My Thoughts Corner

Hi Beauties,

BB creams have always made their way onto my skin more than foundations especially in the sunny and humid weather in Dubai. Some of the reasons why I prefer these formulas are the decent coverage provided and the natural look given which is just similar to the real skin tone. However, finding that perfect base has constantly been a struggle for me. I’ve been thinking for some time that I found the one but not after trying Rimmel BB Cream Radiance.

| Rimmel BB Cream Radiance |

This beauty balm is a new version of the original BB Cream launched earlier with the drop in SPF from 25 to 20. It comes in 4 shades; very light, light, medium and medium/dark. And according to Rimmel: “It’s a 9-in-1 skin perfecting super makeup that primes, smooths, conceals, helps minimize the appearance of pores, provides natural coverage, moisturizes for 24 hours, awakens tired skin, brightens the skin with vitamin C complex and gives a radiant finish”.

| Rimmel BB Cream Radiance |

I purchased the medium shade, and as it seems at first, it's a bit dark for me, but BB Creams are pretty forgiving as far as color goes so when blended out, it's a perfect match.

As I don’t have large pores, I won’t really know if it eliminates their appearance; but I can only say that it does help to some degree.

Coverage wise, I have to admit that I was impressed. It’s more like a light-medium coverage foundation and just enough to cover my dark spots, even out my skin tone and ease dullness after 1 coat only. It can also be built up very easily without feeling heavy but I personally love the result after the first layer.

I was worried about the “RADIANCE” portion of the formula as I thought it would be luminous which is not my type. Thankfully it isn’t! It dries to a satin, dewy and radiant finish, due to the pearlescent properties it has, which I really like and seems to wake up the skin and give a nice glow without being shimmery.

However, I think those with oily skin will not like this BB cream while those with normal to dry skin will definitely get on quite well with as it’s quite moisturizing and eases any dullness caused by the dryness.

Therefore if you prefer a more natural and lighter base with a decent coverage?? Then you should give this little BB Cream a try.

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.