Skin Check In

My skin is breaking out bad and I don't know why.
Usually it's because it's "that time of the month" but not this time.
And its only on the right side of my chin and mouth area and they're painful pimples.

Okay, maybe I have an inkling it's the cheese and dairy I've had, because I can break out from dairy but it's never been this bad or long.
I've had pizza quite a lot. . .

I've been trying to treat these pimples, so if what I use works I will let you know.
Also, I tried the Pixi Glow Peel Pads (again) and they dried my skin out for over a week.  I have never had sand paper skin the way I did this past week.  The first time I used the pads I didn't even notice a difference. This last time was much different.
The Glow Tonic works well for me, but these pads are a no go.
I would recommend the First Aid Beauty facial radiance pads over these, but that's just me.
My skin is typically on the drier side.

Lately for acids I've been using the lactic, glycolic, salicylic and hyaluronic acids from The Ordinary.
They work best for my, apparently, sensitive skin.

Then I like to also use the Caudalie Instant Detox Mask, I think it's a miracle worker. I haven't bought it in almost a year and just repurchased it because I realized I missed it and it was one of the products that really helped my skin.

Because I use those acids I try to keep my moisturizer pretty basic and use the Eucerin facial moisturizer as it's hydrating and just simple.

I also LOVE the Glow Recipe watermelon sleeping mask, it is amazing, you just need to try it to understand.

I have no updates on eye cream, because I miss my beloved Shiseido eye cream but can't justify the price until there is a sale.
For now the Olay ultimate eye cream is working, but it's nothing compared to the above.
If you have any suggestions on an affordable eye cream it would be greatly appreciated.

I'm curious what you're using in your skin care routine (I love skin care) or if you have any tips for break outs. Thanks!

My Current Skincare Routine 2018

 I feel like I change my skincare routine every 6 months or so.  I'm not sure if it's a good thing, but this is what is working for me right now.  I feel like I say this every time I post a skincare routine, but I don't think my skin has ever looked so good as it does right now.  It probably helps that I had my first facial last weekend too.

 I first start by wetting my face and using my Foreo Luna mini 2 with my Aveeno Positively Radiant face wash.  If it's the end of the day and I've been wearing makeup I use the Equate brand of eye makeup remover (same as the Neutrogena one) and then go in with Clinique's Take the Day Off cleansing balm.

 The mask I've been using the most lately is the Aveeno 60 Second In Shower Facial, it makes my skin so smooth and I love the convenience of using it in the shower.  In the morning I like to use The Ordinary's hyaluronic acid as a base, but if I having a bad skin day I will use The Ordinary's Salicylic Acid 2% first and the the hyaluronic acid.  At night I like to use Niod's Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid, for some more intense moisturizing.  Alternating nights I go for The Ordinary's Lactic Acid 10% ( I couldn't live without this!)  

I've been really loving the Dr.Botanical's Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil as a last step after moisturizer during the day.

 Ever since I had a rash on my cheeks last year I've been scared to stray from my Eucerin Replenishing Face Cream, so it'll probably stay in my routine forever.

The two eye creams I'm using at the moment are my beloved Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Resist24 and the Olay Total Effects 7 in one which I've been using for about a month and liking so far.

Olay's Regenerist Luminous Facial Oil has been a staple, if I'm not applying the Dr.Botanicals oil I'm applying this one night and day.  I've just been loving using oils lately and I would suggest you try it out.

To finish off my face I spray some of Omorovicza's Queen of Hungary Mist.

I never ever thought I would rely on a facial mist but this has changed my mind.  When my skin is feeling really dehydrated I spray this about four different times through out my routine.  

I honestly think this has changed my skin the most out of everything. 

I have less breakouts, less redness, my skin feels so hydrated and smooth, it's just amazing.

Then I go in with the Hylamide HA Blur on my t-zone and a tiny bit under my eyes to help smooth things out, then I use ThisWorks InTransit Camera Close up all over for a perfect glow.  It's a mask, moisturizer and primer all in one.

I really enjoy using it as a primer and then I spritz a bit more of the mist and I'm done. 

The result, for me, is super glow-y, radiant skin.

The Ordinary's Hyped Foundation

I have another little haul from Deciem.

[From left to right: The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2% (I bought two), The Oridinary Colours Serum Foundation Fair Neutral 1.1, The Chemistry Brand Inhibitif Deodorant, The Ordinary Colours Serum Foundation Light Neutral 1.2, Hylamide SubQ Eyes Advanced Serum]

 I am loving everything Deciem makes so far.
 I have yet to try the deodorant but it is supposed to 'fight the look of hair growth', which I was very interested in so I thought why not? I'll do an update on that at a later date.

This the is the Hylamide SubQ Eye Serum.  This can be applied in the am and pm, which I am a fan of, and it is supposed to improve fine lines, puffiness and dark circles.  Lately I've been noticing the fine lines under my eyes, definitely some dark circles happening as well and I only suffer from puffiness when I've had too much salt in my diet.  So far I've noticed that it does help hydrate my under eye area and while it's too soon to tell if it's helping my fine lines I find that it has almost a firming feeling a little while after applied.  While my under eyes are looking brighter, I still suffer from dark circles after a sleepless night but that's only a problem concealer can fix.
So far a thumbs up!

I love the idea of applying a retinoid on my skin, so of course I had to scoop up two of these.
I have never applied retinoids on my skin before but I have heard plenty of good things!
This is a 2% retinoid, it is supposed to help with signs of anti-aging (yes please!) and you only apply it in the evening.
I don't know why but I thought this would have some sort of smell to it, but nothing.  Actually I've never had any scent issues with any of their products so far.
I've been using this for a few days but I notice my skin is clearing up which I'm not sure if that's an effect of using this but I'll take it!

The Ordinary Colours Serum Foundation, the reason my order took so long to get here.
The wait list for this foundation was huge and the brand was sending out emails apologizing for the delay, which I think is awesome customer service.  I love getting a heads up when something won't be arriving when I thought it would and what the reasoning is.
I am not a foundation girl, which is why I ordered the serum instead of the coverage foundation.
I ordered the shades Fair Neutral 1.1 and Light Neutral 1.2.
I find the 1.1 Fair Neutral to be a great pale shade for me and when swatching the 1.2 Light Neutral I thought it would be way too orange on me, but it actually blended in quite nicely.
1.2 Light Neutral might be an okay shade for me while I'm tan but I still might need a darker shade....luckily the shade range is huge!!

[1.1 Fair Neutral/1.2 Light Neutral]

Feel free to let me know in the comments which products you've tried or which ones you're are curious about! 
There's still lots for me to try but so far I'm loving the routine I have going.

Why I Love The Ordinary

I have a new skincare love.
The Ordinary.

I think I first came across it on well.ca but most of it was sold out, so I did my research and found it also on beautylish.com.

The company is actually Deciem and I've also tried some of their Chemistry and Hylamide line now too.
And they also are the company that does Fountain, which I tried last year and the 'Happy Molecule' definitely made an impact on me.
But this is about The Ordinary.

I own and love the following four products so far: Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%, Salicylic Acid 2% Solution, AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution

 I use the Hyaluronic acid every day, twice a day. The lactic acid can be used every night but I've been doing well with every second night.  I use the salicylic acid on any blemishes I have twice a day and it seems to keep them from growing to a monstrous size.  The peeling solution is only recommended to be used twice a week for only 10 minutes and out of fear I follow just that.

I have noticed a dramatic difference in my skin.  It's not been as dry and the peeling solution makes it incredibly smooth and soft.  And after a night of using the lactic acid my skin always looks brighter (I am a lactic acid lover).

Plus the packaging is simple and I love the dropper.  I wish I would've taken a picture of when I received the products, they were all wrapped up in brown paper packaging tied up with string (but seriously).  Not to mention that it's super affordable and made in Canada. And the disclaimer on the website, "DECIEM does not test on animals and does not pay others to do so. For this reason, none of our brands are sold in mainland China since such sales require animal testing for registration purposes."  I mean come on, is this for real?

Oh, and they're coming out with foundation too.
I am just so in love with them so far.

I'm all about buying local, buying Canadian and the fact that this Canadian brand hits it out of the park for me is just awesome. 
Well done!

I am currently purchasing their retinoid. . . 



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Drunk Blogging Part One

I always think about blogging when I drink.
Mostly because I like to write and let's face it, I like to drink.

On the menu tonight is Phillips Blue Buck.
It's one of my favorite beers, just a solid choice and it reminds me of Rock the Shores last summer.
[By the way, Rock the Shores was "postponed" this year.]

While enjoying my beer I have folded laundry (my least favorite chore) and applied self tanner (always a dangerous task whilst drinking)

I know how dangerous it is to self tan while drinking, trust me I've done this before and I feel like it was much worse than how tonight will turn out.  Last time I didn't shower afterwards...I was orange.

Another thing I enjoy doing while enjoying my Monday night beer is online shop.
I have an addiction.

I'm currently on well.ca browsing skincare, and have brought my cart down to about $70 before tax.
Actually that's pretty good, I had two of wet 'n wild's photofocus foundation in there but I guess one sold out.
I so wanted Herbivore's Blue Tansy mask, but that's a little too expensive today.

I'm also waiting on an order from beautylish.
I'm going to try some skincare products from Deciem's The Ordinary, I'll let you know how that goes.

I told you I had an addiction.

In a week is the Sephora VIB rouge sale...so expect a big haul soon, either in blogpost or video form.
I really meant to film a lot this past week, but whenever I went to do it I felt awkward or I could hear the landlord.  Plus I've had dermatitis so my skin looks like sh*t.

Tomorrow I'm going to head into the city and check out Wholefoods with my Mom, probably some clothing stores too (not that I need any).

I feel like I'm still trying to figure out my style, I wanted to be 'stylish' but I'm an athleisure girl all the way.  I love my TNA tops, my Talula leggings, and a good ol' pair of Guess jeans paired with my favorite Wilfred sweater.

Okay, I think it's time for a snack and maybe to binge watch '13 Reasons Why'.  I read the book in about 5 hours (way back in 2007) but it's taking me days to get through the show, it's good but I just loved the book.
What are you watching on Netflix at the moment?