4 Brightening Masks That I Own

Face masks are a bit of an obsession for me and I use at least one almost everyday. Face masks are good because, your skin, just like your mood may not feel just the same everyday, so some extra TLC ensure that skin is looked after each day. Of course there is time constraint as we are running busy with our lives, but finding anything between 3-20minutes most of the days might just be good for our skin.

Of all the masks I have, I picked up the ones that brightens and there are exactly 4 of them. I usually use a brightening mask at the beginning of the day, as naturally, my skin looks fresher, brighter and ready to go!

Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy-Boosting | Farmacy Hydrating Coconut Gel Mask - Brightening (Purple Broccoli) | REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask | Ole Henriksen POWER Bright™ 3-step Professional Brightening System

My Labor Day Beauty Routine

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Of course the ideal thing to do would be travel. But then there was anticipation of Hermine and excitement of other travel plans coming up. But whatever is the case I was long looking for an opportunity to have a long weekend of doing nothing. Not that I could do that all 3 days, nor that I would have the patience, but I did have an entire day of indulgence. This is how I did it.

My Makeup Removal Routine

My cleansing process at the end of day is not only a makeup removal process but also a way to relax and unwind. I take my time to go through it and take every opportunity to massage and splash water. I start with lighting a candle. This one in Mokara fragrance is currently my favorite candle. Its a beautiful romantic smell and quickly transports me to a world of fairytales. Then I slip into comfortable clothes, which is usually a loose, long t-shirt. Then I pull up all my hair to tie up into a top knot. I pick up all the products I need and sit at one place to start removing makeup while watching a movie or series or anything that I fancy.

I start with rewinding the mascara. Removing mascara, especially if its waterproof can be quite painful. I first apply the melt-off and leave it as it is to start working on my lashes. The melt-off is quite effective and a simple wipe off is good enough. However, I go another step to make sure there is no trace of makeup left.

I love this step. Firstly I love the product, and the whole process of massaging it on my face. I take my time to slowly to apply the balm on my face slowly in circular motion all over my face.

I then wash it off by splashing water on my face, and then move over to my Boscia deep cleanser. Its a stick and convenient but more importantly its a very effective cleanser for deep cleansing.

once my face is damp and I have applied cleanser I use a brush for deep cleansing. I move it around my face avoiding eyes and allow it to deep cleanse my face.

This step can be done just with a damp or not cotton pad. But, I confess that I go a step further and use a micellar water drenched cotton pad to wipe the mascara off. I fold the cotton pad and just wipe off the lashes (like shown in the image above).

Then I wash my face one more time (I told you I am addicted to that :), wipe off my face then apply a face mask. usually a detox mask to finish my skin cleansing process.

Products are linked through the image.

Dealing Uncalm Skin With Gotz Bad Ischl

Honestly I have heard several things about the redness of my skin. My oily/combination skin can react to anything external. I have tried several products over the years and finally once I got to try the Gotz Bad Ischl Oxygen Facial Tonic, I have actually started to see change. Its not the best smelling product but if you want a solution that will last a long time and isn't something momentary then this is the real deal.

Gotz Bad Ischl Oxygen Facial Tonic has been developed from the Bad Ischl Spring Water by Dr. Joseph Gotz. Due to the emperor of Austria, Francis I, Holy Roman Emperor 's brother , Archduke Rudolf had cured himself prolonged skin illnesses in Bad Ischl spa, the spring water which was used, had a magical name of "Godly water" , the name of it spread like wildfire across Europe. Thus, Bad Ischl spa center quickly became a member of European royalty and became one of the "must visit" places for high society celebrities who travel. 

So its no wonder if they say that its that magic potion, which solves most of the regular skin concerns for oily & combination skin. The product contains healing properties of Anthyllis Vulneraria Flower extract, calendula officinalis flower extract, edelweiss, echinacea pallida extract to effectively moisturize, soothe and calm skin, promote wound healing and subsequent absorption of nutrients. Ischl spring water rich in oxygen, exotic mineral and trace elements, the water double cleanses skin, minimizes pores and restore skin's natural balance, improve blood circulation, enhance skin immunity and natural resilience.

I have been now using it for the last 2 weeks and seen remarkable changes when it comes to skin sensitivity. My skin has not been reacting as much to a lot of products and a remarkable reduction in redness. I use it twice a day. After I have cleansed my face thoroughly, I spray a little product in my hands and then dab my palms against my face. Then I just continue along with the regular moisturizer. You can also do this with a cotton pad, but I like the sensation of skin against skin. The most effective method of anti-acne is soaking the pads and leaving them on for a few minutes. But honestly, I have had only one opportunity to do so in the last couple of weeks.

If you are wondering where to find, then its here.

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Products For Swimming

We are in the middle of summer now, well almost! the heat is on a rise and water inviting. However, we must remember the ways that heat can hurt us. Our skin & hair needs to be protected before we head out straight away for all that fun. A pre-shampoo protectant protects and a clarifying shampoo followed by a conditioner cleanse & cares. Similarly for the skin, a good sunscreen is important. I, in fact, apply a bit of my sunscreen to my hair if I am heading to the pool.  I also make sure I carry a big bottle of water with ice and plenty of lime to keep me hydrated & fresh in between swims.

Apart from that here are a few products for a complete pre/ during/ after care.

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A pre-shampoo hair protectant. It makes your hair soft and shiny while protects it from sun & water. Apply before your swim and then wash off. Available here.

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After the swim, you need a shampoo that cleans out chlorine off your hair without damaging it. A clarifying shampoo is just the thing. Available here.

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Water and the sun usually make my hair lose control as well as moisture. The Oribe moisture & control is just what I need then. Available here.

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I got the No.4 Prep & Protect as a sample and I have been in love with it since. It makes my hair so gorgeous and manageable that its un-be-liev-able! Available here.

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I remember once when I entered the sea with my sunscreen on, it completely abandoned me the after forming a milk-like texture. It was so bad that my goggles were full of water because there was no vacuum and I promised myself to find a better sunscreen lotion for the swim. And I found this. This doesn't melt away, stays close to the skin and does what its supposed to.

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This is a new sunscreen in my kitty. But I am decently impressed. It absorbs quickly, has a beautiful lemon smell and Is easy to apply. You can reach where your hands can't and smooth over easily. It's a good sunscreen to step out in as well. Available here.

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This scrub smells great. It's the combined fragrance of coconut & rose. I love the way it leaves my skin soft and supple. It's a great idea to slough off the burnt, dry skin from time-to-time. Available here.

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It's the best oil by far. I prefer oil over lotions in summer as it doesn't melt away in the heat and absorbs much better. L'Occitane Almond oil makes my skin beautiful & soft. Available here

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And now comes the heat burn. It hurts crazy and skin may peel as some parts of our body gets too much sun and burns up a little. If you don't have access to an aloe vera plant, as aloe vera is the best thing, in this case, try this.

Microneedling & Beauty Stamping

If you have seen my past post on beauty tool, then you would remember the beauty stamp from Nurse Jamie. I started using it recently and have been noticing improvements in fine lines and also overall skin health. Surprisingly enough, and quite contrary to my usual behavior I bought the product and then started researching. I took a while to figure the right usage and I think I have now nailed it. Beauty stamp is a form of micro needling and it helps maximum penetration of the products. I use it along with a serum and a toner spray and it works excellently.

I first  take a couple of pumps of the serum and gently apply all over my face & neck. I then spray my face with a toning mist like the Tata Harper one, which is not drying. My skin is a combination of oily & dry and I do not use a mist spray that would dry my skin by the time I reach out for the stamp. Sometimes I even reverse this process, depending on what works for you. I then gently stamp my face vertically, horizontally and diagonally across my cheeks. Then I do the same way along the forehead. Finally, I end with chin to neck. I finish with a moisturizer and makeup as usual.

Though I would say, that this is purely my personal experience and I am super gentle with my beauty stamp. I have been benefitting quite a bit since usage, and they are mostly with regards to fine lines & open pores as I have been noticing a remarkable improvement. I use it about 4 times a week.

Favorite Beauty Tools

Sometimes along with creams and lotions, love & potions one needs something extra. Something to make these products work even better. There are lots of such tools around but I have my favorites. You must have read about my dry brush from earlier, but along with that, I have a few more that I rely on once in a while.

Sarah Chapman Skinesis Bodylift | Clarins Cellulite Control Treatment

No.7 Beautiful Cleansing Brush | Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm | Boscia Charcoal Deep Pore Cleansing Stick

Nurse Jamie Beauty Stamp

Philips Satinelle Soft Epilator

Products For A Refreshing Bath

Don't we all love a refreshing bath. I do! And I have over the years fixed up a batch of products that can help me achieve that. The wind down after a long day or over a weekend or may be a day that just screams 'RELAX'!

Klorane Shampoo | Klorane Conditioner

These 2 smell like a tropical mango. Imagine how yum that sounds!

Dr. Bronner Peppermint Castille Soap | Origin Peppermint Body Souffle

I don't think anything can perk up your body like peppermint does! And I love castle soap, my skin never dries up after the use.

Origins Ginzing Scrub Cleanser

Use it in the morning or anytime and the Ginseng will wake you up.

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Products For Open Pores

You may have already read my post on open pores, the cause, cure and other things. So now you know that it is one of my biggest skin concerns till date. I keep them clean, treat them and finally before putting on make up I apply a layer of primer that takes care of them. In my case its impossible to hide them or get rid of them. But I do what needs to be done and that has definitely resulted in my skin getting healthier. I have combination skin, which means I have an oily T zone and most of my pores are on my nose and some on my cheeks. I keep trying new products and here is a shortlist for you!

REN Invisible Pores Detox Maks | Biore Cleansing Strip

I can't even remember for how long have I been using the nose strip. It is effective and fool proof. You apply it, let it dry, pull it out and Bam...you see the results with your own eyes. Only thing I would suggest is don't go for it with ultra dehydrated skin, or it can hurt.

REN's detox mask is a relatively newer find. It does make the pores disappear for a bit. I am a bit more finicky though and use the strip before using the mask. I have this abnormal fear of dirt getting trapped in my pores and never being able to get out. So no chances are taken there. But I must admit I have seen my skin to be much clearer with this product.

Kiehl's Pore Perfecting Serum | Bodyshop Seaweed Pore Perfector

I will be honest with you. I feel a certain amount of control when I use a serum. I clean my face and head straight over to serums. So I do not think the serums make pores disappear. But what it does is keep things balanced so that it does not break out. Pores are more likely to be controlled so that the sebaceous oil glands do not simply just break out as soon as you apply the moisturizer. And treat them in a way that its balanced.

Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser | Too Faced Primed & Poreless | Garnier 5 Sec Blur

And finally we need something more immediate to hide the craters. I am currently in love with Garnier 5 sec blur. Its available at the local drugstore and is cheap. Its extremely effective and I love it! I also like the Maybelline Pore Eraser. I picked it up during my trip to Asia earlier this week and I have seen it in the drugstores in US so far. But its available online. As for the Too Faced Primed & Poreless, I need time in hand as it takes a couple of minutes to absorb on my oily part of the skin. Good primer though

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