My Thoughts Corner

I constantly try new products to manage my skin needs that are centered around dehydration and ageing. To tackle both I had been using quite of cocktail of several products for either concerns. Lately I came across two skin care gems that made a huge difference to my thirsty dull looking skin. Let’s take a deep look at each one of them.

La Roche Posay Redermic C Anti-Wrinkle Firming Moisturizing Filler | No surprise that I’m obsessed with La Roche Posay.  I have been using many of their products and my skin has only been looking its best. Technically I use this product as a Vitamin C serum, despite its hydrating properties that makes it more of a moisturizer, as mentioned in their website, but not to a degree for someone with dry skin to forgo their regular one. It is a great combination of hydration and anti-aging in the form of a velvety plumping and nourishing serum. It is infused with a powerful mix of skin repairing ingredients; hyaluronic acid with a fairly concentration of 0.1%, pure Vitamin C (5%) and water binding agents to smoothens out superficial fine lines, not the deep ones, and pulls up skin for a firmer complexion which is completely essential for my dehydrated skin. Sooner than I expected, I have observed notorious improvements.  I haven’t noticed any sting with this serum, but my skin is brightened up beautifully and feels fresh and plumper and looks radiant. This stuff packs up some serious anti-aging ingredients for all of us 30+ ladies. The La Roche Posay Redermic C Anti-Wrinkle Firming Moisturizing Filler could be a little expensive but totally worth the splurge. If you are parabens concerned like myself, rest assured there are none in any of La Roche Posay products. 

The Body Shop Drops Of Youth Youth Concentrate | It is one of The Body Shop bestsellers that imparts three plant stem cells;  Edelweiss from the Italian Alps, Criste marine and Sea Holly from the Brittany Coast, to help tackle the first signs of ageing. Let me get this straight from the beginning; it is NOT as some might believe the “fountain of youth” nor some drops. It is in fact just a moisturizing serum using the Fagus Sylvatica or Beech Bud Extract as the more predominant plant based element instead of the aforementioned ingredients as marketed.  Rich in peptides, amino acids, lipids and other great stuff, the Fagus Sylvatica is believed to be a great antioxidant and useful in smoothening fine lines. One more thing worth mentioning; though alcohol appears to have the 3^rdhighest concentration in the ingredient list, my guess is, since I didn’t find the serum particularly drying; it is there to act as a penetration enhancer, nevertheless this could warrant people with sensitive and dry skin. This serum has a lightweight fast absorbing gel texture that’s made from natural origin for 99% ingredients while it’s silicon and paraben free and has a lovely floral citrus scent that doesn’t linger too long. Despite the high price tag for an average drugstore brand, the real outcome for me with The Body Shop Youth Concentrate is how my skin feels not so much how it looks; it is “instantly smoother and replenished with moisture letting it unveil a healthy luminosity and youthful bounce”. 

As we grow signs of aging skin could be difficult to manage. There are endless anti-aging creams, serums and all sort of products available nowadays that promise a younger looking skin. In reality, what really matters is to know what our skin really needs and target the root causes of aging to help us look our best while embracing our imperfections and skin changes as we age.

Thank you for stopping by. 

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,

2016 went crazily fast and during this year, I tried so many products and since it is December, my favorite month, I wanted to post a roundup of my favorite products of this year, mainly makeup ones. I preferred to mention the products in accordance with my order of application. Without further ado, I will be talking about base products; namely primers and concealers.

Sunscreen is always my first step that I never missed even in winter time. For years, I’ve been using my trusty La Roche PosayAnthelios XL 50+ spf. It’s a light, paraben free and non-perfumed sunblock that prevent sunspot and age spots.

For primers, my first is technically a skin care product. In other words, it’s a tinted moisturizer, namely the La Roche PosayEffaclar Duo (+) Unifiant that I picked while in Paris. Check my haul here and here. It is one of those clever products that fall in the midst of skin care and makeup that works on unifying the skin and correcting the marks.

The l’oreal Nude Magique Blur Cream is one of those late discoveries of mine. However, when I tried it, I loved it. Though I’m not a silicon base product lover, I figured that this one works perfectly underneath my powder foundation without feeling on the top of my skin like most of silicon base primers.

My second product category is concealers and I’ve got to admit is my second favorite beauty product after bronzers. I will start with a staple one; the Mac Pro Longwear Concealer. It is long wearing with a creamy liquid consistency and offers medium to full coverage.

My second under eye concealer is the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind, which I believe is a great one for a drugstore. Though its thin consistency that doesn’t settle into the fine line, it gives good coverage and impressive staying power.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer is again another staple with a lot of hype but it’s for a reason. It’s a lightweight concealer with a medium coverage and creamy velvety texture. The product brightens up the under-eye area without accentuating the fine lines.

Last but not least is the Mac Prep and Prime Highlighter. It is a beautiful concealer that I particularly like to use along with my Mac Pro Long Wear. It is lightweight yet creamy with a good pigmentation and doesn’t crease.

This is my first part of the base products and I will shortly be back with the second part that covers foundations and setting powders.

What’s your favorite products? Please comment below if I should try any of it.

This is my second and final round of my Paris haul which include four more items. I have to say that I’m proud of myself for making smart buys during this trip. Let’s just hope that the performance of these products will be as high as my hopes…!!!

The first purchase is a CC cream that’s the first in my collection and I was for so long, keen to try one of these with no brand limitation. I got my hands on the L’Oréal Nude Magic CC Cream in Effet Bonne Mine for dull and tired skin. It has an SPF 20 and supposed to provide hydration for 24 hours.

I’ve got another cream contouring product that I’ve heard only good things about. It is the Maybelline Master Contour V-Shape Duo Stick Contour & Highlight in 02 Medium .. Damn it, that’s a long name. I first opened the tube, whilst typing this post and tried it on the back of my hand and so far, I’m liking it. I’m also in love with the packaging; it is very compact and easy to throw in your bag.

La Roche-Posay is by far my favorite French skin care brand. Everything I tried from them made a difference to my skin. That’s why I got the Effaclar Duo (+) Unifiant (€14.90) in Light to immediately lessen imperfections and marks for a more even skin tone and texture.

Lastly, I decided to gift myself the Limited Edition Nars Orgasm Blush (€39.90) which was in my wishlist for so long but I simply could never justify the price. I don’t think I need to add to all the hype this particular product is having, however I have to say that the color is so beautifully exquisite that I’m not surprised that everyone raves about it.

I hope you enjoyed, thank you for stopping by and keep your eyes up on some upcoming reviews!!

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!