My skin care routine
NEW CATEGORY: BEAUTY
I must admit, I've always been super lazy and not really an expert when it comes to beauty stuff.
I've never worn a lot of makeup, barely got a proper haircut, never taken supplements regularly etc. I had a period in my teenage years where my skin would break out every now and then, but overall I've been very privileged and never had issues. This means my skin care routine has been limited to random eye makeup remover, facial moisturizer and lip balm. And the products keept getting too old before I've finished them.
Lately I've experienced a change in my skin having more blemishes and breakouts than before. I think it is primarily caused by emotional stress, hormone change and probably slaggy eating habits these past months. Anyway I hoped my skin would go back to normal when life got a bit calmer, but it's still not there yet (7-8 months in). So I figured that it's about time to give the beauty related stuff a bit more attention and find out what my skin need in order to feel the best.
Therefore I've lately consulted a cosmetologist, changed up my skin care and make-up routine and such, but still wanting to keep especially the skin care simple and with 'clean' products. I've digged deep into blogs written by beauty specialists and I found alot of valuable knowledge. Since I'm a photographer, I felt inspired to shoot my way through this journey as well and therefore I've created a category named 'beauty' where I will share stuff related to this subject!
SKIN CARE ROUTINE SUMMER 2017
In December I booked my first appointment with cosmetologist Jeanine to have her analyze my irritated skin. I'll get into the professional treatments and why I chose Jeanine in a later post.
Fundamentally I've always believed in natural beauty products and treatments and in general seeing beauty as an inside-out process. Our skin is the biggest organ and what we apply to it penetrates our blood, and if the products are full of chemical shit, you know what you are full of too. But I have also experienced a direction loss and all those ingredients on the labels - it's a jungle where you easily get lost.
MARIA ÅKERBERG DEEPSKIN ORGANICS
Jeanine advised me to use products from Maria Åkerberg - an organic and natural Swedish skincare line. Right now I use a foam wash, serum, and an eye- and day cream, and a couple of different balms. So far I'm loving the simplicity of the design, the list of ingredients and the effects.
Step 1.
PRODUCTS: Foaming Wash Clearing + 4D Motion Facial Brush (#AD #gift - not paid to review)
HOW: I apply the foaming wash to the brush and use it all over my face in circle movements. The foam is gentle but effective and has a fresh smell of citrus. Apparently the facial cleanser brush is HOT in korean beauty due to the 4D technology = 4 directions (right & left rotation + up & down vibration). After researching and using it for some months now I completely understand the hype. My favorite features of it are the 4D tech, the insanely soft fibers (much softer than the brush from Clinique) and the fact that it's waterproof and can be used while showering.
Step 2.
PRODUCTS: AHA & Jojoba Peeling + Serum Clearing
HOW: I use the mechanical and chemical peeling twice a week. It has a nice thick texture and peppermint scent. This peeling leaves my skin really smooth and even hydrated. After the foam wash or the occasionally peeling I apply the serum in my t-zone. It is quite thin and a bit hard to control when applying, but is quickly absorbed. The effect is rather subtle, probably due to the fact that I only use it a couple times a week wheares suggested use is twice a day.
Step 3.
PRODUCTS: Eye Cream & Face Dream
HOW: I apply the eye cream everyday around my eyes by gently tapping it into my skin. Its texture is light and suitable for the thin skin in this area. From Jeanine I've learned the importance of eye cream and researching for this post I found out that this eye cream has actually won an award in 2017 for best product. Win!
When the eye cream is absorbed I apply a good amount of the face cream to my face and neck. My skin in my face is dry and sensitive and always in need of hydration. It's insane. This cream is thick and feels "natural" and gentle. I often feel that thick creams stay on top of my skin and sometimes clock the pores. Which might be what I love the most about this cream: despite it being very rich it absorbs really well. My skin is literally drinking it up and it is hydrating and not just "coating" my skin.
BEAUTY FAVORITES
The rest of my favorite beauty products atm.
Face
Korean Blueberry Mud Face Mask - when I feel like boosting the radiance and glow of my skin. Find it here.
Mario Badescu Healing & Soothing Mask - when my skin is irritated or breaking out a bit.
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe Herbs and Rosewater - when I feel in need of a refresh during the day and to set my make-up. A favorite!
TONYMOLY Panda eye Patch - I haven't tried these ones yet, but I love korean/asian beauty things and is binge buy things these days haha. Find it here.
Make up
Smashbox 'Warm Neutrals' eyeshadow palette - the palette Mie used on me for this shoot and I'm absolutely in love with the earthy tones.
MAC mineralize concealer - this concealer is still quite new, but so far I like it. I only use it under my eyes to cover up signs of lack of sleep.
Diorshow Iconic mascara - A long time favorite. I've been using this for 6 years at least. It gives long, separated and natural lashes. Just how I like it.
Tromborg blush - a creamy powder blush when I want my cheeks to get a bit of life. I've been using it for the past 4 years.
Benefit ka-brow - it's like a pomade cream applied with a small brush - I use this when I want my brows to be a bit more defined/sculpted.
Kelley Baker tinted brow gel - this tinted gel is amazing. It's really easy to use and looks really natural but gives a bit of definition. My to-go for my brows and for a nutural look.
make up by Mie Heinel Fredriksen using many of my favorite products.