cream Cleanser has a base of Aloe Vera Leaf juice, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil and Rosehip Oil, along with soothing and anti-inflammatory herbal extracts. Its texture is thick and luscious. I apply it to my damp face, and massage it in for around 30 seconds, emulsify with a little water, and then rinse it off with lots of lovely warm water. Due to its high oil content, I also follow up with a warm flannel. I can't help myself... love a warm flannel on ma face!

My skin feels clean and comfortable, soft and glowing. This cleanser also makes light work of removing makeup, and I have double cleansed with this in the evening to test it out, and it does a stellar job. Put this one on your list. It is gentle, effective and affordable. Love.

Skin Doctors beetox - RRP $59.99 AUD.

I am currently on a mission to boost my skin's collagen production. There are a couple of products that I have employed to aide in my mission to plump up my skin, and help to make me appear a little less haggard and a little more fresh! Skin Doctors beetox is one of them. 

An issue I face as an oily/combo skin girl, is finding a product that will hydrate my skin during the day,without feeling to heavy, or causing my makeup to slide off my face 2 hours later. I also look for products that will provide anti-ageing benefits, and some formulas designed for more mature skins often assume that your skin is also dry skin, and are just way to emollient for me. One of the first things I noticed about beetox, apart from the fact that it smells lovely, was how lightweight it was. It feels more like a lotion than a cream on the skin, and feels just beautiful. It is hydrating and  refreshing, absorbs quickly, and provides a beautiful base for makeup application.

The anti-ageing aspect of beetox, is the inclusion of the compound melittin from Bee Venom. Skin Doctors state that when used cosmetically, bee venom "fools the skin into thinking it has been lightly stung, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin".

So, in a similar way to the Homedics Newa device that I have just reviewed, and topical exfoliating acids, and skin needling treatments.... the idea behind it is to create a mild wound healing response in the skin, giving the old collagen and elastin production a kick up the backside so to speak, and aide in cell renewal.

Skin Doctors beetox is designed as a skin treatment, that you then follow with a moisturiser and/or sun protection of a morning. I find it perfectly hydrating for me, and don't feel I need to add any further moisture to my skin. I do apply a CC cream with a high SPF in my next skincare step.
If you have drier skin, then you might like to layer a moisturiser over the top.  I also love that it contains manuka honey, an ingredient that I love in my skincare, which has natural antibacterial properties, and is also nourishing and healing for the skin.

It sits in what I would call a medium price bracket, at $59.99 for 50mls of product. I will continue to use it, and keep you updated, but I am certainly finding it to be contributing to my skin looking brighter and feeling plumped and fresh. It is worth the money in my humble opinion.

Dr LeWinn's Eternal Youth Day & Night Eye Cream

Dr LeWinn's Eternal Youth Day & Night Eye Cream featured in my recent Travel Beauty Skincare post here. I continue to reach for it because it is quick and easy in the mornings, and does such a great job at smoothing fine lines, offering light hydration, and de-puffing. My eyes tend to have puffiness on both the upper and lower lids, and this eye cream makes a visible difference every time I use it. The cooling metal applicator also adds a lovely sensory experience to my mornings whilst I am calmly asking my children to brush their teeth, brush their hair, and to put their socks on a gazillion times...

IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ SPF 50+  Shade Light RRP $58.00 AUD.

Whilst I have featured the IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream on my Instagram on many occasions, I have not yet chatted about her here on my blog. Rather remiss of me, as this is the second tube I have purchased, and it has been a favourite of mine for almost 18 months now.

Following my Skin Doctors beetox treatment, I go straight in with this CC cream. There are several reason why I love it. It has beautiful coverage, I would say somewhere between medium and full coverage on me, as I have a lot of pigmentation. It blends beautifully, smooths over my large pores and fine lines, and has a lovely satin/glowy finish on the skin. It just makes my skin look better! 

It has a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 50+ physical sunscreen, which is brilliant. There isn't much point in using good skincare, boosting cell renewal, and promoting new collagen if you are not going to protect all that lovely fresh skin. This CC cream also contains a plethora of anti-ageing ingredients, giving you added skincare benefits, along with it's great coverage and SPF protection. 

On a day to day basis, and for incidental sun exposure this is perfect. If I know I am going to be outside for long periods, I will apply a designated sunscreen, my current favourite is Alpha-H Protection Plus, and top it with the IT Cosmetics CC Airbrush Powder Foundation SPF 50+, another huge favourite of mine.

In the winter months, this CC cream lasts beautifully on my skin, though in the warmer months the longevity is somewhat less, as my skin naturally produces more oil, and the level of humidity rises. I have found that using the Skin Doctors beetox underneath it really helps it to wear well, an incidental, but highly pleasing discovery!
In terms of price for us Aussies, it is in line with a lot of higher end foundations, and can be purchased from our lovely Sephora Australia. As I have mentioned, I have purchased and re-purchased this CC cream, and would not hesitate to spend my money on it again. Highly recommend!! Love!!

Do tell me what products you love to use in the morning? I would encourage you to add in a simple morning skincare routine if you haven't already,  you will absolutely notice a difference in your skin...and don't forget your SPF!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Disclaimer: RosehipPLUS cleanser and Skin Doctors beetox are PR samples. It Cosmetics CC cream purchased by me. All opinions, thoughts and experience shared are my own, and may be different to yours. Cheers xo.

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Travel Beauty | Part One | Skincare

Hello Beauties!

I hope you are well! I am battling the flu, and thought I would blog this morning to try and distract myself from how rotten I feel!

I am transporting myself back to the beautiful Toberua Island in Fiji today, and taking you through my travel skincare picks that came along with me on my week long holiday in August of this year.

This post will be part one of a little Travel Beauty series I have put together. I hope you enjoy them!

Typically, when travelling, the products I choose to take with me are tried, tested and loved, and form a regular part of my skincare routine at home. Though tempting to pack little sample sachets, I choose not to, simply because I have quite reactive skin, and the last thing I want to deal with when away on holidays is a skincare reaction. My advice, stick to what your skins knows and likes, and leave trying new products to when you are at home.

Some of these products you may have seen featured on my blog previously, and I will link to more in-depth reviews along the way.

If you are interested to see which products made the edit... then please read on!

Alpha-H Liquid Laser Cleansing Oil was my cleanser of choice to take with me, and I used this morning and night. It is a thick gel consistency, that melts into a soothing luxurious oil when massaged into the skin. I always use cleansing oils starting off with dry hands, and massage them into a dry face. This is a cleansing oil to take your time with... it is just beautiful, and ideal for facial massage. The Liquid Laser Cleansing Oil will emulsify into a milky liquid with a little warm water, and can then be rinsed off easily without leaving any residue. I still like to follow up with a warm flannel to finish off, but that is just my preference. This cleanser is a huge favourite of mine. It's primary scent is due to the inclusion of Lavender oil, which is calming, relaxing and nurturing. It is also said to brighten dull, lacklustre skins with the inclusion of White Mulberry and Hibiscus extracts, while Ferulic acid provides antioxidant protection. Put it on your list. Love.

I followed up my morning cleanse with Alpha-H Protection Plus Daily SPF50+ which not only provides excellent physical, broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, but is non-greasy, doesn't irritate my oily/combo/acne prone skin, is tinted to offset any white cast, and provides an excellent base for your makeup, should you wish to use any. I have read some reviews online, and noticed that some people found it to be greasy, I do not agree with this at all. It is quite thick, but certainly, in my opinion, not the slightest bit greasy. This is a small, trial size tube, which I had in my cupboard from an Alpha-H set that I had purchased from Adore Beauty last year. I have already finished a 50ml full size of the Protection Plus, which comes in a handy pump bottle. It is a well know fact that protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun is the most important anti-ageing step in your skincare routine. Take it from me... don't forget to use it every day!

Paula's Choice Resist Advanced Replenishing Toner was packed in my bag, as I was experiencing a mild breakout before we left ( sodding hormones ). This is a 2% salicylic acid toner that I always have in my skincare cupboard. While I use a variety of acids on my skin ( not all at once! ) I find that Salicylic acid is the best for any issues with congestion that I might have. Salicylic acid is a fat soluble Beta-Hydroxy Acid, meaning that it is able to penetrate into, and exfoliate deep within the pore itself, as well as the surface of the skin. This is why it is often recommended for problem/acne prone skin. Salicylic acid also has an anti-inflammatory benefits, which will aide in soothing and calming the redness associated with breakouts. This toner also contains well known hydrating and anti-ageing ingredients, making it ideal for skins like mine that need both the exfoliating action as well as anti-ageing benefits.

If my skin ever feels bumpy, or rough, or I'm noticing more blackheads/whiteheads, this is what I reach for. A few drops of this liquid toner onto a cotton pad, and a quick sweep over the face, it can be used either in the morning or the evening. I'm not too prescriptive with it, I just pull in out and add it to routine as I feel I need it. I purchase my Paula's Choice from the Australian website.

Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys pretty much come with me wherever I go... well... not to shops, or the hairdressers, or the school drop off...but you get my point. I have reviewed these in more detail here, and have talked about them ad-nauseum, but to give you the short story, they are single use face pads soaked in a glorious concoction of lactic acid and nourishing oils that will have you waking up the next morning with glowing chops. I use these 2-3 times a week, after cleansing and prior to application of my chosen serum/oils/moisturiser. I have recommended these to many of my friends, who are now also equally obsessed with them as I am. I promise I won't tell Zoe if you haven't tried them yet... but I recommend a swift click onto the Go-To website here to purchase... just sayin...

These two hydrating powerhouses are must-haves in my humble opinion. Both Go-To Face Hero and Dr LeWinn's Miracle Radiance Renewal Serum were safely packed in my skincare bag. Again, Go-To Face Hero has featured on my blog previously here, and I adore it. This is the second bottle I have purchased, and it contains the most beautiful blend of skin-loving oils which hydrate, plump and calm irritation unlike any other oil blend I have tried. Yep. It's that good.

Dr LeWinn's Miracle Radiance serum is a more like a serum/oil blend. It contains Sea Buckthorn, Tamanu and Rosehip Oils, which incidentally are also present in the Dr LeWinn's Four Fusion Cleansing Oil, that I also love and adore. It is very lightweight, whilst still giving a good kick of hydration. I would alternate this with the Go-To Face hero as my evening moisturiser, and on occasion reached for this in the mornings when I felt my skin was looking a little lacklustre ( perhaps due to consumption of cocktails, but I can't be certain... ) I believe this has been the recipient of a number of Beauty Heaven awards in the past as well. Look out for the Dr LeWinn's gift with purchase packs that they will offer at various times throughout the year from either Priceline Pharmacy or online at Adore Beauty Official. I first tried this serum in one of those gift packs, and I was so impressed I went on to purchase the full size. Love.

A holiday just isn't a holiday without a tube of Lanolips. I rather grand statement yes, but I have a rather ridiculous collection of these luscious lip balms... it's a little embarrassing. I love them. Needless to say, Banana Balm enjoyed her time in Fiji immensely! Slathered on every evening, her light fluffy texture soothed and plumped my lips whilst happening to smell delicious to boot. One of the tinted Lanolips with SPF was my pick for the mornings, and she will feature in the next post! I am waiting anxiously for the new Pear one to appear in my local Priceline... I also use these all natural lip balms on my children, and you will find them randomly dotted around my house on any given day! Love!

I have been incredibly impressed with the Eternal Youth Day & Night Eye Cream from Dr LeWinn's. I have been using this for the last couple of months, and if you are like me and suffer from the dreaded puffy-morning-eyes-syndrome, then you absolutely need to try this! One of the most effective eye treatments I have tried to date, it has a neat, metal tip applicator through which you squeeze out a little of the serum, and proceed to smooth it all around the eye area with the cooling applicator. It firms the skin, de-puffs like a boss, and smooths fine lines whilst providing refreshingly light hydration. It also makes for an excellent base for concealer. Safe to say I cannot stop reaching for it, so naturally it had to come to Fiji with me! Put it on your list!

Well that's a wrap loves... I hope you enjoyed seeing what was in my travel skincare bag! Even if it was a rather large amount! A girl has to have choices you know!

Have you tried any of these products? Do you see any of your favourites here?

Do leave a comment or question below if you would like to!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Blessings,

Lou xo

Disclaimer: All products were purchased with my own money, except for the Dr LeWinn's Eternal Youth Eye Cream, which was a PR sample. All opinions shared are my own regardless. This post is not sponsored. There are no affiliate links present. Cheers xo

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Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil | Review

If you have ever thought about trying an oil cleanser, or are looking for an affordable alternative to some of the offerings from high end or luxury brands, then look no further than Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil. 

I started experimenting with oil and balm cleansers around eight months ago, and haven't looked back. As I have mentioned in previous skincare posts, I have oily/combo, acne prone, dehydrated skin. I use my oil or balm cleansers as a part of my evening skincare routine. I am not currently using face wipes, cleansing waters or a separate eye makeup remover. My oil or balm cleanser and a soft, fluffy face washer is all I need. 

Whilst loving the transformative process of applying my makeup, there is something to be said for embracing and enjoying the evening ritual of cleansing. 

As the name suggests, Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil contains four lovely "good for skin" oils, as well as some other well known oils and ingredients as the base for their formula. 

I decided to do a little more of my own research into some of the ingredients, and thought I would share it with you. I hope you might find it useful!

Glycine Soya or soybean oil is the first ingredient listed. It is high in vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant which also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent for the skin. Glycine Soya is often used in skincare preparations to specifically prevent damage to collagen and elastin fibers, and it is ideal for emulsifying ( mixing with water ) to allow it to be easy washed/rinsed away. 

Rosehip Oil is very high in fatty acids which aid in skin cell regeneration and repair. This is why you often hear that Rosehip oil is recommended for assisting in healing and reducing scarring and hyper pigmentation. 

It is also high in antioxidants to protect the skin, and to promote the formation of collagen. 

Tamanu Oil is a healing and anti-inflammatory nut oil, which also assists in regenerating the skin, and promoting the formation of new tissue. It moisturisers, and nourishes the skin. 

Argan Oil protects, moisturises and reduces redness and irritation. Also high in vitamin E, omegas, and has antibacterial properties. 

Baobab Oil is extracted from the fruit seed of the baobab tree. Used by African societies for centuries, it is high in Omegas 3, 6 and 9, and is exceptionally moisturising, emollient and soothing, without clogging pores. 

Calendula Flower Extract has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, stimulates collagen and promotes healing. 

Lemon Myrtle Oil is antiseptic, antiviral, emotionally uplifting, refreshing and calming. 

Benzoyl Alcohol I assume is included in the ingredients to function as a preservative. I tend to avoid the types of alcohols that are known to be potentially drying or irritating to the skin, and this is one of them. However, in my humble opinion, any drying effect that may possibly occur would be balanced and corrected by the nourishing oils. Also of note, this is a cleanser, and is only on the skin for a couple of minutes at most, so in short, the inclusion of alcohol in this cleanser has not been an issue for me. 

How Does The Vine Use it? 

My preference with cleansing balms and oils is to apply to a dry face. I use 2 pumps and massage it in, all over my face for about a minute, and then remove with a clean washcloth soaked in nice warm water. I then rinse the washcloth, and go over my face again, making sure to remove all of the cleanser. I use a fresh clean face washer every day.  Some thicker balm cleansers can be a little more difficult to emulsify, however if that is your preference than this one will emulsify very easily and beautifully, allowing you to rinse away the oil grime and makeup of the day. 

The directions do specify to avoid direct contact with your eyes. However, I massage the oil over my eyes to remove my eye makeup. It does a brilliant job, and I have experienced no irritation or stinging at all. I do be careful to close my eyes, not sure I want it IN my eyeballs!!

In the evenings I double cleanse, and it will depend on my mood or how my skin is behaving as to which cleanser I choose. If I am feeling particularly dehydrated, I will double cleanse with the oil. If not, I will typically use Alpha-H Triple Action cleansing gel, a gentle non foaming cleanser which I adore. 

Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing oil smells lovely to me. You can definitely notice the fresh scent of the lemon myrtle, though I don't find it overpowering. I am also aware of the scent of the base oils, which have a natural, earthy smell in my opinion. 

Dr LeWinn's 4 Fusion Cleansing Oil is currently 20% off at Priceline Pharmacy nationally, so you can take home a lovely cleansing oil for just under $24.00. It's Rrp is $29.99. 

Have you tried any Dr LeWinn's products? 

Are you a fan of cleansing with oils?

Leave me a comment below, I would love to hear from you! 

Thanks so much for stopping by! 

Blessings, 

Lou xo 

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