My Thoughts Corner

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. 

There has always been a beauty battle over whether powder or cream blush is best. That’s like asking whether using a pencil or a pen. Well the answer is that each blush is important and all is depending on the look you want to achieve.

The available shades are countless however the difference in the texture of the 2 formulas can alter the appearance it gives to the cheeks. The application technique may also vary between the two blush types.

Whether powder or cream, both include a carrier to deliver the color. The main ingredient of the carriers for powder blush is talc and water or humectants for cream. Since adding color to your skin is its main function, most of formulas include colorants and preservatives. Additionally, powder and cream blushes contain feel enhancers, oil absorbents, binding agents (to hold the product together) and spreading agents.

| Powder Blush | 

The powder blush creates a matte, polished finish look. However the problem with highly pigmented products is picking up too much powder accidentally. It’s always better to tap the brush to remove any excess before pressing the brush on the skin. Unfortunately it doesn’t last as long as liquids and the color can change as the product absorbs the oil from the skin. Many women find this formula easier to blend especially when using a proper blush brush. Powder blush works with all skin types, but it best suites those with oily skin.

| Powder & Blush Brushes |

Cream blush on the other hand is great for dry skin. It is hydrating and creates a dewy, youthful and fresh look due to its smooth texture and creamy consistency. This formula is easily applied with fingers or using a stippling brush and the great thing is it can also multitask as a lip color.

| Cream Blush |

| Different stippling Brushes |

Regardless the type of formula chosen, blush should provide a natural, fresh and healthy glow to the skin. I personally prefer cream blushes; I love the dewy finish it provides.  However I still opt from time to time for the powder formula.

At the end, it honestly is just a matter of preference when it comes to choose between the powder and cream blush. Best to find out is to make sure to give each one a try.

Thanks for stopping by and stay tuned to the next post.