My Thoughts Corner

I’ve read lately about the multiple benefits of the charcoal for the skin, and I have been interested in trying some skin care products containing this ingredient as they become a bit of a trend now.

Usually when I’m not sure which product I should get, I tend to go for either the small size or the drugstore type, just to, kind of, have a first impression. Therefore I thought of trying the Bioré Deep Pore Charcoal Cleanser.

Biore claims that the product “draws out and traps 2x more dirt & impurities than a basic cleanser, purifying pores to leave your face deeply cleaner and your skin tingly-smooth. Pores are twice a clean after just one use. With natural charcoal”. Well!! Let’s see!!

I have been using this for over a week now and I’m not sure if it is purifying my pores or not as anyway I don’t have large pores. However I have to admit that after couple of times, I see less and less blackheads though around my nose. A second unexpected thing is having a slightly oily skin the next day.  

I must also mention that this cleanser didn’t do a good job by removing my makeup effectively the first day so I went to use a makeup remover just before applying it.

From another hand, my face feels considerably fresh, cold and clean after use. A very surprising strong minty sensation that really wakes you up in the morning after rinsing.

Unfortunately that sensation is not the product “deep cleaning” it’s just the menthol giving a cooling sensation, which isn’t a problem for me.  Another disappointing fact is the ingredients; I noticed that this cleanser has more menthol than charcoal, and also contains parabens and sulfates, which are not an issue for some people, unlike me. And finally, the charcoal, supposedly the main ingredient of this product, is listed with the fragrance/preservative/paraben ingredients at the bottom. In case you didn’t know, ingredients are listed in order of concentration. The products with the most concentration are listed in the top, and it descends from there. Generally the perfumes and preservatives are listed at the bottom of the list, or anything with a less than 1% concentration in the product.

I’m left confused in front of this product. As I think it’s a must-have product especially for the ones with a normal to dry skin as it balances it out and leaves it smooth with a pretty strong fresh feeling due to the menthol, but looking at the ingredients I tell myself that this stuff should be out of my list.

I’m really disappointed with this cleanser, as it would have been a good product to consider in my must-have list if only it was a paraben and sulfate free and if had a higher percentage of natural charcoal as it claims. Sadly it’s not the case so I don’t think I would think of repurchasing it or even keeping it for longer.

Thanks for your read! Hope this helps.

Micellar water, lip primer…? The list is long for the beauty inventions to be added to our skincare routine every now and then. It might be for some a little confusing with all these bottles and tubes piled up on our vanities, about when to apply what? I ask because it never seemed important to know the order in which we eat our food. Everything goes through the same digestive section and gets ingested the same way, despite of which food got eaten first.

The sequence in which the skincare products are applied is crucial. The proper technique ensures the maximum efficacy of each element. Aside from the order of application, it’s very important to consider the time it takes for the skin to absorb the product. Additionally, an easy concept to follow is applying the products with the thinnest consistency to thickest, or from liquid to oil.

This is obvious, start by removing dirt and oil buildup using a cleanser. Use makeup remover for stubborn makeup. Exfoliate 1-2 times weekly at least.

Step 2: Toner

Toners remove deeper dirt and residues left by the makeup remove and cleanser. They are also rich in potent vitamins, antioxidants & botanicals that refresh and awaken the skin.

Step 3: Spot treatment

Prescription medications and spot treatments should be applied first to maximize the benefits.

Step 4: Serum

Serums are nutrient rich to prevent aging. Apply liquids first, followed by gels then creams in case multiple serums are used.

Step 5: Eye Cream

Step 6: Moisturizer

A moisturizer is super important for the skincare routine. It provides a smooth and soft base to our makeup in the day and it helps repair, restore and rejuvenate during our sleep. For this reason night creams are thicker made to be absorbed over the course of several hours.

In case the day moisturizer doesn’t have a sunscreen, add an extra layer of a sunscreen on top of everything.

While following this routine, allow each product 1 to 2 minutes to sink into the skin.

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned.

Frustrated about your makeup absorbed into your skin or slipping off mid-day?? Well you’re not alone… For years, my only quick fix is to touch up multiple times per day and especially during summertime.  I’ve heard that the best option, in addition to using a primer, it’s having a setting spray on hand. I myself never invested in one. Trying one would just make me buy it over and over as it is something that I have heard nothing but good things about.

Hence I decided to make my own at home.  For that you’ll need:

Distilled water or bottled water (Not the tap water)

Glycerin

Green Tea sachet – This is to add caffeine for the refreshed look.

Fresh medium size cucumber – This is to calm the redness and to take care of the darkness in the eye area.

Travel size spray bottle

Two or all of below essential oils:

Tea Tree Oil – Anti bacterial, anti septic & anti fungal.

Rose Oil – Anti bacterial, anti septic & would make the mixture last longer.

Lemon Oil – This will extend the life of cucumber extract.

Boil 1 cup of water (distilled or bottled), once the water is boiling, turn off the heat and throw the green tea bag and 1 full cup of chopped cucumber & let it blend for couple of minutes. After the mixture has cool down, drain it and add the important essential oils. You will need 4 drops of tea tree oil, 2 drops of rose oil and 1 drop of lemon oil. I didn’t have the tea tree oil back then so I basically used 5 drops of rose oil and 2 drops of lemon oil. Stir completely and set aside.

In another container, grab 2 tbsp of glycerin, 4 tbsp of above mixture and add 6 tbsp of water (distilled or bottled) and blend them thoroughly. Pour the mixture in the travel size spray et Voila!!!!

This is not the only recipe existing, however this is the one I tried. I’m neither a dermatologist nor a makeup professional; this is just what’s working for me. And yes it could not work for you… I should be sharing new recipes in this regard very soon.

I hope you enjoyed, I personally love my DIY setting spray and not only that; it works perfectly for much cheaper than those fancy high end products. 

Hello,

It had been a crazy time lately for me. Adding to this the heat and humidity during summer that just made me super stressed out and exhausted. And guess what??? My face started to show it!!!  The dark circles, the dark spots, discoloration, dullness … Oh God.

I was always impressed by makeup and its ability to transform the person from an ordinary individual to a super star looking one. However, my pleasure in taking caring of my skin is much bigger and enormous. My main concern is having a flawless skin without makeup. In other words, I mainly care about the base, the skin.

For quite some time I was questioning the use of chemicals on my body and face. Two years back I took notice of a wide range of alternative products granted by nature. Therefore, I said why not trying few homemade skin care recipes after a recommendation from one of my friends. These treatments are simply great for the skin, the environment and it saves me those huge money bills to spend on those fancy beauty products/spas.

Below is only the first part of the variety of skin care that you can make at home with few simple ingredients. I practice this routine twice to 3 times weekly to indulge every single element of my face.

My first recipe is made of one of the most amazing spices when it comes to the overall health and skin beauty. Due to its multitude beauty benefits, it has been called “The golden spice of life”. Yes it is Turmeric. This mask is made of only three ingredients, but each one is a skincare workhorse.

| Turmeric Powder |

Turmeric Mask:

No need to emphasize about measurements here; I just mix all the elements together until getting a creamy texture. Apply the mask all over your face and make sure to wear an old t-shirt. Leave for at least 20 min or until it’s dry, then wash with water. I always scrub the mask off with my hands while washing to ensure removing all residues of yellowish color. My goodness how I love the feeling of the glowing and brightening skin after washing my face!! It is really fantastic.

The second step is a fully moisturizing and softening egg yolk and honey eye mask. The egg yolk is made up of mostly water and fats, which makes it a great water-binding agent that locks moisture into your skin cells, leaving your face soft, supple & hydrated. From the other side honey acts as a great anti-aging agent and moisturizer. It also helps protect the skin from harmful UV and facilitate the skin’s ability to rejuvenate. Honey also has the ability to absorb and retain moisture and this maintains the skin well hydrated, fresh and supple.

Egg Yolk & Honey Mask (For Eyes):

Mix the 2 elements and keep in a plastic container in the freezer. If the honey used is a pure it will not freeze. But if it’s not, I can’t guarantee….

Now it’s time to exfoliate the lips using a very simple recipe made of honey, lemon juice & brown sugar. About 3 months ago, I tried the elf lip exfoliatorand since then I’ve been using it especially that it contains “sugar and smoothing sensation, infused with Vitamin E, Shea Butter, Avocado, Grape and Jojoba Oils”.

| ELF Lip Exfoliator |

Lastly I opt for yoghurt and parsley mask, a creamy facial mask that leaves the skin soft and refreshed. I like to call it “Youth Mask” considering the parsley a great source of Vitamin C and also known for its skin lightening properties that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots and discolored skin on the face.  The soft, fresh and moist feelings after rinsing off are just awesome.

Yoghurt and Parsley Mask:

Puree all the ingredients and I choose to place in the ice cube tray in the freezer and I take out 20 to 30min before use to defreeze.

| Parsley & Yoghurt Mask |

The experience of making my own skin care products, made me learn about many ingredients and may desire to widen my knowledge grows day by day.

A Moroccan wisdom states; if you can’t benefit from natural recitpes, it won’t harm you. Try them for yourself or even give them as gifts by reusing glass jars or bottles. Your friends and relatives will love the personal touch, and you’ll be recycling and saving money too!

Thanks for stopping by.

P.S: I haven’t stopped using my skincare products. This routine is used, as mentioned, 2 to 3 times weekly only. More details on my skin care routine will be provided on a future post.

Argan oil is most commonly used as a skin moisturizer to hydrate and soften skin. With its high vitamin E and fatty acid content, it is the ideal product to give skin a natural boost. As i'm thirty something, I've been more aware about the anti-aging products, and I was searching around about the perfect anti-aging products, I sat once and thought, that most of the articles online would emphasize the use of a serum. Either, a vitamin C, E or a combination and this where my decision to use my argan oil as a serum came from. I simply smooth few drops into my face and neck using gentle rubbing motions as a morning and night serum as this specific oil acts as a moisturizer and anti-aging all in one for face, eyebrow, lashes and lips.

I've been suffering from dull, tight and dry skin. But since I've started using the argan oil, I would say that my skin is much much better. I can't categorize it in the dry section anymore and to be honest not in normal one as well. So basically I'm kind of the middle.... I've also added some other essentials oils to my skin care routine. To have more details, check out my upcoming post.

Argan oil is also ideal for hair and could be added to the daily routine by rubbing few drops over the palms and combing the fingers through the hair. It is proven to make hair softer, silkier and shinier. It even helps to treat split ends and tame frizzy hair. I personally use it in addition to other oils for hair thickening (Will develop this in a separate post).

This miracle oil is also a great treatment for people suffering from eczema and a protection against pregnancy stretch marks and puckered skin after birth. Its softening properties are also ideal for brittle nails, dry hands, cracked and hard skin on feet. It both moisturizes and softens skin. 

The best thing about argan oil is that I use it in its pure form and I don’t need to be spend a lot of money to buy it as an ingredient of any product. 

My next post would guide you guys on how to know that your argan oil is 100% pure. Until then, hope you guys enjoy. 

Can't wait for your comments. Have a great day.