7 Skin Saving Products I 'm Dying To Try and So Should You!

With Summer coming to a close and the colder temperatures approaching, it's time to start thinking about switching up your skincare routine. I'm a firm believer that every season you should swap out a skincare product and introduce a new one to your already extensive day + night ritual to achieve new results. According to Dr. OZ "healthy skin is important because it's your first line of defence from bacteria and other environmental pollutants". Let's not forget to mention that your makeup applies and looks impeccable when your skin is healthy! That's why this Fall I'm looking at incorporating one or two of these skin saving products to maximize my results!

//PETER THOMAS ROTH 40 % TRIPLE ACID PEEL //

$88

This extra strength peel contains 3 high potency acids ( AHA, BHA and Mandelic Acid) that exfoliate the skins rough patches to reduce the look of fine lines and uneven skin tone. I have had great experience using BHA and AHA, but at 40% acid potency I think you are almost at professional grade quality. I'm definitely interested in trying this at home peel.

                                                                             

 

//Murad Canada White Brilliance Porcelain Serum// 

$115

I've developed a few sun spots around my eye area and it's irritating me because I use SPF 30 sunscreen every single day, but that's still not enough to deflect them. In my defence though, I don't put sunscreen too close to my eye area as it really irritates me. I have read amazing reviews on this serum that targets sun spots and makes your skin luminous. I'm willing to pay the hefty price tag to test it out and hopefully banish them forever! I'm not yet ready to have a laser treatment such as IPL so I think this is my best non-invasive option!

//Murad Detoxifying White Clay Body Cleanser//

$33

As important as it is to take care of your face, it's equally as important to nourish the rest of your body. This is another Murad product that has received rave reviews online from bloggers and woman around the globe (yes I also read beauty blogs lol). What's unique about this body cleanser it that it's formulated to draw out all impurities from your body. I read online that this white clay cleanser detoxifies your body like an Epsom salt bath would but in the shower! I'm definitely up for that.

                                                                                  

                                                         

     

        

//Laneige Water Sleeping Mask//

$30

This product blew up on my Instagram feed(insert shameless plug here)so of course curiosity got the best of me and I had to check it out online. This overnight mask leaves a thin film on the face as it hydrates, replenishes and soothes. It contains ylang ylang, sandalwood oil, and orange flower to promote deep sleep. This is a huge Korean beauty favourite so of course I'm already intrigued!

//boscia Sake Balm Moisturizer//

$58

boscia is a botanically based , preservative free skincare line. I've always been curious about this brand and the more I researched them the more I like their philosophy. 

This product is made from the low-alcoholic Japanese drink, Sake. Sake has been proven to provide great skin benefits such as hydration and luminosity. It also contains jojoba leaves to prevent free radical damage. This moisturizer is another K-Beauty hit so of course it's on my list of products to experiment with.

Rodan + Fields Redefine System

$245+( amazing incentives every month)

It's no secret that Rodan + Fields has become a phenomenon in the skin care industry that even caught the attention of Ms. Britney Spears herself. She is praising the brand for keeping her skin subtle, youthful and free of blemishes. I'm very interested in trying the complete REDIFINE line as I'm already using the REDEFINE Multifunction eye cream and I see a huge difference in my eye texture and dark circles. It's recommended to use the whole system together to truly achieve amazing results, so I may just go for it and order the complete REDEFINE Line!

Simple Soothing Facial Toner

$8

I never cared much for facial toners till I read in a magazine how advanced toners have become and how essential they are to a daily skin care regime, especially in the colder months. The more sophisticated toners will add moisture, soothe redness and are packed with antioxidants ( a.k.a. anti-aging). This one is a no brainer and I will be picking this up sometime this week. I 'm a fan of Simple products because they're very affordable and are proven to work!

DISCLAMIER: I was not paid for this post and I am not affiliated with any of the brands mentioned above.

Kiehl's Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Radiance Mask

The last sprinklings of Winter have faded away and Spring has finally settled it's sweet self around here. The sun is setting later and the weather is quite warm. I so deeply enjoy that feeling of rejuvenation that comes with this season. 

Speaking of rejuvenation, don't you feel your skin from the cold and bitter wind seems a bit dry and dull? I noticed this the other day as I was cleansing my face. Where did my glow go? I have to admit I've been lazy with my night time skin routine...Gasp! I decided to fix this quickly as I don't like knowing I look dull and lack lustre!  

Kiehl's Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Radiance Masque

Kiehl's recently launched a new masque containing Turmeric and Cranberry seed. As I was curious to unconver the benefits of these ingredients I ended up purchasing the 75 ML jar and received the deluxe sample as a bonus. 

Turmeric is a potent anti-inflammatory spice that is used while cooking but also has amazing skin benefits. Turmeric can treat acne scars, exfoliate dead skin, clear eczema, and provides a youthful glow to the skin.

Cranberry seeds are loaded with anti-oxidants that help fight premature ageing and is the only oil that has a perfect ratio of Omega 3&6 fatty acids so it absorbs quickly into the skin.

The masque is packaged in a red tub. It's not fancy packaging by any means and stays true to Kiehls brand of minimalist packaging. When I opened the tub I was expecting a strong fragrance but it was very light. I appreciate products that don't have an overwhelming scent, especially masques that are meant to be left on your skin for some time.

\\Top,Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Masque Applied to right side//

\\Bottom, Masque Washed Off //

 This masque is very easy to use. You apply a thick layer of product on your face and leave it on for 5-10 minutes. Once ready to remove,you add a bit of water to your face and rub the product, gently, in circular motions. As you can see by the first image above the masque dries to a firm consistency(the right side). By adding water you're releasing the exfoliating cranberry seeds. The exfoliation is very gentle so no need to worry about over or harsh exfoliation to your skin. After exfoliation, either splash water on your face to remove the rest of the product or use a facial towel dipped in a bit of water to gently remove the product. Kiehl's is advertising this masque as an "instant facial" that will brighten the look of dull skin. By looking at the second image above(the right side) of my hand)you notice a considerable difference from the left side of my hand where I didn't apply the product. The skin on the right hand side is very smooth, brighter and radiant. The skin on the left hand side is still dull and lacklustre.  Even after washing my hands through out the day the right side felt very smooth and baby soft:)

I have used the masque on my face twice a week for 6 weeks now. I haven't broken out or experienced dry itchy patches after exfoliating.

My only concern with this mask is that I don't believe it helped shrink or fully clean out my pores like a regular facial would. I believe the cranberry seeds may actually be too gentle as an exfoliating product. Overall the Kiehl's Tumeric and Cranberry Seed masque is a good mask that will give you a gleaming,lustrous and healthy glow to your skin. The exfoliating cranberry seeds are not harsh on the skin and offer gentle exfoliation for an improved overall complexion.

The radiance you achieve with this product lasts for a couple of days wich is a bonus!I'm very happy with how brightened and radiant my skin looks after each use and I plan on continuing to use the Kiehl's Turmeric and Cranberry Seed Masque.

MAHA

XO

*I purchased this product.It was NOT provided to me as a gift. Opinions expressed in this post are my own*



REVIEW - M.A.C STUDIO WATERWEIGHT SPF 30 FOUNDATION

// STUDIO WATERWEIGHT SPF 30 FOUNDATION //

Last month I was searching for a light to medium coverage foundation that can be worn everyday. I don't usually wear foundation everyday but when I decide to its the MAC Pro LongWear. Lately I'm finding it too heavy and the effort it takes to properly blend this foundation out is too much work for a busy woman on the go,go,go,....you get the idea! I popped into a MAC store one afternoon and the MAC girl raved about the Studio Waterweight foundation.I had never heard of it before so I was curious to try it out and see for myself what the hype was about.I purchased it in the shades NC40 and NC42, just in case.I've been wearing it for 3 weeks (almost) everyday now and I've fallen in love with this foundation.

The foundation is encapsulated in a glass bottle with a dropper to easily dispense the right amount of product right onto my Sigma flat kabuki brush. Genius! It has an ultra-fluid, thin, serum-like consistency. Upon application it felt very silky on my face, not cakey at all. I noticed right away that it blurred out my "freckles" ( OK sunspots) on my temple. This impressed me as I was really considering getting these spots lasered off! The finish is neither matte nor dewy. After one application it has a very natural finish, almost satin/sheen like. At two applications it's a full medium coverage foundation. I've only been applying one even coat and I'm really happy with the amount of coverage I'm getting. As I've mentioned before, I have very dry skin in the winter and I felt this foundation didn't dry up my skin.I can't say it hydrated it either, but it does a good job of not drying it up further.I love the idea that the watertight foundation has SPF 30 in the formula. As well the MAC girl gushed over the fact that it's full of antioxidants(to help repair damaged skin). This can be used on all skin types including acne prone skin. It's water based and should not cause irritation to the skin. 

Overall, I'm giving the Studio Waterweight foundation a thumbs up. If you're in the market for a light - medium foundation, definitely try it out and let me know what you think :)

How To Avoid Cake Face

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What is Cake Face? Cake face is a beauty blunder term used when foundation, concealer and powder are too thick on the face and it's noticeable. This is not good. No one wants this, we all want a flawless base.This is what has worked for me and what I recommend to clients.



1. Apply Moisturizer to your face with your hands.

2. Apply your favourite face primer. Primer is used to smooth out the surface, fill in your pores and prep skin for foundation. Apply enough product that the open pores of your skin can be evenly filled. Wait till the moisturizer and primer are absorbed into your skin before applying foundation.

3. Give your foundation a quick shake. This will allow the pigments that separated to regroup. Apply a thin layer of foundation to your face to even out your skin tone. This will lightly cover any imperfections you have on your skin. If you feel you need more coverage on the blemishes, do not apply more foundation, switch to a concealer. Lightly dab concealer on the blemish. You can use a sponge, kabuki brush or concealer brush to apply the foundation and concealer, but I find you achieve the best " non cake face"when your hands are your tools. The warmth from your hands will work the product right into your skin effortlessly and give you an even layer of foundation.

4. Now we wait! Wait for the foundation to dry before moving onto translucent powder, blush and bronzer. If you apply powder right after foundation, your skin will absorb more powder than what is really needed and cake face begins! Once foundation is dry apply the powder with the help of a brush on the oily areas or areas you would like to set so the foundation doesn't slip and slide off. This includes the T-zone, under-eye area and cheeks. Do not buff or drag the powder across your face, but lightly dab the powder. The point of the dabbing motion is to lock in the products you already applied ( primer, foundation, contour) in place. Dabbing will ensure you're not taking off the products.

5. Apply your blush and bronzer one layer at a time. If you feel you need more blush, apply another layer. Same principle for bronzer.

6. Spray your face with a setting spray

7. Apply lipstick and/or gloss.

8. Go out, have fun and enjoy life :) 

Is this simple enough ? Makeup application shouldn't be difficult and make you look like a pastry puff. If you apply your makeup in even layers, you will avoid the dreaded Cake Face!

Beauty Tips :

Choose a moisturizer that suits your skin needs ( Dry, Oily, Combination). I personally LOVE to use this moisturizer on clients before makeup application. I don't recommend this moisturizer as an everyday product as it does not contain SPF. Don't be cheap with your moisturizer application.  You need enough to cover your face and neck.

The majority of the face primers out on the market are really good. I use various ones, but lately I've been hooked on this one.

Choose a foundation that suits your skin tone. Cake face is made even worse if you're not wearing the proper foundation shade. It's best if you visit a beauty store and get matched. You want the foundation to blend in seamlessly. If you have oily skin, opt for an oil free product like this.  I recommend using 2 shades, 1 for Summer when you're darker and 1 for Winter when your lighter. In the Spring and Fall you can actually mix the 2 shades. Mixing the shades only works if you are matched correctly, so again, I would take the time and get matched properly. If you prefer a full coverage foundation, you will still need to apply it thinly at first and then assess if you require more. The majority of the time, full coverage foundations will provide enough coverage on the first application. I enjoy using this for those days that require more coverage. I'm shade 127, Dark Sand.

Drink lots of water to keep your skin hydrated. As you age, your skin will lose moisture but you can combat that by drinking 1 litre of water a day! I still struggle with this!

There are so many options out there regarding setting sprays.There are matte sprays, dewy sprays,  shine free sparks, so many! I recommend you try a few out till you find one that best suits your needs. A setting spray is not a necessity, it's just added assurance that your makeup will last a bit longer thorough out the day.


Maha

Skin Saving DIY Facial Mask

Hi Beauties,

I've been so upset lately at how my skin has looked the past few weeks. I don't remember when my last facial or exfoliating treatment was. I've noticed more blackheads around my chin and nose area, dull complexion and of course the dreaded acne around my T-zone...gross! Not sure if it's because of the heat or stress!



So began my mission to find something to save my skin! As I'm trying to live a more wholesome lifestyle, I decided to forgo the chemically induced facial treatments and opt for a more holistic approach to my skin problem. I decided to make my own facial mask. Yes, I've become a DIY'er! Masks are great to use once or twice a week, depending on your skin, to deep clean and re-hydrate your skin! I researched a lot of masks online until I found one that not only benefits my skin in many ways (skin brightener, acne reduction, pore diminishing) but also uses wholesome ingredients. This one is by far the most effective and now my "GO-TO " weekly mask:

COCONUT OIL + HONEY + LEMON 

Organic Coconut Oil is naturally rich in antioxidants. It helps eliminate dry cells, clears acne, unclogs pores, promotes skin elasticity, and helps hydrate the skin even after washing it off as it penetrates deep into the skin cells! 

Raw Honey is used to hydrate and moisturise the skin, fades acne scars/blemishes, and exfoliates skin cells when combined with other oils such as coconut or olive. 

Lemon Juice acts as a natural astringent and is amazing at killing bacteria that causes acne. 

These ingredients combined together make a powerhouse mask that costs less than .75 cents a batch!!!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil

• 2 teaspoons raw honey

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Directions:

1 Combine the above ingredients thoroughly in a small mixing bowl.

2 Apply a thick coat of the mixture onto your clean face.

3 Allow the mixture to sink in for 10 minutes. Rinse off with cool water.

(via Healthmunsta)

Too easy right ? It's been 2 weeks since I made my first batch of this miracle mask and I LOVE IT! My skin looks dewy (not oily), hydrated, and my acne diminished in 2 days! I didn't wear makeup today, just moisturiser, and I had a natural glow to my skin that I hadn't seen in a long time! So happy I came across this skin saving mask!

Give it a try and let me know what you think! 

Maha