About Me

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Vegan. Ex-makeup artist. CFS/ME sufferer. Cares about human rights, equality, animal rights, conservation/climate change.

Chitika

Wednesday 19 August 2015

Current Skincare Favourites!

I am, I confess, a skincare-oholic. I love products, lotions and potions that promise to make my skin clearer, brighter, younger, firmer. I am ruthless, though. However appealing a product may be, it has to work to become a permanent fixture in my skincare regime. So many products give me blackheads and blocked pores, so I have to be very careful to only use noncomedogenic products and oils. That being said, I think I've found a pretty effective regime, so I wanted to share it with you!

Make up removal

I love Superdrug's Clearly Youthful Cream Cleanser for removing my make-up at the end of the day. It dissolves my makeup with ease, plus it contains AHA/BHAs to give my skin a bit of an exfoliating boost. When my skin is feeling dry or rough, I leave it on for a minute before wiping it off with a warm wet flannel. This cleanser is not supposed to be used on the eyes, so I rub a little petroleum jelly over my eye make-up before wiping it off with my damp flannel.

If I'm super tired I will use a wipe to remove my make-up. I usually use Superdrug's Micellar Cleansing Wipes, but lately I've been trying Faith In Nature 3 in 1 Facial Wipes, which are good, but I'd prefer if they were fragrance-free.


Cleansing



Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Softening Cream Cleanser is amazing. It's a gently foaming cream that cleanses thoroughly, yet still leaves my skin soft and supple. I use this morning and evening, with my Superdrug Konjac Sponge or a flannel if I need extra exfoliation before makeup application.

Serum

I'm currently starting to see results from Active Solutions Vitamin C Serum from Sr-Skincare. Vitamin C has such a potent effect on the skin, it can reduce the appearance of sun damage, boost collagen and promote skin healing, plus it helps protect your skin from oxidative damage. I use this morning and night after cleansing. Twice weekly I mix in 1 pump of Paula's Choice Clinical 1% Retinol Treatment. I've definitely been noticing an improvement in fine lines.


Moisturiser

Even though my bottle has clearly been through the wars, I've had great results from using Hemp Oil to moisturise. It's noncomedogenic, super moisturising, plus it helps regulate oil production. 

Sunscreen


I believe the most powerful anti-aging product is always going to be sunscreen - that's why I'm on the factor 50 all summer long! This summer I've been using Kiss My Face Face Factor SPF 50. I really like it, but I do wish it was fragrance-free. 

Lip Balm

No skincare post would be complete without lipcare! 


Lately I've been loving Pacifica Color Quench Lip Tint in Vanilla Hibiscus. I get super dry lips, and this is so creamy and moisturising I can't help but slather it on all day! It's supposed to be a lip tint, but it's so translucent it doesn't really add any colour at all. I would consider one of the darker colours to actually give my lips a tint, but I'm fine with using this like a regular balm.

If I'm leaving the house I'll use Superdrug's The Little Protecting Pink Tin SPF 15 before my lipstick. Sorry, mine's got bashed up a bit in my bag!



Mask

A firm favourite of mine is the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask.


You just mix it with a little raw apple cider vinegar to form a paste, then apply to clean skin and let dry. It's really great for unblocking stubborn clogged pores. I would recommend using it at night, though, as it leaves you with a slight pink flush! I like to mix in some oats to make it more moisturising.

So those are my skincare favourites! Feel free to leave your vegan skincare favourites in the comments!

Til Next Time,
Emma
xXx

Friday 14 August 2015

The Vegan Kind Beauty Box, August 2015

Subscription boxes are always something that sounded like such a good idea to me. It's like getting a present from yourself with great new products to try! I've been dying to get my hands on The Vegan Kind Beauty Box, and yesterday mine arrived! It was like Christmas morning!

I recorded my first Youtube video, unboxing it and giving my first impressions. Let me know what you think - I've been nervous about making a video, so feedback would be appreciated!


I'll be reviewing the products later, when I've had some time to test them out, so check back soon!

Til Next Time,

Emma 
xXx

Friday 7 August 2015

Conceal Dark Circles, the Vegan Way!

Covering dark circles is one of the top things clients ask me about. Whether they're caused by lack of sleep, allergies, or hyperpigmentation, they can make you look tired, drawing attention away from pretty eyes.

But don't worry! Help is at hand! My simple tutorial will have you disguising dark circles like a pro!
I've had dark circles since I was a child. Mine are hereditary, and don't fade no matter how much sleep I get! This makes me the perfect model for this tutorial! Our cruelty-free, vegan dark circle fighting arsenal. These are my favourite products to use, they perform so well.

  • Small, synthetic hair concealer/lip brush
Step one

Start with moisturised, primed skin. Apply a small amount of peach or orange corrector to the darkest part of the circle. Your finger will apply too much, use a small brush. Step two


Blend it up to the lower lashline with your finger using a gentle patting motion. Step Three


Using your finger, apply high coverage concealer to the dark circle using a patting motion. Continue to pat, adding more if necessary, until the circle is covered and the concealer is blended into the surrounding skin. Blend a little over the upper eyelid to counteract any darkness there. Avoid using a concealer that is too light, as the circle could turn grey. I'm using a shade darker than my normal skin tone. Step four




Using a powder brush, apply mineral foundation or concealer to the entire eye area. Use a patting or dabbing motion to press it into the concealer. This will set your concealer and add more coverage. Step five Finished! Apply the rest of the your makeup and you're ready!




Let me know if you enjoyed this tutorial. Are there any other tutorials you'd like to see from me? Til Next Time, Emma xXx