My Thoughts Corner

I’ve been meaning to talk about two of my most loved products for quite some time, which have been a complete game changer for my skincare, and these are the apple cider vinegar and the La Roche Posay Pigmentclar Serum Intensive.

I’ve heard almost everyone swearing by the benefits of apple cidervinegar and to be honest I was never sold. I practically believed that nothing could clear my skin from dark spots, acne scars and pimples but expensive products. Clearly a bottle of smelly organic apple cider vinegar wasn’t as classy as my fancy branded ones! Then after converting to coconut oil as a makeup remover, I decided to give the apple cider vinegar a go. I don’t want to sound commercial but it does something in a way that any other lotion/cream failed to do. It’s antiseptic and antibacterial and helps to improve the overall complexion by balancing and restoring the skin’s natural pH. I have noticed my skin tone has evened out significantly, my dark spots and acne scars are lightened and a decrease in the severity of my monthly breakouts. I use organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar with “the mother” mixed with orange blossom water, which helps reducing the smell intensity, with a ratio of 1:3.

I don’t have major skin issue, Thank God; however, I have to deal with hyperpigmentation and acne scars and this is where La Roche PosayPigmentclar Serum comes into the picture. It’s an intensive dark sport correcting serum that tackles uneven skin tone, dark spots and pigmentation. It has a lightweight texture that offers enough moisture without the feel of heaviness. Highly concentrated in PhE-Resorcinol, Ginkgo, Ferulic Acid and LHA, this serum reduces considerably the pigmentation and dark spots. Certainly, it’s not one of those products that will provide results after a short period. I have seen though tremendous change after continuous use. My skin is brighter, even toned and my pigmentation is lightened and I can say that this serum helps also maintain my current radiant complexion.

The La Roche Posay Pigmentclar Serum and the apple cider vinegar made it to the top of my skincare regimen. They have done wonders to my skin which most expensive products failed to therefore I will forever be a loyal customer and a promoter.

Hi Everyone,

Today I will take you through my summer morning skin care routine and if you are new to my blog, I have normal to dry skin and I live in very hot and humid Dubai. In my choice of products here I mainly focused on hydrating and protecting my skin as it gets unbelievably dehydrated and tend to look dull due to high temperatures and continuous running AC everywhere. Saying that, lightweight products are definitely my picks.

It is a very simple and minimal regimen featuring some nice products I have been lovin’ lately. I first start by splashing cold water on my face and brushing my teeth of course and I will then grab my Garnier Smoothing Cream Cleanser. This is a gentle and creamy cleanser that helps restore the softness of the skin without drying it out. It contains Jojoba and Macadamia Oils and I really enjoy it however I won’t be repurchasing it as it has paraben.  Right after, and it’s probably my favorite part, which is toning. For that, I spritz my DIY toner or facial mist, whatever you wanna call it, which consists of ½ cup Organic Witch Hazel, ½ cup rose water and lavender essential oil (you can add any essential oil of your choice). I’ve got to say that I’m so in love with this toner, it’s so refreshing and the smell is just stunning; it’s exactly what you need to start your day.

Next, is a step I’ve been re-applying lately and I’m really lovin’ it. It is the serum and I’m using the organic Argan Oil for that. I don’t think I need to talk any further about how amazing this oil is; it helps keep my skin incredibly hydrated and supple throughout the whole day. The last step is moisturizing and I start by applying the Clinique Superdefense SPF 20 age defense eye cream, which is my favorite because it’s so lightweight and has SPF 20 which is really rare finding in eye creams and coming to my face and neck I applied for the past couple of months the Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Cream, which I reviewed here but for the past week or ten day I’ve been enjoying the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Light. I’m really liking this one because it’s so lightweight with a typical scent of the french skin care products, as I believe is based on water and sinks immediately into the skin providing the necessary hydration you need for the day. Another reason why I love this moisturizer is because it reminds me a lot of my adorable auntie Latifa in Paris as she used to have exactly the same scent and I just wonder if she wasn’t using the same cream???  

Last but certainly not least, and this step comes just before applying my makeup, I apply a sunscreen, even if I’m not leaving the house and my go-to one is the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Comfort Cream. I’ve got to say that it’s NOT a lightweight one. It gets a tiny bit sticky on the face and has a thin white layer, just like most of sunscreens but for a maximum protection of SPF50+ I don’t really mind that. Not to forget my lips, I’ve been using the Avene Cold Cream Lip Balm which kinda works for me only in hot months and I can’t stand it in winter. Weird No????

This is it for my morning summer skin care routine. Hope this post was helpful and stay tuned for the evening one. Have a great day!

I was convinced that nothing in the world would bring the radiance back to my skin. And of course I was wrong. After trying many things, there was this last thing that I was avoiding from the point that if nothing worked why this one would? But eventually I gave it a try and I’m SUPER GLAD I did… This last thing is nothing but essential oils.

I couldn’t imagine myself calling a product a “Can’t live without”, but today I can definitely say it loud and clear about these essential oils. Having now a proper skincare routine, which will be explained in details in a future post, I of course have no intention to disregard my magical regiment. Therefore I decided to have it as a daily serum and I totally love it. So let’s get started!

P.S: The essential oils you get might be potent and powerful; therefore be sure to test on a small area to see you skin reaction before application on the face. Another thing that is advisable is diluting the essential oils with carrier oil. You can check here for proper information about diluting essential oils. My lovely follower Liv from http://momprepares.com, suggested her Complete A-Z Guide on how to dilute essential oils, for both children and adults. (Thanks Liv :) !!).

Ingredients:

I use organic essential oils I got from Morocco. These organic ingredients should be kept in a dark glass container to extend the shelf life and potency of the serum. I’ve personaly re-used my clinique even better clinical dark spot corrector bottle. 

| My Re-used Clinique dark spot corrector bottle |

Argan Oil – Check all the benefits in my previous post here. 

Vitamin E Oil or Capsules – Provides moisture as well as antioxidant properties. Prevents and repairs free radical damage great for brown spots and scars. Speeds up cell regeneration. 

Calendula Oil – Great natural moisturiser for dry skin. It has antiseptic, anti fungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which make it a great option for treating skin infections. Helps reduce inflammation in skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis. 

Lemon Oil - Good remedy for increasing the luster of dull skin. It is astringent and detoxifying in nature, and rejuvenates sagging or tired-looking skin. Its antiseptic properties help in treating pimples, Acne and various skin disorders. Lemon is also recommended for reducing excessive oil on the skin. 

Beauty Oil With Rose – Helps to delay the effects of skin aging, assists with cell regeneration, and promotes collagen and elastin levels to increase. This results in firmer, smoother, and more youthful skin with greater elasticity.  

Prickly Pear Seeds Oil/ Barbary Fig Seed Oil - Used alone or blended, it’s an extremely pure ingredient with claims to be the “ultimate” in beauty oils- the new argan oil! Rich in potent antioxidants soothe the face, help with signs of aging, and improve overall texture.

Recipe for my DIY day serum:

| Argan Oil |

Honey

Milk or milk powder or ever rose water.

1 Egg Yolk.

1 table spoon Honey.

 | Egg Yolk & Honey Mask for Eyes |

Bunch of Parsley.

1 cup of plain yoghurt.

Rose water to mix and also for the nice smell.