Skincare at its best.....

There is so much choice now in skincare. In my day, you had a few brands like Lancome, Clinique, Estee Lauder or anything basically that was at the Myer make up counter was deemed to be the best.

Now we have new technology, skin science, access to herbal, chinese medicines, ancient rituals, the list goes on.  It can send anyone into a confused state of panic when you have a specific skin concern & dont know where to begin.....

So where do you begin?  Well, I think you need to assess your skin type first, then work out what specific concerns you have.


Here are a few simple questions that made it much easier for me:

Do you find your skin is dry with a feeling of tightness?

Do you find you are oily by mid morning?

What are your skin concerns? Redness, pigmentation, ageing, acne, flaking or dry skin

Here are three categories your skin can fall into:

Dry - small pores, matte thin skin, flakiness or broken capillaries, dull complexion
Action - gentle cleansers, alcohol free toners, hydrating masques & serums

Normal/Combination - Medium size pores, light shine in t zone, dehydrated areas
Action - PH Neutrals cleansers, antioxidant moisturisers & regular exfoliation

Oily - large pores, shiny thick skin, prone to acne & congestion, muddy complexion
Action - Thorough cleansing, mild astringent toners, Salicylic acid serums & purifying masks

OK we have this part sorted now, but I bet you are stumped. You have this new found knowledge of your skin but what products are worth a look at.  Good news is, I have access to some of the most amazing skincare from around the globe & I want to share my personal experience with some of my favourites.

So first cab off the rank - Eve Lom Cleanser.....OMG!!!
This has cult following across the globe, with its unique formulation using essential oils sucj as chamomile, cocoa butter and eucalyptus. I love the thick consistency that has an oiliness to it as you apply on dry skin. To take it off, use the anti bacterial cloth and wipe over face...the concept of oil attracts oil works so well & I have to say waking up in the morning, my skin feels amazing and the radiance this product has brought to my skin is sensational.  A BIG thumbs up for me.  You can find the Eve Lom skincare range at Mecca Cosmetics.

Next, Perricone MD. Dr Perricone is regarded as the Father of Inflammation & the Theory of Ageing and its connection. He has starred on Oprah and is an advocate for inside/out approach of attaining youthful looking skin. Personally I am a BIG fan of his Concentrated Restorative Hydrating Cream, great consistency, a boost of Vitamin C that really makes you skin feel amazing.  I also love the Vitamin C Eye Serum, the fact that it is an oil and easy to apply, I noticed my dry lines around my eyes started to disappear and my dark circles lightened . Brownie points fot this one!! You can find this extensie range of amazing products that target various skin conditions at Mecca Cosmetica.

So now you have some food for thought, go in and ask the experts at Mecca, a sample if you want to try before you buy.  I bet you will love these products as much as me.

I will be trying more over the next couple of weeks, so will keep you posted Xx

Beauty goss girl......

Ok, so if you are anything like me or most of the female population, you want products that work and dont cost more than the pair of shoes you have been eyeing off for months....well if I had my way it would be the Louboutins, so I could have a years supply of skins products!!

Here it is my feline friends, a couple of insider tips....

1. If you are after a gerat exfoliator that will make your skin radiant in an instant, then look no further than your pantry for some Bicarbonate Soda, mix that in with a water based cleanser (Cetaphil found at chemist is perfect).  Get a teaspoon of bi carb, a blob of cleanser & mix it into a paste, then apply to your skin & rub away.

2. Translucent powder/setting powder is great fro absorbing excess oils, setting your make up but if you are going to a special occasion where you know you will be photographed beware of any powder that contains titanium dioxide (which is good essentially as it acts as a sunscreen), however, when that flash goes off, you will have 'ghost face'

Now onto some of my favourite product finds....

After years of chemical straightening, 80's perms, various colours throughout my hair.  I have managed to frizz the hell out of it.  I have tried serums, potions, mists, spray, oils & NOTHING works, until I stumbled across these two little beauties.

1. L O'real  EVERPURE - sulfate free colour care system shampoo & conditioner. Bought at the local supermarket for $20 for the pair!! Awesome!!

2. Before styling,  I put Redken 12 Align Ultra Straight Balm through damp hair, then blow dry & use a straightening tong to finish the look....I love it!!

Ok lastly, I was asked what skincare products I use?

If I had a choice, it would be iconic EVE LOM cleanser, which is so major in the beauty sphere. However, on a budget I am currently using Neo Strata, which is a US brand and has Glycolic & Citric Acid, as I am suffering from a bit of pigmentation. It is great at clearing it up & refining my skin and at a price point of $40 from Chemist Warehouse and used by Dermatologists, it will do for now.  However, I normally love Aveda, as it is natural & my skin just drinks it up & loves it!!

Hope this has helped, stayed tuned for my next finds and a chat to some of the Sundari Make Up team

Much love

Lea Xx