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Showing posts from 2021

Dermaceutic Radiance Brightening Cream - Review

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How to get rid of acne scars? This product might actually be the answer. Dermaceutic Radiance Brightening Cream contains Kojic Acid, Arbutin, Niacinamide, Salicylic and Mandelic Acids - the ultimate skin brightening combo! This brightening cream gently exfoliates the skin and thus helps with uneven skin texture and skin tone. This cream is a bit different from your usual skincare products as it is recommended to use as a treatment for 3 months at a time and slowly introducing it to your routine. Dermaceutic Radiance Brightening Cream   I got this in a small tester tube, but it lasted for at least 8 uses and results appeared already the next day. Every morning after using this, my skin had a lot less redness, pigmentation was less noticeable, acne had calmed and my complexion had a nice glow. I am definitely putting the full-size product on my wishlist, this seems like a miracle cream for my scarred skin.

How to treat hormonal acne - diet and birth control pills

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My seemingly never-ending battle with acne has led to try many things, but when you finally take step back and acknowledge that no external product is going to help, then it's time to focus on internal issues. I have hormonal acne - I know that because my skin gets usually worse before a period and it fluctuates a lot throughout the year as my hormones either calm down or brew up a storm. Also my hormones are all over the place as my periods tend to be irregular and cause other health issues. I've taken antibiotics for my skin before, but that didn't do anything, so I guess it's time for a different approach. 1. Hormone balancing diet Before any drastic measures, I decided to try clean eating for my hormones. So after googling "hormone balancing diet", this is what I found out. Foods to avoid: white/processed sugar, wheat flour, white rice, potatoes, dairy, cacao, fried/processed foods. Nothing is more motivating for avoiding sugar, when your body is inflamed

Dermaceutic Light Ceutic Toning Night Cream - Review

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To try something different for my skin, my cosmetologist introduced me to Dermaceutic. The Light Ceutic Skin Toning Night Cream contains 8% Glycolic Acid, 4% Phytic Acid and Vitamin C, which are more targeted towards irregular and dull complexion. For my acne-prone skin with acne scars this should also help and lighten them. Price 41€ I apply this serum-like toning cream after cleansing and before moisturising. One pump is enough to cover most of the face. At first the toning cream felt a bit strong/harsh due to the Glycolic Acid's exfoliating properties, but hasn't caused any sensitivity. The Glycolic Acid and Vitamin C both have a brightening effect and make my skin feel smooth. While I quite like this product, this is still not a match for my hormonal acne, but helps with acne scars and my skin heal faster. So I'd suggest this to anyone dealing with a dull and/or irregular complexion and acne scars, but it won't do much to keep acne at bay.

Shiseido Mattifying Compact Powder SPF15 - Review

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While a glowy dewy look would be a dream, my oily skin is there to remind me that matte is better for me. It's my first time ever using Shiseido's products, but let's just say that this powder really set high expectations for them. I usually don't spend this much on a mattifying powder, but for a no make-up day, I'd like to keep my oiliness away with a powder that has SPF, is super mattifying and provides a light coverage. So after reading the good reviews, I had to splurge for this.  Shiseido Pureness Matifying Compact Oil-Free I got the shade 'Light Ivory', which is a bit dark for me, but still manages to look natural. I'd say the coverage is buildable to a medium. I don't like to use the applicator that comes with the package, so to keep powder fallout to a minimum, I lightly tap a kabuki brush on and then press onto my face. This has a lot of fallout, so I'd suggest being gentle and careful.  I couldn't believe how matte this kept my supe

BioNike Acteen Sun Cream-Gel SPF 50+ - Review

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Sun is out and summer's heating up, so another sunscreen review only seems right! This time I purchased the BioNike Acteen Sun Cream-Gel SPF 50+. My main reason for choosing this was that it is targeted towards acne-prone skin with sebum-regulating active ingredients. The cream-gel formula has a dry and mattifying feel, so it's perfect for oily skin. Another plus is that it's water-resistant!  Price 14,85€ While the texture isn't my favourite for spreading, the sunscreen's matte, but slightly glowy finish won my heart. It feels really lightweight and doesn't leave a white cast. Probably one of the best sunscreens for dealing with acne. After a few hours my oily skin still comes through with the warm weather, but this keeps my face feeling comfortable. BioNike as a reputable pharmacy brand has my trust for high protection from UVA, UVB and IR rays. I would personally love to explore more sunscreens, but this is definitely on my repurchasing list.

Inika Organic Loose Mineral Foundation SPF25 - Review

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This product deserved a separate post, because it has been here for me for almost two years and I couldn't be more grateful. My cosmetologist swears by Inika's products, saying they're a bit cheaper alternative to Jane Irendale. Currently I own two of these mineral foundations and one travel-sized version.  The first shade I purchased was Unity P1, which was a bit darker than my natural skin tone, but it was perfect for summer. The travel-sized foundation is shade Unity N1 and I can say that they are quite different. The P1 is more pinkish (hence the P) and for me it seemed a bit lighter, while N1 seems darker with its more yellow undertones. The second time I bought a shade lighter Grace P1 that is my perfect match. Inika Organic Loose Mineral Foundation SPF25  I love that this powder builds, so you can choose what kind of coverage you'd like. For those simple days I like to just apply a bit on my more problematic spots and any redness areas. If my skin is looking bett

Babe Facial Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF50+ Dry Touch - Review

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With long-awaited summer approaching, I thought it's only appropriate to write about sun protection. Sun is still extremely harmful for your skin, in case you forgot, and applying SPF daily is recommended for a reason. So if you don't want to look 20 years older in the next 10 years with wrinkles and dark spots, I'd suggest you get on it asap. I religiously apply SPF, so using one that is great for my acne-prone oily skin is of high importance. Babe Facial Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF 50+ Dry Touch  I always opt for and suggest buying SPF from a pharmacy, because most of the products sold are high quality and sensitive enough that they shouldn't cause any issues. This time I decided to try the Babe Facial Oil-Free Sunscreen SPF50+ Dry Touch. This sunscreen is also supposed to be water-resistant, colourant-free, hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested. The formula is enriched with soothing active ingredients and antioxidants (like vitamin E), so your skin should be happy. T

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 - Review

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This year winter has been an actual winter in Estonia, which we haven't seen in years. So while it's great to enjoy the cold and the snow, my skin hasn't reacted the same way. My super oily skin was feeling dry and extremely sensitive, having a lot of redness. Thankfully my TikTok algorithm knew and introduced this soothing balm by La Roche-Posay. While my cosmetologist says that their products usually contain many fillers, which can block your pores and cause even more acne, then the Cicaplast Baume B5 multi-purpose repairing balm is an exception as it is formulated for extremely sensitive skin. The main ingredient promoted is 5% panthenol for its soothing properties. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 This balm doesn't leave my skin greasy, but sinks nicely into the skin, soothing any redness and irritation. What I love is that it leaves my skin quite matte. When I used this for about a week straight as a face moisturizer, I saw a difference in my skin. Redness and sen

Things TikTok made me buy

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So about a year ago when the pandemic began and I had to sit at home, I found my way to TikTok (and actually posted a few). Though in the beginning it was mostly entertainment, now most of my feed is about advice, hacks and product recommendations. So of course I've tried out some of those products and I have to say I'm really impressed. These items have become essentials for me.  Here are the things TikTok made me buy: 1. Ariana Grande Cloud perfume This is apparently a cheap dupe for the famous Baccarat Rouge 540. I've never had the chance to smell it, but this Ariana Grande perfume lives up to the hype. It is so different from the floral and sweet I used to go for, but I love this burnt sugar scent that is so fresh. A bit more masculine, but I absolutely love it and I've even gotten a few compliments. Ariana Grande Cloud 2. Simple Modern Tumbler Cup This cup from Amazon is amazing. Used by Victoria's Secret supermodels, so why wouldn't it be. I love this cup

DMK Danne Alkaline Wash for acne scars- MY EXPERIENCE

Went to my regular facial treatment when my cosmetologist turned to me and said "What if we try alkaline wash for your acne scars?". Since my skin has been doing so much better lately and I didn't really have any active acne, so why not try something for my scarring. However this alkaline wash isn't exactly a relaxing treatment. It's gonna take about two weeks for my skin to fully heal, because this alkaline will cause burning sensation and sensitivity. She warned me that I might have to get blisters just like when you burn your skin. So it wasn't the most tempting offer, but I have many acne scars, so might as well try and get rid of them. Also right now is the best time for me as I can stay at home and not show my face. At first I couldn't really tell anything when she applied the alkaline, but later when she moisturized my face, ouch that was painful. For the rest of the day my face was a little tight and slightly red, but nothing too drastic. Few areas

How to level up for 2021

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2021 is a year I wanted to approach with a different energy, which is all about focusing on things I like and how to reach my full potential. I'd say the first step for me was to create a vision board for my desktop wallpaper, so I could constantly remind myself of the aesthetic and vibes to channel. But leveling up for 2021 is all about mental and physical glow-up. Mental Educating myself about things I feel like I need in the future. By reading books (there are so many!), watching educating Youtube videos or listening to podcasts. A new discovery was Google Digital Garage, which offers many great beneficial courses for free and a certificate, so you can spice up your CV. Learning to love myself and becoming more confident through it, which I noticed is really important for my happiness. Being comfortable in your skin and proud of yourself really shows and creates so much positive energy for good things to enter your life. Manifesting has been a part of my life for about 6 mont

BEST CRUELTY & DMDM HYDANTOIN FREE SHAMPOOS AND CONDITIONERS FOR 2021

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On TikTok there has been some info that the ingredient DMDM Hydantoin, which is found in many shampoos and conditioners, causes hair to fall out. For example loved brands such as OGX, Dove, TIGI, TRESemme, Joico contain this preservative. There are also other common ingredients like salt (sodium chloride) and sulfates that can also cause hair loss and would be best to avoid.  Looking at all the ingredients in shampoos, it's sad to see that most contain at least one ingredient that could lead to some issues, so still seeking the perfect shampoo. Here is a compilation of the best DMDM Hydantoin-free, sulfate and salt free shampoos and conditioners that are also cruelty-free. milk_shake Integrity Nourishing shampoo and conditioner milk_shake Integrity Nourishing shampoo and conditioner Unfortunately, not all of their products are sulfate or salt free. Herbal Essences bio:renew shampoos and conditioners Herbal Essences bio:renew collection Their sulfate free shampoos contain citrus oil

Dior Addict Lip Glow & Lip Maximizer - Review

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My first ever Dior product was the Lip Glow Color Reviver Balm in the shade 001 Pink. It was all thanks to Grace Helbig, who I don't really watch on Youtube, but the one video I saw, she talked about this amazing lip balm. And after reading about all the praising reviews, I just had to have it, though the price for a lip balm seemed a bit too much. I'm so glad I splurged! Dior Lip Glow has the perfect consistency for a lip balm and I love the sheer shade that lightly stains your lip. My lips are moisturised and have a lovely pink glow. Though the next time I'd choose a different more natural lip colour for me, because the pink is a bit bright for the simple everyday look.  For the past year I've had a slight lip gloss obsession and when I saw Dior Lip Maximizer Hyaluronic Lip Plumper, I just couldn't resist. This time I purchased the shade 004 Coral, which suits my skintone better, although the colour payoff is a lot lighter than the balm's. This is like a mix o

milk_shake Incredible Milk - Review

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With winter upon us, my hair was feeling dry, so when reading about all the effects milk_shake's Incredible Milk should have, I just had to try it. This hair moisturising leave-in treatment has this tropical coconut-y scent and oily butter type formula. I spritz about 4 – 6 pumps on my hands and run it through my towel-dried hair. When it's completely dry I can definitely see the added shine and hydration. My hair is so much softer and feels healthier. It really does what it is supposed to and I love this little addition to my haircare routine.

Self-growth with manifesting

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For the past few months I have been on a self-growth journey in a way. I haven't really been happy with the person that I was and I always want to be better, so that has pushed me to this place where I learn and understand new things about myself and the way I cope with everything that's happening around me every single day. It started more intensely when I started my second year in university and found manifesting and law of attraction. At first I really wanted to believe that manifesting is this magical power that will grant me anything I want. In a way it is, but manifesting is more about saying what you want out loud, believeing in yourself that you can get it and then your perception will change. You'll start noticing more opportunities that can lead you there and you'll start doing things that'll get you closer to it. Your experience will change, it's literally science. So I found my love for manifesting. I write down certain manifestations everyday, but a