Empty Bottles - October 2014

I collected few emptiest for you to review this month, looks like it will be a long post. Hope you will enjoy it and will find it useful. Just remember I share with you my subjective opinion, we all have different tastes and likes.

Here are the beauty products I used up in the October: 

1. Jergens Daily Moisture, hydrates and smooths skin. This lotion has a rich texture and suitable for a dry skin. 

INGREDIENTS: WATER, GLYCERIN, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, STEARIC ACID, CETYL ESTERS, GLYCERYL DILAURATE, DIMETHICONE, MINERAL OIL, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, FRAGRANCE, CETEARETH-20, DMDM HYDANTOIN, METHYLPARABEN, ARGININE, PROPYLPARABEN, CARBOMER, ISOPROPYL MYRISTATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, ANANAS SATIVUS (PINEAPPLE) FRUIT JUICE, CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM (LEMON) JUICE, CITRUS GRANDIS (GRAPEFRUIT) JUICE, HYDROLYZED SILK. 

Not a great ingredient list, but smells lovely and does the job. I don't think I will buy it again, will give this cream 4 stars out of 5, just because I know where are better body lotions out in the market.

2. Ayur Deep Pore Cleansing Milk, lovely with a fresh scent. Gentle cleanser to remove dirt, grime and make-up. This cleansing milk is enriched with aloe Vera, cucumber and rose extracts. Suitable for normal to oily skin. This is not my first bottle and if I will have a chance to buy it, won't be the last.

Ingredients: Aqua, Paraffinum Liquidum, Emulsefying wax, Triethamolamine Stearate, Rose Extract, Cucumber Extract, Aloe Vera Extract, Olive oil, Vitamin E, Isopropyl Myrisrate, Silicon Oil, Propylene Glycol, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Methyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, EDTA, Imidazolidinyl urea, Fragrance.

I will give Ayur Deep Pore Cleansing Milk 4 stars out of 5, due to the ingredient list and it gives a sticky feel to the skin.

3. A'kin eye gel with white tea and cornflower. Packaging claims that this gel helps reduce puffiness and dark circles, I can't say that it did this for me. It nourished my skin under the eye and that is it. A'kin eye gel has a very light texture and fragrance and it has a very good ingredient list.

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), niacinamide, panthenol, sorbitol, glycerin, ethyl macadamiate, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, bisabolol, tocopheryl acetate, maltodextrin, sclerotium gum, zea mays (corn) starch, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, ascorbyl glucoside, phenoxyethanol, sodium stearoyl glutamate, arginine, cetearyl alcohol, xanthan gum, polyaminopropyl biguanide, sodium dehydroacetate, sodium gluconate, citric acid, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, sambucus nigra flower extract, camellia sinensis leaf extract, centaurea cyanus flower extract, sodium hyaluronate, lecithin, potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate, tocopherol, malic acid.

Pity it didn't work out with me, but if you just need a nourishment for the gentle eye skin it is a good one. I will give A'kin White Tea and Cornflower Eye Gel 3 stars out of 5.

4. Natura Sibirica Energising Facial Mask. I didn't keep the box it came in and I can't find the ingredient list online for you, only the key ingredients. This face mask contains Siberian ginseng - rich in minerals, deeply revitalises the skin. I like the texture and cool effect of the mask, but I can't really say if it does anything great for the skin, don't think I will buy it again also. It is just lovely for refreshing the skin. I will give this face mask 3 stars out of 5.

5. Avene Very High Protection Emulsion SPF 50+. My first try of facial sun screen and I can tell you it was a positive experience.

Ingredients: AVENE THERMAL SPRING WATER. OCTOCRYLENE. C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE. BUTYLENE GLYCOL. DIMETHICONE. DISOPROPYL ADIPATE. METHYLENE. BIS-BENZOTRIAZOLYL TETRA METHYBUTYLPHENOL CYCLOMETHICONE. WATER. TITANIUM DIOXIDE BUTYL METHOXY-DIBENZOYYMETHANE. BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXPHENOL. METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE. GLYCERYL STEARATE. PEG-100 STEARATE POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE.PVP/EICOSENE COPOLYMER. CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE. CAPRYLYL GLYCOL. CUCURBITA PEPO (PUMPKIN) SEED OIL (CUCURBITA PEPO SEED OIL). DECYL GLUCOSIDE. DIMETHICONOL. DISODIUM EDTA. FRAGRANCE (PARFUM). GLYCERYL BEHENATE. GLYCERYL DIBEHENATE. HYDROXYETHYL ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER. ISOHEXADECANE. POLYSORBATE 60. PROPYLENE GLYCOL SILICA. SORBIC ACID. SORBITAN ISOSTEARATE. STEARYL ALCOHOL. TOCOPHERYL GLUCOSIDE. TRIBEHENIN. XANTHAN GUM

I like to mix it with my day cream. Avene sun screen doesn't leave any white marks, absorbs very fast and it has a light fragrance. Another new edition for my skin care routine. I will give Avene Very High Protection Emulsion SPF 50+ 5 stars out of 5.

6. Bourjois Volume Glamour mascara. My all time favourite mascara, I will buy it again and again. I love the brush and formula, makes my lashes look naturally more visible and gives volume. I tried to find the ingredient list, but no luck. It isn't a natural product, but I think it is a good mascara for that reason I will give it 5 stars out of 5.

What have you discovered in the beauty world this October?

Marija

October Beauty Haul: YESto Blueberries, Nature Riche, Crabtree&Evelynand Savonia Paris

October is about to end, it was my pampering birthday month and I got some new beauty buys to share with you.

As you know I were searching for a serum to try, plus my Nivea face cream and my A'kin eye cream ran out, so I decided to buy a full complex for my face. I got a daily moisturiser, an eye firming treatment and an intensive skin repair serum from YESto blueberries brand. It is a natural make from California USA.

I am using YESto daily moisturiser and eye treatment in the morning and the repair serum with my Nivea night cream and eye cream in the evening. Check my autumn skin care routine for more details.

I am a big fun of turmeric Vico cream, but couldn't find one with a sandalwood oil. For some unknown to me reasons all Vico cream on a high street I went were without it, so I decided to try a different brand. I bought a turmeric cream from Nature Riche. It is Ayurvedic cream for a clear and even toned skin. I usualy apply it when I feel is needed over the night, just as a night cream.

I love a good soap, this month I got Savon triple-fin Savonia Paris soap. It has a lovely fragrance, a little treat for the autumn days.

The last, but not the least Crabtree&Evelyn honey and peach blossom all purpose balm. Smells like honey, just couldn't resist it even I like to make my own lip balms.

What is your favourite beauty buy this October?

Marija

Ciate London Paint Pot Review

Today I wanted to review my Ciate London paint pot I received in the October Glossybox. I have a lovely purple shade - Talent Scout,  I think is perfect for the Fall season. 

It has a good formula, glossy finish and it lasted on my nails for 3 days. On the third day I notices few chips and bit wear off on the nail tips.

Ingredient list:

Ethyl Acetate, Butyl Acetate, Nitrocellulose, Propyl Acetate, Tosylamide/Formaldehyde Resin, Isopropyl Alcohol, Triphenyl Phosphate, Trimethyl Pentanyl Diisobutyrate, Alumina, Stearalkonium Bentonite, Camphor, Sucrose Acetate Isobutyrate, Stearalkonium Hectorite, Diacetone Alcohol, Citric Acid, Benzophenone-1, Tin Oxide, Dimethicone

I want to give this paint pot 4 stars out of 5. Love the colour, the bow, it can last more than 2 busy days of a young mum and it is so easy to take off with a nail polish remover.

Which is your favourite Ciate London?

Marija

My Cosmetics - Autumn/Winter

Today I wanted to share with you my cosmetics and what do I usually use for my daily make-up. I will separate items for face, eyes and make-up brushes. Like everything else in my beauty routine, I don't use many products, they are just basics I need to make-up my face. 

Cosmetics for face:

Yes, I don't have a foundation! I prefer a light coverage, so powder is what I choose as a base. At the moment I am using Rimmel Stay Matte and it is in shade 003, Peach Glow. As you can see I am about to finish it, don't think I will buy it again. Just because I would like to try something else, cosmetics tend to last for me forever.

I promised myself not to buy any beauty product until I truly need a new one, so I tend to finish my stuff first.

I received sample of Rimmer BB cream in my October glossybox. I started to use it to try. It is lighter than foundation, but I noticed I need to use a brush to blend it well and set it with powder to make skin look flawless. This is 9-in-1 skin perfecting super make-up has lots of nice ingredients inside, they claim it as a beauty balm. My skin seems like it, no break outs or irritation, I will enjoy using it, but not sure if I want to buy one.

MUA makeup academy, Cover&Conceal is my first concealer to use. All my sleepless nights as a young mum resulted to buy one. I can tell you, it is cheap, but works well. I was worried that it will leave visible marks under the eyes, but no, it blends very well. I think I have it in a light shade. MUA surprised me! I use this concealer as an eye primer as well. Don't know if I will buy another one, I would like to try something natural to not just hide, but nourish skin under the eye.

Another MUA product I have is a blusher in shade Bon Bon. My first one too, lovely pink and looks fresh on my cheeks. I don't think I will need another at least for a year, that is shelf life of an open powdery cosmetics.

I started to watch YouTube and beauty vlogs about make-up and it seems contouring is a very important step. I can agree now as I started to use BB cream, without bronzer my face looks strange. You do need to put shade into your face to keep that natural look. I bought Bourjois Paris bronzing powder in shade 51. It looks like chocolate bar, smells nice and fresh, has a tiny bit of glint, but not to much, what I wanted. I am not a fun of the shimmer on my face. 

Cosmetics for eyes:

I love to do make up on my eyes! Here what I am using at the moment. I have only one mineral based eye shadow palette and it is from Sleek Make Up, I-Divine Au Naturel 061. I like these basic, natural colours! Only four shimmery shades, rest are matte. I use Bark shade for my eyebrows and Nougat as a highlighter. 

I have two L'oreal Infaillible eye shadows in shade 016, Coconut Shake and 020, Pebble Grey. These two is what I usually need to do my quick make-up in the morning before work.

I have two soft eyeliners Lavera in soft gray and 2True in brown. Lavera is a natural brand and I really like my gray pencil, plan to buy it again. I don't mind to use it on my eye water line to make my lashes appear thicker due to it natural ingredient list. 2True brown pencil I use for my brows if I am not using a shadow. I have Ellite pencil sharpener, love it - does job brilliantly!

I have two mascaras at the moment, Borjois Paris Volume Glamour in black and So Susan Flutter mascara in jet black. Borjois mascara is my old time favourite, if I don't know what to buy for my lashes, it will be my first choise always. Love the brush, soft and not plastic, gives my lashes lovely natural volume. So Susan mascara I received in my October Glossybox, I like it, but don't think I will buy it. Nice brush, but a bit on a harder side, gives length to lashes. Mascara formula is good without offensive smell and not too liquidy. I can recommend it if you like lengthening mascaras, it is nice!

Make up brushes:

My recent love - Ecotools brushes, I have domed bronzer brush and skin perfecting brush. They are so good and soft on the skin. I wash bronzer brush once a week and it doesn't shed anything so far, very pleased with it. I use this brush for powder, bronzer and my blusher. Skin perfecting brush is perfect for a concealer, BB cream and a foundation.

I have three brushes for eye make up: Revlon eye shadow blending brush, QVS eyeshadow brush and Revlon two sided brush for perfect smoky make up. I use this doble sided brush daily, to smudge my eyeliner and set it with a shadow, small angular side is perfect to make a line or to do eyebrows.

I have here as well eyebrow comb/brush and a tweezer.

Here are all my cosmetics I use and brushes. Hope this post will be helpful for you, if you are planning to buy basics for a daily make-up.

What is your must have in a make-up bag?

Marija

Read more:

- my skin care routine - face

- my skin care routine - body

- my nail care routine

Natural Cocoa Lip Balm - DIY Beauty

I love home made lip balms because they work wonders on my lips, they are 100% natural and so easy to make. Plus I can use any ingredients I like - be it essential oil or a beauty butter.

Today I wanted to share with you one of my favourite autumn lip balms made with cocoa butter and olive oil.

Natural cocoa lip balm

To make one of your own you will need:

- 1 tsp pure, filtered, unbleached cosmetic grade beeswax;

- 1/2 tsp raw cocoa butter;

- 1/2 tsp olive oil;

- 5 drops of avocado oil;
- 0.5 ml of Argan oil;

- 5 drops of essential oil of your choice.

Argan oil is rich in vitamin E, has a deep nourishment properties. 

Avocado oil is rich in vitamins A, D and E, lecithin, as well as potassium - known as the youth mineral. It furthermore contains proteins, beta-carotene and more than twenty percent essential unsaturated fatty acids. The fatty acids contained are palmitic, stearic and linoleic. Avocado oil helps to soften the skin and imparts a superior moisturising effect.

Cocoa butter is high in antioxidants; it contains nutrients and fatty acids which are great for deep-down skin nourishment and hydration. 

Olive oil contains four major antioxidants which allow it to work as a cleanser, moisturiser and protector for skin. Among these antioxidants are vitamin A and vitamin E. Vitamin E partly accounts for the anti-ageing benefits of this substance because it helps restore skin elasticity.

You will need as well:

- 1 empty, sterilised tin or tube to store lib balm;

- 1 heatproof bowl;

- 1 teaspoon for mixing;

- 1 pot with some water.

Place cocoa butter, olive oil and beeswax into a heatproof bowl. Put the bowl with all ingredients inside a pot with some water in it. Place your pot on the low-medium heat. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients have melted. Turn the burner off and remove the pot from the heat.

Allow to cool for few minutes and stir in your essential oil, mix well. I am using 3 drops of Lavender essential oil and 2 drops of Lemon Eucalyptus essential oil. Now carefully pour your mixture into the empty tin and leave it to cool and set for 20 minutes.

This lip balm will keep your lips soft and healthy this autumn/winter season. Shelf life 6 months.

What is your favourite lip balm this autumn?

Marija

Glossybox - October 2014

My first glossybox has arrived just in time for my birthday! I love it! Box itself looks great and I got nice goodies to treat myself with this coming months. Here what I got in my October Glossybox.

This post is first of this kind. What I plan to do is to list all the products for you with information I have from the Glossybox. Some products I will be able to review straight away, but some I will take time to test. You will find all of them in the end in my empty bottles posts. Do bear with me, I don't usually rush and want to share with you a honest opinion on everything I use. Now let's begin!

1. Nuxe Paris Masque Creme Fraiche de Beaute, a 24hr moisturising mask which hydrates and soothes the skin, instantly reducing discomfort or redness. Skin is left looking radiant and relaxed. This mask is for face and eye contour and for all skin types. 

I received a full size product, 50ml and it is the most expensive item in the box £19.50. 

I am excited to try it out, product claimes that it will intensely sooth the skin with immediate "SOS rescue" effect on skin. It isn't 100% natural product. I can see Glycol, EDTA and few more not so nice ingredients, but I think 80% of it looks good. This face mask has macadamia seed oil, various plant extracts, aloe Vera and much more.

I am about to run out of my natural face mask, you saw it in my skin care routine. I hope this will be a great substitute. Will keep you posted on it.

2. Etre Belle Liplift Peeling. Never had any of this type of beauty product before. Since I am using home made natural lip balm my lips are soft and very well nourished. I will post soon a recipe of my autumn/winter lip balm for you.

I will give this lip peeling a go, I plan to use it once a week or once in two weeks. 

I received a full size product, 15ml. It costs €12.95 . Not much information on the tube, I will need to do more research online about it. If you ever tried a lip peeling, let me know in the comments below about your experience.

3. So Susan Cosmetics Flutter Mascara. An intense carbon-black mascara formulated with hyaluronic spheres to help you achieve the darkest, curviest lashes possible. 

I received a full size product, 4g. Price of this mascara is £14.95.

I never tried this mascara before or any product of this brand, but It is just right time for me to replace mascara I am currently using. I will let you know if all promised is true.

4. Ciate Paint Pots. Nail polish in a lovely light purple colour, love the small bow on the pot. Looks cute!

I received a full size product, 13.5ml and it costs £9. Can't wait to try it on.

5. YVES ROCHER France Quelques Notes D'Amour Eau de Parfum. This Parfum has a slightly sweet, fresh floral scent. I love this 5ml bottle, ideal for a handbag. Original price is £33 for a 30ml.

6. Rimmel London BB Cream Matte. This multitasking 9-in-1 skin perfecting makeup cream with a natural formula contains kaolin, witch hazel and salicylic acid for a flawless matte look. 

I usually don't buy BB creams, so it will be interesting to try. I will let you know how I get on.

I received 8ml of this BB cream. Original size is 30ml and it costs £6.99.

I am pleased with my first Glossybox. Did you get yours this months, tell me which is your favourite product and why?

Marija 

ESSIE Nail Polish Swatches and Review

As I mentioned in my nail care routine and latest nail polish haul, I bought few ESSIE's nail polishes to try. I wanted to share with you how did I get on and show you swatches as well.

Disclamer:
- This isn't an advertise, I bought them with my own money!
- I share with you my honest opinion!

I bought all in one and two shades 23 (natural pink) and 47 (purple). I tried all of them and I can tell you I am impresses, particularly with a natural pink shade. It lasted on my nails for 5 days, on the 6th day I found some chips. My usual experience with nail polishes that they last me just a day or two, not great with a little babe and plus I have a streaky experience with most of them. 

According to the website ESSIE's nail polishes are DBP, Tluene and Formaldehyde free. 

This is swatch of ESSIE 27, Eternal Optimist. 

A lovely natural pink colour, nice and glossy finish and no streaks. I am in love with this nail polish and can give it 5 marks out of 5. 

This is swatch of ESSIE 47, Sexy Divide. 

A nice fall colour, bold with a tiny hint of shimmer. It lasted me 3 days without chips, but on the 4th day I can see slight rubbing out on the tips of my nails. I still love it and I am officially fun of ESSIE's. I can give this shade 4 marks out of 5, due it isn't as good as number 27 is.

Few words about all in one base, top coat and strengthener. I like it texture, doesn't drags a nail polish along, gives a lovely finish and the main thing doesn't allow brighter colours to stain your nails. I give it 5 marks out of 5.

What is your favourite ESSIE's shade?

Marija

My Skin Care Routine - Body - Autumn 2014

Today I wanted to have a chat with you about body care routine, what do I do and which products do I use.

My body care routine is similar to the skin care routine, It is simple. During autumn/winter months my skin tends to be more on a dry side due to temperature change and air conditioning at work. I think two the most important and basic aspects of body care are: exfoliation and nourishment.

Exfoliation:

I do a mild exfoliation daily using a soft sponge with a shower gel (I am using last Christmas vintage blooms, lavender bath and shower gel) or a soap (I love a good soap, at the moment I am using soap from the Italy with an orange fragrance). I use pumice stone for my feet.

I tend to use scrub once in two weeks during autumn/winter months. At the moment I am using St. Ives invigorating apricot body scrub. I apply scrub only on the problem parts of my body, like lower legs, elbows, knees and under the arms.

Nourishment:

I use body moisturiser daily.  At the moment I have two body moisturisers: Jergens Daily Moisture and Dove Purely Pampering body butter.

If I used a scrub, I usually apply body oil (at the moment I am using Avocado oil) or one of my hand made creams (I will post a recipe when I will make a new one). I like to use natural products on my skin especially before bedtime. Because while we are asleep our skin regenerates and  it needs all the help not just from the inside, but from the outside too.

I included my favourite autumn parfume in this post, Lacoste original because I can't imagine my day without it. Under arm roll on has it's own place in my body care routine, we can't be with out one too, at the moment I am using Garnier Mineral InvisiCool.

I believe even if you spend just five minutes a day, it will be enough to have soft and nourished skin. 

Exercising is very important to keep the body in shape and the skin toned. I don't have time to exercise at the moment, but I think my active life style helps. Being a mum, I am always on the move. I love to walk and when weather is permitting I skip the public transport and enjoy walking home or to work. Well I don't drive, but if you do why not to give your car a day off and discover your way on foot?!


What are your best body care tips?
Marija

Skin Care Essentials - Stress Management

I wanted to continue skincare essential topic and to have a chat about stress management. Being able to deal with events as they happen without getting stresses, taking things in your stride, and keeping emotions and relationships in perspective are all part of a healthy approach to life. 

Any life-changing event, even a happy one such as a birth of a baby or a new job, can be the cause of stress. Ladies and gents stress is a normal response and a necessary reaction to many physical and mental challenges. It is only when demands become too much that the stress can be harmful to the body and mind.

My current biggest problem is I try to fit too much into each day. We all have 24 hours a day, so why some people are able to complete everything they want and some aren't. I will tell you one thing, if you are just like me and running against the time, you need to prioritise your workload. I know it can be easier said than done for many women who are juggling the need of children or elderly parents, or both, and other domestic issues along with the demands of a job outside the home. Let not forget men, they have their own workload to handle every day and try to manage private and work life.

If aiming for perfection is the problem for you, it is worth trying to strike a balance. You may take pride in having a spotless house, for example, but would it not give you more pleasure to spend time with someone you love rather than concentrating on the household chores?

If it is your job is causing you the most concern, don't brood on what you see as your failings, but ask for help. Sometimes even a job you have been doing for years can suddenly become stressful, because there has been a change of personnel or there is a threat of reorganisation or redundancy.

Approach your immediate superior or the human resources manager and tell him or her about your concerns. You may be surprised to hear that the company views you as a valued member of the workforce, but if there seems to be a gap in your knowledge, perhaps with regard to new technology, request some training.

Too much stress does not always relate to excessive commitments. Having too little to do can be stressful as well. If you find yourself in this situation find out which organisation would welcome your help as a volunteer and appreciate your contribution. Hobbies as well are great to fulfil days with positivity.

My three ways to reduce stress:

1. Talk: learn to tell other people when you are worried and upset.

2. Walk: a brisk walk every day resets your mind and alleviates stress.

3. Be kind to yourself: a massage here, a flower show there and stress will float away.

What are your ways to reduce stress in life?

Marija

Read more:

- Skin care essentials - sleep management

- Skin care essentials - nutrition and supplements

- Skin care essentials - skin proptection

Lovely Skin... in your thirties

As I mentioned before I am 30 years old and started to think more about my skin care. I want to talk about what we suppose to do with our skin as we enter thirties.

Your skin in your thirties. If you have protected your skin really well from the sun and other climatic extremes, it may be bright and blooming. But that is the exception: most of us notice some dullness as cell turnover slows. 

There is almost certainly some environmental damage in the epidermis; it may be invisible but reckless sunbathers will probably have sun spots; you might notice dullness, dryness and the start of significant lines.

With collagen and elastin fibres not working as efficiently, your dermis is likely to be losing some of the bounce-back. Stress can affect collagen formation so, if you are under pressure, look for ways to relax.

Products for your skin. This is the time to really boost your hydration outside and from the inside, so sip at least eight large glasses of pure, still water daily. If you are not drinking your water yet, why not to try one week water drinking challenge. You can check how I get on with mine, I will leave the link below.

The basic products you need for your face are cleanser, alcohol free toner, day moisturiser, night cream and/or oil, eye product, exfoliator and mask.

For your body, I suggest a rich top-to-toe body cream, as well as an all over body exfoliator/scrub to use in the shower once or twice a week - and, of course, sun protection for every bit of exposed skin.

I think cleansing and moisturising remain the most important activities. Choose a cream-based, soap-free facial cleanser to work in harmony with the skin's slightly acidic pH balance. 

Follow cleanse with a sweep of skin toner. Choose an alcohol-free formulation that won't overly dry or irritate.

Select your moisturiser according to your skin type. Before I would advice to choose a natural moisturiser, but I believe if even "not so natural" cream works for you - that what is important! What I try to say that product doesn't need to be 100% natural and pure to do you good.

Get into the habit of using an eye cream, as it will help to keep the finer skin around your eyes smooth: use daily for best results.

You can double up by using your moisturiser as a night cream, as long as it doesn't contain SPF. But if your skin is dry you might want to switch to a slightly richer night cream, or oil. The skin cells do more of their repair work whilst we sleep, so this is the best time for the cream to sink into the upper levels of the epidermis and moisturise.

Giving your face a once or twice weekly exfoliators pep up the skin by giving it an extra buffing and are ideal to use before applying a treatment mask. Choose a mask specifically for your skin type. Take both exfoliator and mask down on to the neck and upper chest for best results.

Apply lots of body cream daily, from chin to toes, as soon you have towelled dry after a bath or shower - it absorbs more easily into warm skin.


Here are the basic things you need to know in your thirties to keep your skin looking good and lovely. Plus remember to spoil yourself with a professional facial once in a while. Try to give yourself time to switch off and relax.


What are your tips to keep the skin lovely at any age? Marija


Read more:

- My water drinking challenge

- Skin protection

Skin Care Essentials - Nutrition and Supplements

I want to carry on with my favourite topic - skin care essentials.

Our skin is a reflection of our lifestyle and choices. What we put into our bodies dramatically influences our skin colouring, texture and it also can affect how we feel.

It took me sometime to realise that creams and potions can't give me a magic effect, if my diet is a not healthy one. If you don't give your body enough from the inside, beauty products won't really help. In the begining it is always a simple things.

Nutrition and supplement

Water and other beverages. Water is a fundamental part of our lives. It's the universal solvent, aiding in digestion and absorption of food. It also ferries nutrients and oxygen to every cell in the body while flushing out toxins and other wastes that accumulate. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day has been a mantra for many years. Drinking this amount of water will keep your skin clear and assist in keeping your muscles toned and healthy.

Ladies and gents low water intake is known to be one of the main culprits in speeding up the ageing of the skin.

I always wanted to have a habit of drinking a lot of water, knowing how good it is for you. But myself as probably some of you I substitute water with tea and other drinks.

I would love to do one week water challenge. Well, why not to start it from tomorrow?! Join me in! I will keep you posted on my Facebook page and I am looking forward to hear from you at any time.

Before we start the challenge take a moment to think how do you feel, take a look in the mirror or even better take a selfie to keep the track of changes. We will need to consume 8 glasses of water in one day. So it will be one glass of water first time in the morning, second glass with your breakfast. Third in the mid morning, fourth with your lunch, fifth in mid afternoon, sixth with your supper, seventh in the mid evening and eighth just before you go to bed. I am typing and thinking that is a lot of water. I think I will start with a smaller glass first and when increase it to general size, just to keep my body our of a shock.

Please, if you have any health condition not good for too much water intake don't try to take a challenge. I am not a doctor or nutritionist, always listen to your body what ever you do.

A healthy diet. When I say diet I don't mean reducing amount of what you eat, but eating the balanced way. We all know that eating unhealthy diet, such as one high in fat, salt or sugary foods, will not give us the nutrients to build muscle effectively nor will it enable us to generate the energy or enthusiasm that is necessary for your personal well being and active daily life.

 

I believe what you eat is your personal matter. The diet and supplements that work for one person may not be appropriate for another person. My advice is to eat a variety of different foods in moderation. Our bodies need protein for growth and repair, so make sure you eat one or two portions of good quality protein. I like chicken, fish or egg, if you like beef, select the lean cut, turkey is also great.

Vegetables and fruits high in fibre are always a safe choice for a healthy lifestyle, so remember your five a day. The vitamins and minerals in fresh fruits and veggies are great for feeding your skin.

Anti-ageing supplements

Caution: Because everyone's biochemistry is unique, it would be prudent for you to consult with a nutritionist before embarking on any antioxidant supplement programme. It goes without saying that no pregnant woman should take any vitamin, mineral or food supplement without first consulting her doctor.

We all heard about antioxidants, but what they actually do and where can we get them from?!

Simply said, antioxidants are compounds which aid the body in disarming the free radicals and they can also help to repair sun-related damage. They are vitamins, minerals and other substances found in a variety of common foods. Here is a list of some of the top antioxidants:

Selenium: containing in seafood, meat, Brazil nuts, tuna, wholegrains, cottage cheese and chicken.

Betacarotene: you can find in orange and dark green vegetables, such as spinach, carrots and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin C: this can be found in fruits and vegetables but particularly good sources are citrus fruit, broccoli, green and red peppers and strawberries.

Vitamin E: nuts and seeds are hight in vitamin C, including peanuts, almonds, sunflower and sesame seeds.

Other antioxidants like Vitamins B12 and A, folic acid are also beneficial.


So remember a rainbow on your plate will supply you and your skin with vitamins and minerals; will help you to stay healthy; will make you feel and look younger and will give you energy you need to enjoy your life.


Do you take supplements or try to have a varied diet?
Marija