My Skincare Routine!

My skincare routine is a bit of an ever-evolving process. I wrote a guest post on this subject for Sophia Ford's blog (also known as Tattooed Tea Lady)! So you might have already read this, as her blog is immensely popular and lovely. If not feel free to make an attempt at deciphering my ramble! :)

A little back-story… I am acne prone and have combination/oily skin. I have tried just about everything from the Clarisonic Mia to overpriced spa facials.  At the end of the day it comes down to hormone balance for me *sigh* as well as healthy diet. However, these are the products that I find help regulate my skin.

1. Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser: I use this because I like a basic, no-nonsense cleanser. Fragrance free, non-comedogenic . It says it is for normal to dry skin but I find it works well for my oily/combination skin. I use  a quarter sized amount of this in the morning and at night.

2. Vichy Softening Exfoliating Cream: After about 2 years of using harsh exfoliators that seemed to aggravate my skin I opted for a creamy and effective product to slough away all the dead skin cells. What I love about this, is the exfoliating beads, the bottle is jam-packed! I use it 2-3 times a week.

 3. Lush Breath of Fresh Air Toner: The first ever toner I have been able to consistently use. I tried a Lancome toner maybe 2 years ago and found it did nothing. The sly hippies who work at Lush coaxed me into buying this, and I’ve so glad I did. I spritz it directly on my face (no cotton pads for this rebel) after I shower and it makes my skin feel happy and helps my moisturizer do it’s job!

 4. Boscia Oil-Free Daily Hydration: Alas, I am almost finished this product. Pretty good considering I’ve used it since November! A little bit goes a long way. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy and the packaging is ideal, the design helps you get bang for your buck while still being hygienic unlike those pesky jars. I use this with my toner about once a day.

Hope this was informative and that you have some ideas about new products to try!

If you have any recommendations please leave them in the comments or feel free to tweet me @frowardfashion

I've got some posts scheduled to go up later this week so stay tuned...

July Favourites!

1. Sephora Makeup Bag: I've been doing a lot of traveling back and forth from city to cottage this month. This makeup bag is the perfect size! It holds everything I need for a couple nights use and it looks cute too. ^.^
2. Urban Decay De-Slick: With all this hot and humid weather I've needed to use a little extra "umph" to get my makeup to stay in place. This works wonderfully. Just don't get it in your mouth, I had a bit left over on my lips and it did not taste good. I've done a full review of this product, if you want to read it click here. 
3. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Sunscreen: This is everything you want in a sunscreen-lightweight, great protection, no scent, not oily, absorbs quickly! I've been using it almost everyday since May. I even carry it in my purse incase I need to re-apply. One of the best features is the fact that it can be used either underneath or over makeup!
4. Makeup Forever HD Foundation: Not quite sure why, but I've been sticking to liquid foundation almost all year. I dip into a bunch of different foundations but I've been using this one consistently. I think since I travelled a lot in July it was easy for me to pack a no-fuss foundation that doesn't require sponges, brushes, setting powder or primer. Sure, you could use all those products to create better coverage, but personally I prefer to just use my fingers!
5. Nars Blush in Luster: This product warms up my face :) It has a bit of shimmer and creates a lightly bronzed effect. This blush also has the standard Nars packaging, you can never go wrong there. I did a review not too long ago... click here to read it!
6. Philosophy Full Thickening Mousse: I don't want to ramble too much so click here for a review. I will say that as someone who doesn't like to do much hair maintenance, this product effortlessly helps me get more volume and gives my hair more body!
7. OPI Red My Fortune Cookie: This colour has been on my toes for most of the summer. It is very bright and the formula gives an opaque and shiny finish.
8. Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Mask: I included this in a skin care haul and never updated you on it. Sorry >.< I've been using the mask about 1-2 times per week and LOVE it. It makes my skin feel reenergized while pulling out all grime left over from cleansing. I have never used of or even heard of this brand before. So if you have any experience with it, or want to recommend more products to me, please let me know in the comments.
9. Boscia Oil Free Daily Hydration: This has been part of my daily skincare routine since October, I don't know why I haven't featured it on the blog yet and if you are interested I can do a more extensive review:) This is a very no-frills product. Packaging, scent, texture, function...there are no gimmicks or false claims. This moisturizer does one thing well and that is hydrating oily skin. Sometimes people with oily skin think they don't need to moisturize. But they NEED to even more because their cells are producing more oil, by adding it yourself tells your skin "Okay, thanks for this excessive amount of moisture but you can ease up now" I wouldn't recommend this to people with dry skin but it has certainly worked beautifully for my combination skin. 

What have your favourites been this month?

If you have done a July Favourites post, please leave the URL in the comments below-I would love to check it out! :)

Boscia: Pore Purifying Black Strips

Here's to the weekend and good skincare!

I bought these at Sephora back in August. After using the Biore strips I was curious about whether or not these were any different. Truth is, no. You pay about double the price but they truthfully do the same thing. 

Boscia's claim is that they use charcoal powder to draw out the skin's impurities. I assume that is the 'key' difference that make this product stand out. To be fair, they do a great job. My pores are noticeably clearer. However, if you want to save a few bucks go for the Biore strips.

And what would Friday be without my favorite meal of the week!? 

Sushi is good any day, I have been especially loving it lately though!

Hope you had a great week.

xx Veronica