Liebster Award Nomination

So excited to share with you all that i have been nominated by Amy Graham for the Liebster Award eek!

The Liebster Award is given to up and coming bloggers who have less than 200 followers. Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. Isn't that sweet? Blogging is about building a community and it's a great way to connect with other bloggers and help spread the word about newer bloggers/blogs.

It was lovely to find out a little bit more about Amy, and now it's my turn! As I've been nominated i now have to state 11 facts about myself and then answer 11 questions. Here goes!

11 Facts about me;

1. I'm very shy until i get to know someone.
2. I am 5"11, so very tall!
3. I have a huge addiction with anything related to beauty and skincare.
4. I work with babies as young as 3 months.
5. I'm looking into doing some nannying abroad soon.
6. I'm planning to move to New Zealand in the near future.
7. I love taking photos (Which my friends hate on nights out).
8. I'm good at making cocktails.
9. I've fallen in love with the film About Time.
10. My nickname is Bambi as i constantly fall over and i cant ever seem to walk in a straight line!
11. I never get hangovers!

What is your favourite animal?

This is an easy one for me! As you can tell from my previous blog 'The King of Beauty' which features my gorgeous cat George, cats have got to be my favourite animal hands down. It might be boring but its the truth! :) They are so loyal and give the best cuddles...they even help you sort out your makeup ha!

 What is your favourite make-up brand?

Hardest question ever!! I swap and change so much it's hard to pick just one. For me, at the moment, my favourite brand is Nars. I love the colouring of their products, the Luxurious feel, and the fact you can use the majority of their makeup from day to night (which is hard to find!).

What is your favourite brand for skincare?

This is also quite a difficult one for me. as I've suffered with acne for the past nine years, I'm constantly trying new products as my skin changes so often. I tend to go through phases using products such as Clinique, Clarins, Lancome, Vichy and Dior and i like to mix up what i use depending on my skin that day. But I'd have to say overall my favourite is Clarins. For A beauty addict with sensitive skin, Clarins is the most soothing and reliable brand I've used to date.

What shade of lipstick do you usually go for?

I tend to go for nude, peachy or baby pink shades as they suit my pale skin tone. occasionally I'll wear red but that is very occasionally!

What is your favourite meal?

I'm not a fussy eater in the slightest, but cook me anything Italian and I'm all yours! ha.

What is your dream job?

Any Job that involves Travel and Beauty. Two of my favourite things in life!

Why did you start blogging?

Ive wanted to start a blog for a very long time based on Acne and beauty, but never quite had the confidence to. Then recently i was persuaded to do so by a friend and just went for it, so happy i listened to her!

Why did you choose to blog about your chosen subject?

When you've suffered with acne for a long period of time, you get to know what works and what doesn't work for you. If I'd had someone to guide me through what products to use when i first had it, i think it would of saved me a huge amount of money. So if i can achieve that with someone else it would make me massively happy!

What is your favourite thing in your room?

I recently gave my room a little makeover and changed quite a few bits and pieces. I have a huge amount of love for my bed, but i think this is probably quite normal and most people probably do! So, i would have to say that my favourite item has got to be my handmade wardrobe handles. They are pastel pink ceramic roses, and they are so beautiful. They go with the Floral theme to my room so well, and I'vee had some lovely comments on them!

What is your favourite flower?

Either Cream Roses or pastel coloured Hydrangeas.

Would your rather get dressed up or be in your slouchies and have a pamper eve?

Depends what the occasion is and who the company was. During the summer months there's nothing i love more then getting dressed up and having drinks out with the girls or a nice meal, but come the winter i love a cosy night in with a film on in the background, open a bottle of wine and have girly chat whilst in our pj's with a face mask on! :)

Here are my 5 nominations;

Some lovely girls with beautiful blogs!

Polly Williams

Laura Beth

This London Life

Lipstick Loveheart Beauty

Emily Louise Golding

Here are your 11 questions Girls, get typing!

1. What is your blog about?
2. What do you want to achieve from your blog?
3. Name your most used beauty product.
4. What do you most admire about yourself?
5. What part of the world would you most like to travel to?
6. What is your all time favourite skincare brand?
7. What is your favourite TV series?
8. Do you have any annoying habbits?
9. Do you have a motto that you live your life by? What is it?
10. What advice would you give to a new blogger?
11. What’s your favourite blog post you’ve written so far?

Thanks for reading,

Alys

x

My Weekend Routine

This is the last thing i ever thought i would be doing, but here goes! I've never quite gone completely naked (without makeup) in front of strangers or anyone for that matter! For people that know me well, will know that this is a huge deal for me!

 

As you can see my chin area is my worst affected part of my face. I suffer with acne mainly around my jawline and chin area. I have a really bad habit (my dermatologist constantly reminds me of) in which i touch my skin when I'm anxious or worrying about something. For me this is probably one of the main reasons my skin hasn't ever really properly cleared up!

During the week while I'm at work i don't tend to wear full coverage makeup, as i feel i need to let my skin breathe. So i usually just apply a small amount of tinted moisturiser. But, By the weekend when I'm out and about i like to use this routine for  my face and lips. 

So first of all in the shower i wash my skin with the Clinique redness solutions, which starts to calm and soothe the affected areas by the time I'm out the shower and dressed. Then, when its started to look less inflamed i apply La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (I will be doing a post on this very soon so keep your eyes peeled). I let this soak into my skin for a few minutes and then i apply a small amount of Benefit Pore Fessional to the worst areas. This Makes my overall skin tone a little more even for when i apply the foundation. Afterwards I use the tips of my fingers to apply about a pea sized amount of Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser.  Then Again i go over the worst affected areas with my Lancome Long Lasting Softening Concealer. I use this as its not too drying but has a good full coverage. I tap on the concealer with my fingers as it gives a more natural finish. Lastly, on the foundation front, i spray a small amount of Dior Air Flash Spray Foundation onto my Flat edged foundation Brush, and dab onto my skin all over. First i concentrate on my chin and jawline, then all over to merge the colours and make the whole look a little more even. This Foundation is a new find of mine  that i fell in love with as it gives such a flawless finish.

In the daytime i like my lips to look subtle and moisturised. So for this look i apply some of my Clinique chubby stick which gives a very natural colour tint then i go over the top of this with the Dior Lip Glow for the moisture and Shine. I realise this isn't my whole makeup look, but i wanted to show you a before and after of my worst affected areas. Please let me know what you think and let me know what you use on your skin:).

 

Thanks for reading,

Alys

x

Lets Talk Skincare

Before I begin, I thought I should point out that our skin not only differs from person to person, but also goes through plenty of phases throughout our lives. Just like how our mood changes during different times of the day, our skin and its needs also differ. After talking to many skin specialists, this was the one bit of advice i always keep in mind. Over time, I have learnt how to deal with my skin better because I realised I needed to approach skincare in a more a holistic manner. It’s really all about a balance of treatments, the right products, and general well being. Throughout the years of having acne, as I've changed, my skin has altered too which is why i change my skin routines and the products that i use so frequently.

Recently on a girls weekend away, a friend of mine was astounded at my skincare collection and array of foundations. i explained that my skin had changed so much in the past year that I've had to alternate what i use on a daily basis. for example; one day it might be very dry equally the next it could be so sensitive that i cant apply anything! This is a rather difficult topic for me to approach because I mix my products around so often. Each year, I go from having horrendous skin (in my opinion) to pretty clear skin, this can alternate every other week and i continue using different products at different stages throughout. Keeping this in mind...I've put together a list of my top products that i cant live without on a weekly basis and at the same time go through a basic routine.

Firstly:

FACE WASH OR MAKEUP REMOVER

I tend to use a gentle face wash instead of makeup remover as i find wipes too harsh on my skin and usually too painful to use. So instead i opt for 'Dermol' antimicrobial emollient (a cream usually used for eczema or dermatitis), which i was prescribed by my doctor a very long time ago and is still to date the only wash that doesn't cause my skin any extra problems.

 

CLEANSING WASHES

usually after washing my skin i then wash it again with a gentle cleanser. The three products that i would recommend and alternate regularly depending on my skin condition would be;

1) Clinique soothing cleanser

Over the years I've made my way through pretty much every one of clinique anti-blemish solution products and this has to be one of my favourites. when i have a breakout my skin gets very red and itchy and this is my savour! Its not excessively expensive to buy and really cools down my skin, making me look a little more human!

2) Clinique cleansing foam

 

This is very similar to the first product but i tend to use this if my skin is having a 'normal' day, in my case, isn't too dry, too oily or too sensitive. It makes your skin feel lovely after and i always feel radiant. You can also buy this in soap form, which lasts so much longer but over the years I've realised i prefer to buy the bottle version as when dealing with acne-prone skin, you want to be as hygienic as possible so using a pump saves you contaminating the product for your next use.

Lastly

3) Dior Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Its not very often i can use products or would even recommend them with fragrances in but this is one beauty must have! Dior have excelled in making something very unique for sensitive skin. it may be a lot pricier then the other two but if your looking for something a bit more luxurious then definitley give this a go! I use this if my skin is having a sensitive day and i cant apply makeup. it smells incredible and leaves your skin feeling soft, clean and wakes me up for the day!

CLEANSERS

My top three cleansers;

1)  Lancome Cleansing Fluid

This is a very lightweight cleanser, which is great if your skin is very dry or sensitive, I've used this for a long time now and am still able to use and reuse even when my skin changes.

2) Clarins Extra Comfort Anti-pollution Cleansing Cream

My mum actually introduced me to this one! she came across this after receiving a Clarins gift pack and made me try it, it contains Shea butter which is very moisturising and calming to red and angry skin. They also make mini's which are perfect when your travelling (especially when you already have so many products).

3) Dior Gentle cleansing Milk

This can be used along side the foaming cleanser above.

TONING

Top Three toners;

1) Lancome Softening Hydrating Toner

This toner smells lovely and feels very fresh once applied onto your skin. It does an amazing job of hydrating your complexion.

2) Dior Purifying Toning Lotion

This is a great toner for combination or oily acne prone skin, although I'd like to see this in a spray bottle most cotton pads tends to absorbs the product. It is incredibly gentle and soothing to angry skin. its quite pricey but worth it, if your going to go down the Dior route and buy the whole collection together.

3)Dr. Hauschka Clarifying Toner

I came across this product whilst scanning the Internet for a new toner one day. I'd heard about Dr. Hauschka before, from a friend and decided to give the small tester sets a go. I found it really relieved my skin without being too heavy, and so when i need that extra moisture this is what i use. its often very hard to find the right balance when using oils and this is one I'd definitely recommend!

Its known best to be a specially formulated toner for very oily and acne conditioned skin. with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, it helps soothe, calm and harmonise the skin. It also helps regulate oil production in the skin so great for acne prone skin.

MOISTURISE

For me this is the focus of all my routines. People often think moisturising is a no-no for acne but for me its the most important thing. you need to keep your skin hydrated at all times, especially if you've been prescribed medication as usually it can be extremely drying! Ive tried and tested so many different moisturisers and use a different one from day to day. For my morning routine i usually end with;

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel

I've loved this for a long time as its not too heavy for the day, to wear under makeup, its not greasy and keeps your skin hydrated all day.

And at night i usually rely on;

Lancome Hydra Zen Neurocalm

Some people find this far too heavy but for me its what i need over night. Lancome also do this in a lotion for which is great for the day, but for me this is my savour!

One last thing I'd like to add to my products i couldn't live with out would be;

Clarins Gentle Peeling Smooth Away Cream

This is one of my all time favourite products...maybe its because i searched high and low for something on this level! last year i'd been longing for a gentle exfoliator, but having such sensitive skin its so hard to find one that's gentle enough but does a good job at peeling away all the dead skin cells and giving you new fresh skin. Its a must have if you in desperate need of exfoliating but don't want anything too heavy.

I realise this is a really long blog but i have so many favourite products that i swap and change and hopefully this might encourage you to try something new or find something you've been looking for!

Thank you for reading and i hope this helps.

Alys

 x