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Skincare: Is Foundation Ruining Your Skin?

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When asked what foundation I use, many people are surprised when I admit that I don’t use any and haven’t really worn much of it (save for the few times I’ve had to for photoshoots) in years. I attribute my good skin days to various things, but NOT wearing foundation is at the very top of the list. If the thought of leaving the house without makeup is enough to make you cringe, then you may be damaging your skin. This is the age of Instagram, Beat Face, and Full-coverage foundation. But what damage are all of these cosmetics, namely foundation, really doing to your skin day after day? The terrible truth is that if you have problematic skin (dryness, oiliness, or acne-prone) then you aren’t doing your skin any favors by adding layers and layers of products on top of it.

Oily Skin

If you have oily skin you’ll soon found out the hard way, that foundation and oily skin DO NOT mingle. Using liquid foundation may actually create a thicker coat of oil on your skin, meaning your skin will look slick with oils, rather than dewy. If the thought of going foundation-less is unfathomable, then opt for mineral foundation or lightweight pressed powder.

Dryness

Although liquid foundation may increase the oil in oily skin, it does NOT act as a moisturizer for dry skin. It actually creates more flakes and dryness! So you’re better off using a tinted moisturizer, or adding a smidgen of foundation or concealer to your favorite moisturizer and using that instead.

Acne

Though makeup hasn’t been proven to cause acne per se in people who aren’t acne-prone, it does, however cause acne to flare up in people who have acne-prone skin. And I know that many people who have acne, turn to foundation as a way to create the appearance of flawless skin, but it’s a Catch 22, where the more foundation they use the more new blemishes it creates, in turn, making someone continue to use foundation. If you suffer from acne, try to discover the root of your problem (meaning is it due to diet, hormones, or stress?) with the help of a dermatologist. Don’t just try to conceal the problem with foundation, it’ll only wreak havoc on your skin.

Unrealistic Expectations

Learn to love your natural skin! Wearing foundation every day not only does it damage it, but it will give you unrealistic expectations of how your skin should look at all times. You can have amazing skin without it having to look airbrushed or Instagram worthy. Instead, try to take care of your skin by keeping hydrated, sleeping at least 6-8 hours a night, turn to a more plant-based diet, and keep up with a skincare routine that best suits your skin type.

Amazing skin isn’t easy to have, but with some work and dedication (and less makeup!) it’s easier to achieve than thought possible.
So give your skin a break and go foundation-free, and keep foundation ready for those moments when you really need it (school photos, weddings, etc.).

By: Azzurra Nox

Want to kiss your acne goodbye forever, then READ HOW VITAMIN A CAN CURE YOUR ACNE!

Review: Medusa’s Makeup Black Hawaiian Sea Salt Facial Scrub

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Facial scrubs are perfect for getting rid of dead skin and promote cell turnover. Exfoliation is key for healthy skin. I was recently sent this sea salt facial scrub from Medusa’s Makeup from one of their monthly beauty boxes that I’m subscribed to. I’m usually kinda lazy when it comes to using facial scrubs, but I know how important it is to do them cause it rids your skin of dead skin cells, and this helps with keeping acne away.

I’m particularly keen on Medusa’s Makeup products because being vegan, usually means that the products are made using natural ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals. An absolute win/win for your skin!

What It Is: Sea salt facial scrub

What It Does: Rids of dead skin cells and promotes cell turnover, leaving skin feeling soft.

Active Ingredients: Black Hawaiian sea salt and almond oil

Bonus: Vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free

Verdict: I usually only do facial scrubs about once a week because more than that and my skin feels raw. This scrub smells heavenly and leaves your skin feels so clean and soft! The only downside is that it can be somewhat messy, as is the case with any scrubs (more so I suppose when the salt is black) so I suggest making sure that you’ve rinsed off all of the scrub before patting your skin dry with a towel. The almond oil found in this scrub also doubles as a moisturizer as your skin won’t be left feeling stripped of its essential oils. Follow up this treatment using your favourite moisturizer and you’re set to go!

Price: $10

Where To Buy It: https://medusasmakeup.com/collections/new-and-limited-edition/products/black-hawaiian-sea-salt-facial-scrub

By: Azzurra Nox

For more skincare tips check out My Skincare Routine & Five Fruits for Amazing Skin!

6 Beauty Must-Haves For When You’re Running Out of Time!

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Hit the snooze button one too many times and now are cinched for time? Did a friend just call you out of the blue for an awesome event but you’ve been binge-watching shows on Netflix all afternoon in your jammies? Before you panic, here are 6 essential beauty items you will need to look polished in less than twenty minutes!

Concealer

I don’t know about you, but concealer is my holy grail since I’ve been cursed with hereditary undereye circles, so you’ll never see me without it. But if you’re blessed to be dark circles free, then you can still use concealer to hide any problem spots, acne, discoloration, or to brighten up your eyelid. (The concealer pictured above is CoverGirl Vitalist Healthy Concealer in Fair, $8.54 at Wal-Mart).

Eyebrow Marker

If you’re trying to be quick, but at the same time don’t want to deal with powders, pomades, or pencils, an eyebrow marker is your best bet! There’s no sharpening involved, and the small felt tip is so small that it makes for precise feather strokes for a natural finish! (The eyebrow marker pictured above is NYX Eyebrow Marker in Medium, $9.75 at https://www.nyxcosmetics.com).

Mascara

Since the rest of your eye is going to be bare, that means that your lash game has got to on point. So grab the most voluminizing mascara you own and apply three generous coats (after curling them with an eyelash curler of course!). This is really going to make your eyes POP. (Mascara pictured above is from Medusa’s Makeup Witch Lash in Black Noir, $12 at https://medusasmakeup.com).

Lipstick

When you’re in a hurry but still want to look like you didn’t just roll out of bed, then aim for the brightest or boldest lip colour you’ve got. I usually go with reds or raspberry tones, because since the rest of your face is pretty simple, a bold lip will lift your whole face and make you look perky, sophisticated, and instantly glamorous. Never underestimate the power of bold lips! (Liquid lipstick pictured above is from Medusa’s Makeup Lip Paint in Bang, $12 at https://medusasmakeup.com).

Blush

Few of us are blessed with rosy cheeks and if you’re on the pasty side like me, blush is your savior for that healthy glow. (Blush pictured above is from Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Paaarty, $29 at Ulta).

Setting Spray

Need to skip some steps? Then you can cut out powder and reach directly for your setting spray as this will lock the look you’ve got as well as keep any oiliness at bay and lock in moisture. (Setting Spray pictured above is Urban Decay All Nighter Makeup Setting Spray, $32 at https://www.urbandecay.com).

Since these items are only six, these are also easy enough to slip into a small makeup bag to bring with you always whenever you’re on the run!

Which items would you have added to your list?

By: Azzurra Nox

Review: Korres Wild Rose Sleeping Facial

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“Born of a Greek homeopathic pharmacy more than 20 years ago, the brand’s philosophy is rooted in the use of natural ingredients of the highest quality, skin and environmentally friendly products with clinically tested efficacy, and the products that can inspire and make us and our customers happy.”*

I’m hugely obsessed with face masks, but I’m even a bigger fan of sleep masks. Why? Because there’s no wait time with sleep masks. You can simply slather on the sleep mask and hit the sack and wake up to gorgeous skin (who wouldn’t want that?). This particular mask is guaranteed to make your skin look extra glowy no matter how much of a night owl you are (like me).

What It Is: Sleep Mask

What It Does: Guaranteed to make your skin, softer, smoother, and more radiant.

Active Ingredients: Wild Rose oil, Vitamin C, and Hyaluronic Acid.

Verdict: This mask is amazingly weightless. It’s like having a scrumptious souffle at the tip of your fingers, as the cream instantly dissolves into your skin. This mask has intense hydration and the Vitamin C helps to brighten your skin. This is the best mask for anyone out there who’s on the lazy side (like me) because it does all the work for you while you sleep! Even after the first application, you wake up to visibly brighter, smoother, skin! It’s a true godsend for anyone who has problematic skin or just needs an extra boost. I highly recommend it.

Price: $48

Where To Buy It: https://www.korresusa.com/

*Italicized blurb from website.

By: Azzurra Nox

Review: Juice Beauty Phyto-Pigments Liquid Lip in Gwenyth

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By now, we all know about Gwenyth Paltrow’s lifestyle blog Goop. Well now, she also has a beauty brand called Juice Beauty to go along with the blog. I’m not particularly crazy about the blog Goop (because some of the stuff on there is either ridiculous or downright dangerous/not healthy at all). But being a makeup addict, I was thrilled to find this in my Allure Beauty Box for February, although I had no high expectation cause I’m very picky when it comes to liquid lipsticks. This liquid lipstick promises to look shiny like a gloss, but without the sticky effect. The shade is named after the creative director of the makeup (ahem Paltrow) and the colour is reminiscent of the ’90s berry hues that were on everyone’s lips think Courtney Love and Courtney Cox back in the day, (unless you were wearing the matte browns instead).

What It Is: Liquid Lipstick

What It Does: Provides shine and colour to lips.

Verdict: The moment I opened up the tube and noticed how sheer the formula was I knew that I wasn’t going to be a fan. And sure enough, after wearing it for six hours, this liquid lipstick did what most lipglosses do, it BLED and it somewhat faded. Now, I know many people prefer moisturizing lipsticks and don’t care if they have to reapply (which in that case, this may be the perfect lipstick for you), however, I expect a lipstick to NOT budge once I apply it (maybe I’ve gotten spoiled ever since using Jeffree Star’s liquid lipstick where it won’t budge, smudge, or bleed for ten+hours). Also, I’m not really a fan of berry colours either. Or at least, they’re pretty to look at, but for some reason never look so amazing on me (maybe cause berry tones are made for cool skintones and although I’m pale, I have a warm skintone). But if you’re looking for a high-shine glossy lipstick, then this may do the trick for you. The formula is luxurious and the colour is vibrant, so it’s got that going for it. It just isn’t the sort of liquid lipstick I prefer.

Price: $24

Where To Buy It: Juicebeauty.com

By: Azzurra Nox

*swatch of the shade Gwenyth below

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Review: Medusa’s Makeup Witch Lash Mascara

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It’s been several years now that I’ve been trying to primarily use Vegan cosmetics. At the moment I’m really digging Medusa’s Makeup, cause not only is it vegan, but it’s also cruelty-free, and crazily edgy. This makeup has attitude and wearing it gives you a boost akin to wearing rock star stiletto boots.

What It Is: A lengthening and volumizing mascara

What It Does: This mascara not only does it lengthen lashes, and gives you an incredible boost, but the flexible rubber brush enables you to separate lashes—say goodbye to clumpy lashes forever!

Verdict: To say that I’m in love with it would be quite the understatement, as I am PASSIONATELY in love with this mascara! So much so, that this is my go-to mascara on a daily basis for the past four months! And since this brand is all about giving an edge to everything they do, this mascara not only comes in Black, but also in Electric Blue and Twilight (a navy shade). Apart from lengthening, volumizing, and separating lashes, this mascara also lasts ALL DAY without every smudging or budging or anything at all! It stays immaculate and perfect all day! But the removal is also very easy, any eyemakeup remover will do and you don’t have to rub it off as it happens with so many mascaras, so that’s always a bonus! If you can’t tell, I simply love this product and will most repurchase (I initially received this product in one of my Medusa’s Makeup monthly subscription boxes).

Price: $12

Where To Buy It: https://medusasmakeup.com/collections/mascara

By: Azzurra Nox

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Skincare: These five fruits will give you radiant skin!

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*Foundation & powder-free skin.

Ever wonder why many vegetarians or vegans have amazing, glowing skin? Apart from the fact that they aren’t consuming meat, the major reason is that they’re eating lots of FRUITS!

But are all fruits created equal, and which ones are you better off eating? Well, different fruits target different skin issues as well as provide different sorts of vitamins, so your best bet is to eat a variety of fruits within a week. But to make things easier for you, here are the top five best fruits for healthy skin and what benefits you may reap from consuming them!

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Apple:

The malic acid found in apples promotes firm, youthful skin. There’s a reason why the famous saying states, “An apple a day, keeps the doctor away!” In this case, eating apples will surely keep you away from having to visit a dermatologist. Not to mention that the fibers found in apples, helps promote bowel movements, which leads to clearer skin because you’re getting rid of toxins.

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Avocado:

This fruit is rich in biotin, Vitamin E, and promotes cell regeneration and growth. Biotin helps nails and hair grow faster. You can reap benefits from this fruit either by eating it or used topically (in the form of face masks).

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Banana:

Rich in potassium and helps in keeping skin moisturized and hydrated. Bananas also contain skin-healthy nutrients, such as Vitamin A, B, and E. It also helps with keeping the elasticity of skin, prevents premature aging, and fades dark spots.

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Kiwi:

This fruit is packed with high doses of Vitamin C, and we all know that Vitamin C is a skin-friendly vitamin (in helping to keep skin radiant and acne-free!). Kiwis contain more Vitamin C than oranges, so you’re better off choosing this fruit as your source of Vitamin C than others.

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Strawberries:

Anti-oxidant and prevents wrinkle formation. Like kiwis, this fruit also contains a high dose of Vitamin C, but unlike kiwis, strawberries also contain salicylic acid (you may have heard this acid being used in acne treatments). What this means, is that it helps prevent pores from getting clogged and stops pimples from forming in the first place! Strawberries also contain an anti-oxidant called ellagic acid, which studies have proven that it helps prevent the destruction of collagen (meaning fewer wrinkles!) and it also acts as a shield against UV damage (but that doesn’t mean you should skip out on applying sunscreen, that is always a must!).

Try consuming at least one serving or two of each of these fruits once a week, and you’ll soon notice the difference in your skin! Not to mention that they’re a healthier snack option if like me you love sweets but are trying to avoid processed sugars. So give your skin a break, and eat your way to radiant, beautiful skin!

 

By: Azzurra Nox

Skincare: DIY Cucumber Mask!

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cucumber

Anyone who knows me knows that I love a good face mask! Not only are they luxurious in feel, but they always make me feel as though they are truly combating my skin concerns (oiliness/acne) whenever I’m using skin masks that target those concerns. But with so many companies coming out with face masks, not all face masks are created equal, and many of them are loaded with chemicals or unnecessary colouring agents and added scents.

So what does one do when you’re aiming for an all-natural face mask? Simple, do it yourself!

This face mask is aimed at soaking up oil and calming inflammation, and better suited for those with oily or combination skin type. Those of you with dry skin might find this mask a bit more drying and thus not as helpful to your skin type.

There’s a load of DIY face masks on the internet, but this one is truly easy peasy! I’m not one to try to get too fancy with crazy ingredients, so this is one you can whip up in less than three minutes tops!

Ingredients:
Half a cucumber (blended to make one tablespoon juice)
One teaspoon lemon juice
One teaspoon turmeric

Directions:
Blend all the ingredients in a blender till they’re all mixed together, or you can place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix the ingredients together manually.
Then once you have the mixture, spread it all over your face (keep away from the eye area and eyebrows and lips) using a cotton ball or foundation brush.

Time: Keep this on for 15-30 mins. Don’t exceed 30-mins. though otherwise the lemon can be too drying to your skin!

Final step: Once the time has elapsed, rinse the mask off using lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel.

Bonus: Use this mask 2-3 times a week (to save time you can apply this before taking a bath! I love being able to multitask since I hate waiting!).

Benefits of the mask: Cucumber promotes healthy skin, while the lemon juice targets the oiliness and acts like a natural astringent, while the turmeric penetrates into the pores and soothes any inflammation there may be (and oily and acne-prone skin is ALWAYS harboring some kind of inflammation).

By: Azzurra Nox

Skincare: How Vitamin A Can Make You Have Gorgeous Skin!

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*Foundation-free skin in the photo.

Vitamin A can easily be described as the holy grail of vitamins for skin. If you’re an acne sufferer, this vitamin is your cure. Many dermatologists prescribe Accutane (which is pretty much a medication that makes you overdose on Vitamin A), and while that could temporarily solve your problem, I don’t think that it’s the best approach. Instead, I recommend finding the perfect supplement dose for you (you can have your doctor decide what amounts if safe for you since everyone is different). Although, typically speaking, 25,000 IU taken about 4 times a week shouldn’t cause any harm AND keep the acne or any other skin ailment at bay.

Why 4 times a week and not every day?

Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin, meaning that it stays stored in your body for awhile, and unlike water-soluble vitamins, it won’t flush out of your system if you have high amounts. Meaning, that it’s easy (and could be potentially hazardous) to overdose on Vitamin A or any other fat-soluble vitamin.

So why choose Vitamin A?

It encourages healthy skin cell production, and it also stimulates fibroblasts (the cells responsible for developing tissue that keeps skin firm and healthy). What this means is that it can help prevent wrinkles, whilst also getting rid of any acne, or acne scars you may have.

When choosing a Vitamin A supplement, I suggest going for the cod liver oil, as that has the best sort of Vitamin A (meaning the most potent and non-chemical).

If supplements aren’t your thing, then try to include more of these foods in your diet:

Chicken Liver, Beef Liver, Butter, or Eggs. For a less aggressive Vitamin A you can choose to eat foods that have beta-carotene (a Vitamin A precursor) which can be food in colorful vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.

Most importantly: In order for the skin to benefit from Vitamin A, the body converts it to retinoic acid, which can also be found in topical serums (my favorite is from Isabis Formulae).

How has it changed my skin?

Ever since I’ve been using Vitamin A supplements for the past year, I’ve seen a vast improvement in my skin. Not only do I rarely get blemishes, but when I do, they last for a less amount of time and leave fewer scars behind. Of course, the supplements or topical serums won’t be as effective if not followed by a healthy diet with low doses of sugar (as much as I love it, anything with sugar is basically poison for your skin).

So it’s a no-brainer that if you’re suffering from acne or wish to have a better complexion, then Vitamin A will be your new best friend.

By: Azzurra Nox

 

Peels: Why does your skin need them?

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IMG_0882With so many skincare products floating around nowadays (masks, serums, moisturizers, etc.) it’s no wonder that a gal (or even guy!) may feel stumped as to where to begin and why they even need a certain product in the first place. But have no fear! My aim is to make this journey easier for you, and today the focus is on one of my favourite skincare products: PEELS.

What are Peels?

It’s another form of mask (usually one you can leave for up to 30-minutes to overnight) that allows for deep exfoliation of the skin. Facial peels will remove the top layer of skin, meaning that it’ll get rid of any dullness or imperfections by exposing the newer skin to the surface.

Chemical peels are the most potent, and depending on the strength of the acid is how deep your skin will be exfoliated. The higher dose of acid, the greater chances of getting fantastic results.

What are Peels best for?

If your skin concerns are: aging, acne scars, melasma, and hyperpigmentation, then chemical peels are the best thing that could happen to your skin. The only downside? Do NOT sunbathe up to a week before or after a peel, and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Which Chemical Peels are best for you?

Oily skin – Salicylic acid based peel

Aging skin – Glycolic acid based peel

Dry skin – Mandelic acid based peel

Recommended Peel: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Original Formula

This peel visibly transforms your skin in just THREE days!

Benefits of this peel are:

  • firmer, smoother skin
  • smaller, tighter pores
  • a radiant, more even complexion

Key Ingredients: Glyconic Acid, Lactic Acid, Malic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Retinol, Resveratrol, Genistein, Chamomile, Green Tea, Phospholipids, Ubiquinone, and Vitamins A, C, E

Verdict: Dr. Dennis Gross’ peels come in two steps. The first step is a surface refiner, meaning that you apply this one to prepare your skin. You leave the product on for two minutes before applying step two, which is the deeper treatment. The deeper treatment is targeted to penetrate deeper into the pores, exfoliating and removing the top layer of skin. I usually use peels at night, so I can keep them on overnight, and wake up the following morning to brighter, smoother, and supple skin. If you’re in search of having the softest skin ever without blemishes, then I truly recommend a peel! And this one, in particular, is one of my favourites because it targets the majority of skin concerns: aging, dullness, and acne! So do your skin a favour, and treat yourself to a peel!

Price: $27.98 (5-count on amazon.com)

Frequency of Use: It’s usually recommended to do a peel at least once a week if you have problematic skin, but if you don’t, then even twice a month or once a month is enough to reveal brighter softer skin.

By: Azzurra Nox