What's your skin type?

I was reading an article in Hello! Fashion Monthly over the bank holiday weekend and it really got me thinking about my skin type.

(http://glow-medspa.com/self-diagnosis/dull-skin/)

Is is no longer enough to use Helena Rubinstein's view that you fall into oily, dry, combination or sensitive skin types. Instead there are a whole new set of categories that can now be used to describe your skin! I have to admit, this was serious new's to me! I have always been really interested in skin care and am totally shocked to see that I was using the 'old' method of skin identification.

So, if like me, you are skill working by the god old fashioned oil, dry, combination or sensitive classifications, then better carry on reading!

(http://lizzysbeautysalonsouthgate.co.uk/facials-eye-treatments/369241)

According the the article by Charlotte Jolly, the Hello! Fashion Monthly (HFM) Beauty Director, there are now SIX completely new ways to describe your skin.

The first of these being Intolerant Skin. Skin in this category might have previously been known as sensitive. Intolerant skin in skin that is 'itchy, prone to redness and sometimes accompanied by tiny red pimples and a tight, tingly sensation' (1). According to HFM a staggering 62% of woman say that have sensitive skin.

Category number two is Dull Skin. Let's face it, it doesn't take much imagination to picture dull skin! I'm sure we have all woken up with skin that lacks glow and luminosity every now and then. I know I do. However, this category doesn't just cover skin that is lacking in life, it also covers skin that is 'mature' shall we say…fine lines, creases and folds all fall under this headline.

Numerio three is Uneven skin. Again I'm sure that at some point or another, we have all fallen into this skin category. Uneven skin is normally blotchy, patchy or maybe even discolouration. HFM state that for 16% of woman, pigmentation is their top skin gripe. I know that this is defiantly something that my mum struggles with. How can you help to reduce it? By looking after your skin in the sun. Make sure to use a face cream or sun cream with UV protection.

Skin type number four is Moody Skin. Which is definitely my skin! HFM define this type of skin as ' a changeable complexion, fluctuating in tone and texture over a 28 day cycle'. I really struggle with acne on my chin / lower jaw, which apparently is a 'symptom' of this type of skin. I find it so difficult to constantly keep on top of my skin and what is best for it.

Number 5 : City Skin. This is definitely something that would not have been considered a skin type back when Helena Rubinstein invented her skin classifications. City Skin is as you might imagine, is effected by all of the dirt and impurities that come with living in a city. And according to HFM, it's not just air pollution that effects our skin, hard water can also lead to clogged pours and irritated! We just can't win!

And finally, skin type number 6....Sluggish Skin. Sluggish Skin is skin that is lacking in bonce, flaky and had bad texture, 'pores appear small, wrinkles are pronounced and skin is prone to sensitivity'. 

So, let's face it, there really isn't any perfect skin type. But at least if we know what skin type we are, we can work with it and not against it when it comes to trying to achieve perfection. As Charlotte Jolly comments in her article, it's all about pinpointing your 'micro skin type', so pin point away my lovelies!

(http://www.stylescoop.co.za/2013/03/06/secret-flawless-hollywood-perfect-skin/)

DLJ
Xoxo

(1) Hello! Fashion Magazine Skinspecial, 02.02.2015

Creme De La Mer : Soft Cream and Treatment Lotion combination

I have been using Creme de la Mer for just over a year now and I am totally addicted to their products. So far I have invested in the Moisturizing Soft Cream, the Moisturizing Gel Cream and the treatment lotion. I have also been lucky enough to sample what feels like their whole range and already have my eye on some other Creme treats.

At the moment I am using a combination of the Soft Cream and the Treatment Lotion. I reserve the Gel Cream from summer as it is much lighter. As the weather is still pretty terrible in the UK, the heating is generally on in most places so I am finding that my skin is really suffering from the dry indoors environment and the harsh cold wind outside.

The Treatment Lotion : what is it & do I need it?

Well first of all, the answer is yes, you do need it, and here's why! Described as a 'miraculous source of vitality...this rich and silky hydrator awakens the complexion and drives moisture into the skin' on the website, this lotion is applied before your moisturizer to improve texture and skintone. It makes your face feel like its been submerged in water (in a good way) and leaves it hydrated and ready for the day. And the best thing about the Treatment Lotion? Because your skin is already so hydrated, you need less moisturizer. So, really, using the Treatment Lotion is SAVING you money right? Yep, that's how I sell it to myself :)

The Moisturizing Soft Cream

Creme de la Mer have a range of three different moisturizers, The Original, The Soft Cream and the Gel Cream. In brief, the original is much thicker and needs to be 'activated' by rubbing it between your finders before application. The Gel is a lightweight gel moisturizer which is great for summer. And finally, the Soft Cream is a half way house between both of these. It provides good moisture, but isn't heavy. As I mentioned above, I like to use the Gel in the summer months and the soft cream in the colder, harsher winter months.

As a combination

Complete perfection. I was really happy with my soft cream on its own, until I discovered how much of a difference the Treatment Lotion makes. I actually had the Treatment Lotion as a sample product and as soon as I stopped using it, I found my face just didn't feel as hydrated. It felt like I was missing something in my routine and so this beautiful combination come into my life!

Want to try before you buy?

There products are quite expensive (30ml of the moisturizer is £105 and the Treatment Lotion is 150ml for £85), so it's really important that you pick the right moisturizer for your skin. If you go into any store that sells Creme de la Mer, you can get a good size sample. One of the things I love about Creme de le Mer is that their samples last well and are able to give you the ability to actually trial their products properly for a few days.

I would love to hear if you try and of the above and how you get on! Feel free to email, tweet or leave me a comment on Instagram with your thoughts!

DLJ
Xoxo

My Current Skin Routine : Getting Ready For The Wedding

First of all, I wanted to highlight that I am no skin expert, and this is what currently is working for me. I'm not suggesting it is the right way, I'm sure there are so many things I need to be doing that I'm not. I simply wanted to show what I am doing at the moment as it appears to be working for me.

Over the next few months, I need to get my skin routine into check as I get married in August. I wanted to put everything down in my blog so I can see how my skin is progressing and to highlight to myself what is missing and where! Also, sorry my photo's seem to be a bit blurry at the moment, I have no idea what is going on with the camera on my iphone!

I'm terrible in the morning when it comes to my skin! This is somewhere I really need to improve when it comes to looking after my skin. 

In the morning I simply wash my face with water in the shower, maybe not the best way to start the day for my skin!! 

I then used Creme de la Mer soft cream and Laura Mercier primer to prep my skin ready for my make up. I have recently be trying the Creme de la Mer Treatment Lotion which you apply before your moisturizer to drive moisture into the skin to improve texture and appearance of skin tone. I actually really noticed a huge difference in my skin, so this is something that is currently on order! 

Twice a week a give my skin a little treat (on a Wednesday and Saturday morning to be precise!) I use my claraionic with Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean to give my skin a deep clean and buff. I've started to really notice my make up gets patchy if I skip / forget to so this. Once I've used my clarasonic, the surface of my skin is so much smoother and I find that my foundation is much more even. 

Then, in the evenings I used Shu Uemura Skin Purifier oil to clean off all of my make up. This stuff really is amazing and takes off even the most stubborn of make up including mascara and eyeliner! It's seriously unreal. I have tried this green one and also their yellow coloured one. Personally, I found that my skin felt a bit tight and dry after using the yellow one, so make sure to talk to the ladies / gents behind the counter to make sure you are getting the right oil for your skin. I was really hesitant to use a face oil at first as I do suffer from oily skin, but I love this stuff. Please check out my other blog on Shu Uemura face oils for more details.

When I climb into bed, I then apply The Body Shop Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream. I decided to use a difference face cream at night because I feel it is a bit of a waste to use my La Mer at night time and also because I actually quite like this body shop night cream.

Once or twice a month, (if I remember) I also use the Liz Earle Face Mask which comes with two face buffers. Unfortunately, when I moved house my face buffers seem to have gone missing :( which is a real shame, but still use this with a damp cloth. 

So it's pretty short and sweet and needs a few tweaks here and there, but it's getting there. At the moment my skin is really

I would be more than welcome to have any of your hints and tips around skincare! Please get on contact either on my email highendmakeupgirl@outlook.com or on Instagram : highendmakeupgirl

DLJ
Xoxo