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Avène Hyaluron Activ B3
I received the cream, eye cream and serum from the Avène Hyaluron Active B3 line, from Influenster and here are my thoughts: Hyaluron Active B3 Renewal Firming Aqua Cream-In-Gel An all-on-one light textured anti-aging moisturiser, this can be used as a day or night cream and also a mask to deeply hydrate, plump and rejuvenate elasticity. This line incorporates a significant 6% Niacinamide (B3, hence the product name) and 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid as the star ingredients. Together they help to plump with moisture, refine texture and even skin tone. Soothing effects come from the brand’s iconic Thermal Spring Water base. Humectants (Glycerin, Diglycerin) enhance hydration, Adenosine helps reduce…
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Highlights of 2021
Lots of great skincare was released in 2021 and I also discovered several products that aren’t new but were new to me. The best of these follow. You can find reviews on my Instagram page and some in more depth right here on the blog. cleansers It was a great year for cleansers. Being in a face mask for most of the year and experiencing long lockdowns meant I really didn’t wear any make up in 2021. I only use balms for makeup removal and as such, didn’t even open any let alone discover any great ones this year. However, I oil cleanse every night and the Urang Natural…
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The Importance of Self-Care
Finding joy in the little things Lockdowns, fear and uncertainty have become the norm as we navigate our way through the Covid-19 pandemic. Little things can often have the biggest impact when it comes to maintaining good mental, emotional and physical health during such challenging times. Personally, this translates to reducing the amount of news coverage I follow, practising mindfulness, good diet and exercise (I try!) and doing things that genuinely bring me joy. One of my passions is of course skincare which is currently doing a lot more than just hydrating, smoothing and firming! Getting the most from your routine I’ve been practicing Korean skincare for several…
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The Meejee Method
the Meejee The Meejee is a facial cleansing device with ultra-soft silicone bristles that transfer high frequency vibrations onto your skin and pores. It gently exfoliates, thoroughly cleanses and removes dirt, oil and makeup, effectively keeps pores clean and discourages breakouts. The result, clear, smooth and glowing skin in under a minute. ** Get 20% off your Meejee with Discount Code DENISE20 ** the mechanics The device comes with a USB cord (5V DC/1A), a full charge taking approximately 2 hours to complete. You generally need to charge it every couple of months (dependent on usage duration and frequency) which is very convenient. If you forget to turn…
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Essence, Serum and Ampoule
how are they different? As well as being nourishing, brightening and hydrating, the Korean skincare routine is complex! There are so many steps, several of which exhibit lots of similarities. Take essence, serum and ampoule for instance. They all technically do the same thing but at different potencies, textures and positions within the skincare routine. what is an essence? An essence is a lightweight liquid that follows cleansing and toning. Its primary objective is to add hydration to the skin. Essences generally comprise an abundance of plant extracts and antioxidants but may also include an additional focus. For example, they may incorporate a brightening ingredient such as niacinamide…
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Glass Skin
what is “glass skin”? As a Korean skincare enthusiast, you may have recently heard the term “Glass Skin”. The clear, translucent, even and smooth properties of glass are a reflection of skin goals. To achieve glass skin is to achieve a complexion so clear that it resembles a sheet of glass. It is the ideal skin state, one of dewiness, clarity, evenness and youth. how to achieve glass skin A key attribute of glass skin is excellent hydration and moisturisation in order to give skin a plump and dewy glow. The Korean skincare routine utilises multiple layers that contribute such properties including toner, essence, sheet masks and serums. Clarity…
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Acne And How To Treat It
what is acne? Acne is a skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It presents in different forms including pimples, whiteheads and blackheads. Acne can be inflammatory (papule, pustule) or non-inflammatory (blackhead, whitehead). There are two types of inflammatory acne which result when a blocked hair follicle becomes inflamed or infected by bacteria. A papule develops when whiteheads or blackheads cause so much irritation that they damage some of the surrounding skin. They present as small red tender bumps. A pimple (pustule) is a papule with a centre of pus. Whiteheads (closed comedones) and blackheads (open comedones) are non-inflammatory and caused…
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Roccoco Botanicals Brand Review
the brand Jacine Greenwood is a cosmetic chemist and the founder of Australian brand, Roccoco Botanicals. Her vision was to create a safe, plant based range of products that manage skin without the risk of acne breakouts or allergic reactions. The brand philosophy dismisses skin peeling for acne treatment, claiming this causes stress and inflammation, reducing the integrity of the skin barrier. Rather, they rely on the soothing properties of plants and enzymes for gentle exfoliation, since they work on redundant cells, living tissue remaining unaffected. Her fascination for France and its architecture is the inspiration behind the brand name. the review I was gifted various sample sized…
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Heimish All Clean Green Foam
the claim The Heimish All Clean Green Foam claims is a gentle, low pH cleansing gel for everyday use. It is said to maintain the skin’s optimal pH balance while effectively removing impurities on the skin to leave a balanced, soothed and moisturised face. the science A relatively short ingredient list of 18 is dominated by water. Surfactants and cleansing agents feature prominently in the formulation, well represented by Potassium Laureth Phosphate, Soap Bark Extract, Potassium Cocoyl Glutamate and Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate. These have been chosen for their gentle nature, giving the product satisfying foam generating capacity and washing ability. A good amount of humectants are added to…
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Style Korean Glowing Clover Set
the set The Style Korean Glowing Clover Set comprises products from leading Korean skincare brands. The set includes the following five items: Abib, Hand Crème Type V Fragrant Tube Benton, Tea Tree Cleansing Water Heimish, ph 5.5 All Clean Green Foam HelloSkin, Jumiso First Skin Lightening Mask Abib Hand Crème Type V Fragrant Tube The Abib philosophy is to take skin that has been exposed to and suffered the effects of pollution and other stimuli and return it to a natural state. The Crème Type V focuses on the hands and is defined by a scent inspired by Vincent van Gogh. It starts off with a strong…
