Being on skincare kick

As I have mentioned before I have different times in my life when I am obsessed with something. Certain things definitely come back to my attention again and again and one of them…you know it is skincare. 

Whenever I finish a moisturiser, cleanser I am questioning myself what else to get? Which brand to turn to? Who has the PERFECT product?

Well, as I said, I am having obsession with SKINCARE again and while I was doing millions of research I have learned few new things which I wanted to share:

- OILS are great for the skin. Every type of skin.  Not essential oils (those are actually not good at all- lavender oil…) but regular oils like coconut, olive. They are great for skin as cleansers (makeup removers) or moisturisers. Some of them contain great SPF (the best spf should be in CARROT SEED OIL: SPF 40, coconut oil & olive oil : spf 8, ), but you need to keep in mind not all of them are great for acne prone skin. So coconut oil is great for my body, hair, but not for my skin. So do research before choosing YOUR ULTIMATE OIL. 

- When choosing products, there is no reason to choose according to the scent. And best advised by aestheticians and people who know skin is to choose skincare FRAGRANCE FREE. Fragrance is the top trigger in skin reactions. 

- We have to CLEANSE our skin TWICE in the day. Our skin gets dirty, sweaty and oily through the night, so it needs cleansing. It depends on you what you choose, but go for gentle and effective source if you can. 

- You moisturiser should be packaged not in a jar as a lot of active ingredients loose the strength when with contact with air. And the germs when you put your fingers in a pot. 

- When I read about different skin concerns, the most frequent option was chemical EXFOLIATION. Unblocks the pores, helps with ageing, redness, pigmentation.

- Last thing: SUN PROTECTION. Is it said that 80% of our skin concerns till age of 60 are due to sun exposure? You NEED sun protection EVERYDAY. Even in England. I have constantly clients with pigmentation coming and living in UK. It is not difficult to choose a day moisturiser with spf:)

If you ever had a chance to pick a book Don't go to cosmetics counter without me from Paula Begoun, let me tell you something about it. Paula (you know calling her name as I know her:)) is explaining each product that is on the market and not giving you reviews according to her liking, but ingredients. If ingredients are bad for you, she will tell you. You can find products online on her Beatypedia which I love to use whenever I am going for a product, just to be on a safe side.

Fake tan battle series: La Roche-Posay moisturising self-tanner for sensitive skin

La Roche-Posay moisturising self-tanner for sensitive skin

Let me start with saying that I absolutely love La Roche-posay. It used to be my go-to skincare brand when I was in Slovakia. They are very gentle and really work well with my skin. That being said, I have always high expectations when I am getting any of their products. 

And… I am extremely disappointed in this one. As said in my previous posts, I prefer to go with self-tanner that already have some tint as it is that much easier to apply. Let's say it wouldn't be a problem if the actual result would be streak-free as promised. But it is not, even with application mitt. 

I just don't like it. It doesn't have scent which is nice and I am sure it will be very gentle for any skin, but it just doesn't deliver. However I tried to blend it in (it was so much work when compared to others) and still there would be unevenness and streaks.

Not impressed.

My rating: 4 points from 10 (just for being for sensitive skin with almost no scent).

You can check the product here for originally £16.00, now on offer for £13.60.

Next fake tan: St. Tropez Naturals+Vegetan Self-tan milk

MOTW: Tropical Seaweed Mask

About 3 years back I was visiting China for few months and definitely I was enjoying my time within the beauty isles where it was full of amazing sheet masks, treatments and much more. One of the things I fell in love was seaweed mask. Seaweed mask is not only supposed to be for one thing, it is supposed to help with plumping, but help with clearing the skin, well, let me get to the point: it is supposed to help with everything.

As they say on the ebay website, who can use seaweed mask:

1. sensitive skin person

2. dry skin person

3. person who need oil-control

4. person with acne and acne scaring

5. sun-burnt person

I absolutely love this mask as it REALLY does everything. I think I am not the only one who doesn't see only one problem on my skin, so going for this, sorts out more of my problems. You get it in form of seeds and supposed to mix it with water, which makes a very funny consistency which you just apply to the skin as usual. The skin feels plumped afterwards and just perfect, to be honest, how I would like it to feel all the time. 

I couldn't find the same mask on uk ebay, but very similar one here, but there is the same one on US website.

This is one of my most favourite masks and it is not famous at all. I highly recommend this to EVERYONE:) This mask contains rich protein, cellulose, several vitamin mineral substance and moisturising ingredients which help to whiten spots from acne, rebalance water in the skin, effectively release wrinkles and recover skin elasticity. (as they say on ebay website)

Do you believe in product that does it all? Is it even possible? Comment below:)

PS: Happy Sunday :)

Indeed labs retinol reface retinol skin resurfacer serum

Retinol has become one of beauty favourites of a lot of people. Retinol is one of animal forms of vitamin A, which increases cell turnover and makes the skin looking much younger, smoother and having less breakouts. 
I wanted to try the whole retinol thing as well, but the actual one that you can get only under prescription makes you peel and even when after the whole treatment, skin is beautiful, I need to work and I don't think I would find the time to peel. 
So when Indeed labs came with retinol that is moisturising and being non-irritating (claiming no peeling, dryness and redness), I just had to try it.
It wasn't very clear on the packaging if it is a serum or a moisturiser, but on the boots website it said serum, so I suppose that is how you should use it. You should apply it in the evening and making sure that you use sun protection in the morning. 
The texture reminds me more of a moisturiser that a serum, but didn't feel too heavy at all. The skin was  dry for me only around cheek area, but not anywhere else. 
So let me go to what Retinol reface is supposed to help with: - increasing cell turnover - reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles - restoring skin's radiance - improving skin tone and elasticity - improving skin's overall condition - reducing the appearance of signs of ageing
It contains 3 different types of retinol: Retinol RA (Rapid Action), Retinol Micro-spheres and Retinol like peptide.
I don't have wrinkles yet, just couple of fine lines around my mouth and I could see smoothness in that area, I feel that the radiance wasn't significantly changed, tone was nicer, I was hoping (even if it is not promising, but directly it should help with) that when it helps with cell turnover, it will help with my pores, which it unfortunately didn't. 
Overall judging: I like this product, it is very gentle and definitely you need to give it some time before you see results. I have been using it roughly for 3 months and skin is under good condition, but for me personally I wouldn't say it is a miracle worker. I very much love their Hydraluron, but I don't think I will be repurchasing this one, just because I think there are products that make bigger difference in radiance and smoothness of the skin.
I would definitely recommend checking boots website where you can check other reviews and people's opinion. Retinol Reface retails for £19.99.
Have you tried any of the retinol products? Any that deserve mentioning? Share in the comments:) Have a wonderful day, 

Vichy Idealia life serum

I am an absolute lover of serums as they are more concentrated and most of them really deliver the difference in my skin. This Vichy Idealia life serum claims to have clinically proven efficiency on skin exposed to daily excesses like being overstressed, pollution, UV overexposed and unbalanced diet. I certainly have most of the problems mentioned above, so I thought it would be perfect for me to try this out. 

Vichy is claiming quite a lot of things about this product and some of them I can confirm, some definitely not. It is claimed that you have instantly more radiant and healthy complexion, which you could definitely see with this product as it has got those light reflecting particles which make the skin looking nicer. Pores should also appear tighter and skin texture should feel refined. I have not see ANY difference in my skin texture or pores at all, well, let me just say that I haven't felt or seen none of the amazing things that should happen to my skin. The scent is quite strong and it just rather feels like too expensive brightening primer.

So you guessed it that my verdict will be me not recommending this product, but you can check some other opinions on boots website here (which I always love to check)

Did you try it? 

Did you see any change in the skin? 

Have you managed to find your holy grail serum?:)

Haul from Slovakia

As I have mentioned I have been back home to Slovakia for 3 weeks and during that time I have managed to do a little bit of shopping, trying to have it a little versatile buying things that are different to UK options and I was pleasantly surprised. 

Slovakia is giving good options of more natural skincare, haircare and bodycare and I had to get my hands on some of those. 

If you are interested in which goodies I got there, watch my latest 2 videos:

SKINCARE 101: Blemishes

Blemishes are annoying. Basic fact that is true. We get them sometimes feels like random pattern, but trust me if you can try to read your metabolism, body and it's reactions you can help your skin big time.

There are certain factors which influence us getting blemishes ,which I am explaining in the video. As well I am discussing what actual blemish is, what to incorporate to skincare while having blemishes, how to extract one, natural spot treatment and more.

Lucia

xox

Get ready with me...:)

My first get ready with me video, I hope you enjoy:

Lucia

xox

Haul April 2013

I finally did it again! I made a video after 7 months. I truly feel amazing. If you have time, check it out:)

Konečne som to znova urobila! Urobila som video po siedmych mesiacoch. Cítim sa skutočne skvele. Ak máte čas, kuknite si:)

Lucia

xox

My morning skincare routine

Not a long time ago I posted my night routine. My day routine doesn't vary that much, but still has differences;)
http://luciaknowsbest.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/my-nighttime-skincare-routine.html

I was using Neutrogena 2in1 visibly clear for quite a while in my mornings, but I fell in love with Origins zero oil, that I use it in the mornings as well. Just nicely washes my skin with Clarisonic mia and I feel very fresh.

After that my Clinique anti-blemish clarifying lotion to exfoliate gently (I forgot to put this one in the picture;))

So THE extra product I have for morning is Estee Lauder Even Skintone Illuminator which helps with evening out the skintone while give very gentle nice glow to the skin. I do scar quite easily after any blemishes, so something gentle to help fade them is great. And it smells soooo nice.

After serum I apply my moisturisers: Clinique anti-blemish moisturizer (to help prevent blemishes with anti-bacterial ingredients and salicylic acid) and Biotherm Aquasource gel for putting moisture as I work in air-conditioned environment, this is a must.

As UV rays are here all the time, eve when it is cloudy, every day I apply sun protection: SPF40 City block from Clinique.

Last, but not least...my Even better eyes from Clinique. I can't wait for the real results as they should come after 12 weeks of usage:)

To be honest, I am very pleased with my routine, my skin is behaving better and these products together make a good team. Clinique is working for me well, as they are without fragrance, giving me less chance for bad skin reactions.
Very important role plays here proper cleansing, so my serums and moisturisers work better.

Lucia

xox

Review: Estee Lauder Stress Relief Eye Mask

I am always interested in eye products as I feel my eye are gets dry first, gets tired first, gets old first. Our eye area is actually 10 times thinner than the rest of the face, so it definitely needs a little bit more attention.

I love to go for eye masks, but mostly what I could find on the market was the asian version (and unknown brands). I was looking for something a little bit more luxurious, a brand that you can trust. I found only Estee Lauder and YSL to do such a thing, but YSL eye patches are 8 for £40 as Estee Lauder has 10 packettes for £26. Much more bearable price.

This is what is promised:

"A revitalizing, 10-minute treatment for delicate eye area-the part of our face that shows stress first and more noticeably. Pre-moistened pads hydrate and soothe skin, diminish puffiness and other signs of fatigue, reduce appearance of tiny lines and wrinkles. Contains targeted anti-stress, anti-fatigue hydrating ingredients. Plus botanical soothers like aloe vera and cucumber. Clinical testing shows it improves hydration as much as 40%."

I managed to use most of them and definitely after using I feel much more hydrated in eye area. Skin also looks more refreshed and less tired.

Verdict: I certainly very recommend as everyone needs a little bit of extra care for our under eyes.

 Lucia

xox

Beauty sleep

There are quite a few very affordable things, routines, products that we can do to have beautiful skin, hair and body. One of them is sleep. No other activity delivers so many benefits with so little effort. When I ask my clients how many hours they sleep they always say "not as much as I should" and mostly it is around 6-7 hours. Adults should get 7.5 to 9 hours of sleep in average though.

The problem these days is not only lack of sleep, but also sleep that is not sleep that gives you energy in the morning, sleep that relaxes your whole body and mind, but is shallow.

I came through stage when it was really difficult for me to have a good night sleep. Sometimes it happens to me even now when I am working too much and even during my sleep I can just shut off.

I came to some routines which help me to get a really good night sleep:

Cup of tea.

Before I go to sleep I like to drink calming cup of tea. I found that whenever I was having coke few hours before I went to sleep, I could not sleep properly, even alcohol was very terrible idea. So nice, warm cup of tea. There are so many on the market, but mostly the one tea that I have always at home is jasmine green tea. I love the smell and it just makes me happy. 

Music.

Relaxing music that just brings you to that stage when you are relaxed and happy. I mostly prefer guided relaxation. I really like Healing meditation by Kelly Howell where she guides you to heal your body and soul by imagining beautiful sceneries and beautiful you. I really enjoy this one. 

I am also a very big fan of Paul McKenna hypnosis, I just got his I can make you sleep, which I am slowly getting used to. 

Eye mask.

Oh, seriously I can't imagine what I would do without this little helper. I started to use sleeping masks few years ago as I went on a lecture from american author who did a lot of research on sleeping. The biggest thing was that we have to sleep in night-where is dark-it doesn't matter if it is day or night-we just have to have proper night to have proper sleep. So I started to use these and I love them. Few months ago I purchased holistic silk eye mask which can sound quite pricey (£40) for an eye mask, but certainly is worth every penny. Sits beautifully on face, covers that no light goes into your eyes and it feels and looks gorgeous. And did I say there is lavender inside to give you a little bit of aromatherapy?:)

Temperature.

There is so much easier to have a good night sleep when your bedroom temperature is not too high or warm. Try to open a window for few minutes before going to bed to have a little bit of fresh air.

And the main thing, let yourself sleep. Forget about things and try to be happy to give yourself that time off. Not only your body will thank you by good weight, beautiful skin but also you will be more able to concentrate, be able to make decisions, cope with stress and have better mood. This is worth it, what do you think?

So, my lovely ladies, question for you: What is your little trick to get better sleep?

Lucia

xox

I wanna be a beautiful woman...

There are some very easy things that we can do to stay beautiful. There are times when I think about what it is, how I could improve my actual look, how I feel about myself and how I am presenting myself to people. 

The best way for me to understand who I am and how I want people to see me by watching others people's behaviours and looks. 

My conclusions:

How I would like to look:

I love when women are naturally beautiful. It is not about having everything perfect, but about feeling good in your own skin. If there is anything you don't like, if it is possible, try to work on it. I am not a big believer in plastic surgeries (the only ones I would support are for people who are really struggling with any deficit or being in pain) so I believe that we should be grateful for what we have and try to embrace it. Everybody has got strengths and weaknesses. So forget about weaknesses and focus on your strengths.

Back to the point. I love when women come to that stage when they know who they are and don't want to be like someone else. It is great to get inspiration, but not everybody can pull of bleached blonde permed hair, you know? 

Hair: Love long hair (my personal preference, any woman with long healthy hair just stands out to me), which is healthy. Any colour. Find out how you like it to wear. When do you feel like goddess and when like a tramp? So you know which to choose...

Skin: I love when the skin is smooth and you can tell when somebody is taking care of it. Trust me, if you will take care of your skin properly, it will show. I work with clients everyday and I can tell who was good and who bad in taking care of their skin. That is the first thing people see. It is not about wrinkles or spots. Everybody has them, it is not a sin. You think anybody cares about your hormonal spot? I think it might be only you thinking about it today;)

Again, whatever colour is gorgeous (Except I am not the biggest fan of the orange, but if you love it, go for it!).

Make-up: Find out what works for your skintype, skincolour, which colours work and which don't. I always say that I think everybody can pull off anything, but even for that right pink or coral blush you need to find that right one for YOU.

Body: Healthy (put anything on your skin after that shower-seriously anything and the skin looks just soo much smoother and nice to touch), strong, proud and happy. 

I am sure you have either a sexy ass or big juicy boobs (I feel like I am a man writing this :D) so be proud of it. How you are satisfied and happy shines through. It is that look that you give when you just feel GOOD.....:) and that attracts great people hanging around.

Nails: To be honest I have to confess that I was not being the best carer for my nails lately, but what I normally love is either french manicure (because that looks gorgeous and sophisticated on anyone) and red (so sexy and passionate while being still sophisticated-great for date, party, all the time...) 

Soul and mind: I feel quite a lot tramped in this world where we are obsessed with how we have to look, smell, feel great and have those shoes and that handbag. There is nothing wrong with having them, but sometimes I feel like I am loosing the true reason why I am here as a person. I am trying to go forward, working, enjoying life, spending time with friends and family and then comes time when I feel lost and need to put myself together. 

Inspirational books, audiobooks and seminars helps me in so many ways. I sometimes miss God though. I know what you are thinking, he is everywhere, how can you miss him? I think I miss being connected to him more. 

When I think of beautiful soul, it is someone caring, kind, happy, open, good listener, good friend, good family member, a person you can rely on, a person who makes you a better person and always sees the best in you, a person that gives. I don't think you have to pray every second to be like this, I believe that when you make 5 people happy with your message, phone call, meet up or just smile everyday (which seriously doesn't make so much effort) it certainly does make you a great person. Think about it, when you meet someone and tell them something nice about them-what you like, whatever really, they will continue to feel good, when they come home, they will give more love to others, so technically you will make a difference even when you don't realise that. 

And if you feel like someone is just not nice to you, rude or anything else, just kill them with your kindness, that always works, either they will get confused or even apologise realising their behaviours.

Thank you for sticking by and I will talk to you soon, my beautiful ladies (as I know all of you are beautiful;))

Lucia
xox