my haircare routine

Hey guys!

After last weeks Updated Skincare Routine post, I decided to bring you this quick post detailing what I use in my hair as well! I will be honest and say that my hair is probably one of my favourite finer details about myself. Its been very tolerant and patient as I've dyed it almost every colour under the sun since I was 13, and I have (luckily) had no real issues with breakage or my hair falling out. My hair has always been dead straight, long (for the most part) and gets oily on the second day which is why I usually wash my hair every 2-3 days (unless I'm lazy - which happens more often than I care to admit). I also to dye my hair probably once every 2-3 months depending how fast it grows, but my step-mum is a hairdresser so she always does it for me.

I typically wash my hair with the Sunsilk Longer & Stronger shampoo and conditioner, and while it's wet, I brush it with a Tangle Teezer and when dry I always brush with a Michael Mercier brush. I always blow dry my hair after washing, which I know isn't exactly good for it, but if I don't my hair will part in the middle and sit flat to my face like curtains. I always part my hair on the side, as the middle part just doesn't suit me (you know it really doesn't suit you when your bf tells you look like Buzz Lightgear with it in - yea, thanks), but no matter how hard I've trained it since I was 12-13, or part it when it's wet, my hair just will not hack it. Plus, it does get a nice amount of volume when it is blow dried, which is an impossible feat without blow drying it. Each to their own - this is what works for me.

After I wash my hair, and comb all the tangles out with the Tangle Teezer, and use 2-3 pumps of the Toni & Guy Prep Smoothing Detangler ($15.99) in my hands, and work it through my hair from roots to ends. I then use the L'Oreal Repair Restoring Conditioning Spray ($6.99) and spray it all over my hair, mainly focusing on the roots as I seem to miss them the most when doing using conditioner - weirdly enough, my hair looks so totally oily when I don't condition my roots, which is why I use this to make sure that they've all been taken care of. After that, I brush my hair with the Tangle Teezer, and squirt 2-3 pumps of the Goldwell Dual Senses Rich Repair Serum ($24.95) and work this into the ends of my hair, and then bring whatever's left in my hands through the rest of my hair. I then grab my Silkmax Oil (not sure how much as this is, as it was given to me by my step-mum who stocks it in her salon) and put one pump into the ends of my hair. I always wrap it up in a big ol' towel then to let the products sink into my hair before I dry it - I try and wait at least five minutes, and I'll find something else to do while I wait.

After I unravel my hair from my towel, I give it another quick comb and then spritz a couple of sprays of the Toni & Guy Heat Protection Mist ($15.99) before blow drying. Honestly, this is new to my routine - I only bought it because I was out of the detangler and Priceline had them 2 for $20 or something to that effect. I blow dried my hair for years and years without using a heat protectant, and my hair remained fine - I don't see a difference with this product.. So unless its a good sale, I most likely won't be repurchasing.

And that is what I use to keep my hair strong and healthy! Yes, I use heat on it on a regular basis, but I rarely use other styling tools because my hair is already dead straight and rarely holds a curl. I'd love to hear if you have any product suggestions for me!

Until next time....

xxxx

in between blogging, you can find me here!

instagram: http://instagram.com/beautybybek

twitter: https://twitter.com/bekaaturner

*Some products featured were kindly sent to COAMA HQ for consideration of review. All reviews are 100% honest!

updated skincare routine

Hey guys!

In February, when I first started blogging, my very first post was my skincare routine! Over the months that have past since that post, my routine has changed pretty dramatically. I've been introduced to newer products, newer brands, new versions of my old favourites - and my skin is now looking so fantastic that I thought it was time to share it with you! I truly believe that great make-up starts with the skin - if you don't care great care of skin, your makeup may never truly look the best it can! Plus, you can have all the non-makeup days you want when you're confident about your skin.

All the products mentioned are ones that I have been using for a month or longer now, so I have given them the time to see that they do work for me and my skin type. For reference, my skin type is typically normal, but does lean a little dry (especially around my eyes). I generally turn to products that are hydrating as I like my skin to feel really moisturised. I've broken my routine into two different regimes - morning and night. There are some products that I use for both times, but generally I use heavier products at night as it gives my skin longer to soak it all in.

m o r n i n g ;

I don't typically use too many products in the morning. This is mainly because I will most likely be applying make up after this (#duh) and too much product on my face means that my base may have a harder time blending into my skin. I try and apply all my skincare products at least 10 minutes before applying my face for the day, as otherwise it just makes my makeup slip and slide all over my face, and my life a little harder for that day.

To start off with, I always use the Dr Lewinns Nourishing Gentle Cream Cleanser ($29.99) on a cotton round and gently pat it into my skin. I then turn the unused side around and do the same motion to take the excess off. This helps to clean my face of any leftover particles from the day before, plus my pillow seems to hoard dirt, so I really want to make sure its off my face before applying my makeup. Its also super hydrating, which is exactly what I want. After that step, I take the Dr Lewinns Hydrating Refining Toner ($29.99) on another cotton round and gentle press it into my t-zone and my pores. This just closes any pores that may have opened from using the cleanser, and also adds more hydration to those areas. 

And now for my new FAVOURITE product - the Dr Lewinns Miracle Radiance Renewal Serum ($49.99)! You guys, I seriously thought I wasn't going to like it. It's almost like an oil, rather than what I would assume a typical serum is, and I was so sceptical about using this as my new daytime serum rather than my Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boost (which I also adore). But after using this, my foundation has NEVER looked better. It's the newest product in my regime, and nothing else has really changed, so I'm sure it's this. I'm so in love - you would think that an oiler product wouldn't be that great to use during the day, but I was wrong and if you are after a serum to use, day or night, that transforms your skin and your base - I honestly cannot recommend this enough!

After that little spectacle, I use the Sukin Antioxidant Eye Cream ($19.99). I tap this all around my eyes, and also on the sides of my nose and lips. Eye creams are so super moisturising, so I like to add it to those areas for an extra hit of hydration. I have a post all about Sukin Skincare products here - I still love them, and I definitely vouch for them as an affordable skincare brand from the drugstore. The last product I use is the Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly ($39.99), which I just use as a normal moisturiser all over my face. I have a post all about the Hydraluron range here, and they're all great products!

n i g h t ;

First step for me in my night time routine is to use my Clarisonic Mia ($139). I use a cleansing system 5/6 days a week, as I like to give my skin a break so it doesn't get over exfloliated. I like to use my Sukin Sensitive Cleansing Gel ($9.99) and just use my Clarisonic as per the instructions. I either use this or my Racinne Cleansing Brush ($49) (not pictured), and I have a comparison of both systems here. I then use the Dr Lewinns cleanser and toner as in my morning routine, and then go in with my Trilogy Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+ ($29.99). I just pop five small drops all over my face, and massage it into my face. I like to give this as much time as possible to soak into my face, as much as half an hour, but I'm also lazy, so I usually just brush my teeth and my hair before continuing with the rest of my routine. My other standout product is the Trilogy Eye Contour Cream ($44.99). I use this the same as my Sukin eye cream, but this stuff is amazing. I have issues with the skin around my eyes drying up and flaking, as my eyes water a lot (especially at night) and I could never find a product to actually halt that process. I haven't had to worry about that since I started using this. Its so expensive, but to me worth every dollar, and I will definitely be purchasing another! Last step in my routine in the Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream ($39.99). This isn't an actual night time moisturiser, but it is a little heavier than what I would like to use during the day, so I find it perfect to use at night!

And that's it! I do love my skincare, and I have been switching it up a lot since beginning to blog, but this routine has stuck for a while now and its definitely had a great effect on my skin! Some products are more expensive than others - but as I said, having your makeup look flawless starts with your skins condition underneath. I'd love to hear what your skin saving products are - let me know in the comments!

Until next time...

xxxx

in between blogging, you can find me here!

instagram: http://instagram.com/beautybybek

twitter: https://twitter.com/bekaaturner

*Some products featured were kindly sent to COAMA HQ for consideration of review. All reviews are 100% honest!

current day and night skincare routine

Hey guys!

 

For my first official post on this blog, I really wanted to start with skincare. Obviously this is not really a cosmetic routine, but I truly believe that your make-up will not look as great or as put together if your skin is suffering underneath it all. You can use a lot of foundation, concealer and powder if you want - if you don't take care of your skin, your make-up can look as if it is sitting on your skin and be quite obvious rather than blending in and looking natural and airbrushed. It can also limit the amount of product you have to use on your face.

 

I should probably give a bit of background on my skin. When I was younger, I did suffer from breakouts, especially on my cheeks, that were difficult to get rid of. I also suffered from acne on my back. When I was about 14-15, I was prescribed acne medication that did clear both up and although I do still have small scars on my back, I was lucky enough to not really have any left on my face. Nowadays, being in my twenties and finally out of the hormonal teenage years, I only have mild breakouts that are few and far between, usually on my chin. I also have blackheads on my nose, but I am quite confident that you would not be able to see them unless you actually look closely. My skin type is basically normal, however, I really like to make sure that my skin is hydrated as I am more likely to experience dry patches than any oiliness.

 

For this post, I am going to separate them into day and night routines, as they do vary at the moment. As I stated before, I do have normal skin that I basically treat as dry, and because of this I do not use a great deal of products as I feel it is unnecessary. The majority of them are affordable, and were purchased from the Woolworths and Priceline.

 

DAY ROUTINE

 

The first thing I do in the morning is cleanse my face. This is basically because when I sleep, I sweat and all the nasties that could be sitting on my pillow are then stuck to my face. At the moment, to do this I am using the (upside down) Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Lotion (RRP $$10.49AU). I use two of the Swisspers cotton rounds to apply this, using one to pat the product into my skin and the other to take the product off. I find that this just perks my skin up and provides a little bit of moisture before I go in with my other products.

 

The next product I use is the L'Oreal Luminosity Code Correcting Serum (RRP $35.99AU). This product is a little more expensive, so I do recommend checking out eBay as I did, where I purchased two for $22. Just make sure the seller is reputable before doing so! I take one pump of this, and use it to spread all over my face to brighten it up and to also provide with moisture. It gives a beautiful, subtle glow to my skin and is so lightweight that it is perfect to use in the morning.

 

To moisturise, I am currently using the Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturiser SPF 15 (RRP $19.99AU). I purchased this when Priceline had 40% off skincare, and I'm super glad I did. Like the L'Oreal serum, it is perfect for day time and for use underneath your make up. It is lightweight and a little goes a long way, as I only need one pump for my whole face. It has the added bonus of SPF, which is another great thing about this product. Products with SPF usually have a reaction with my skin, but this hasn't, so a huge thumbs up to Aveeno!

 

This last product is not a necessity, but I love using it day and night on my eyelashes. It is the 1000 Hour Eyelash Serum (RRP $39.99AU), and I got mine at Woolworths. This product is definitely a luxury, but I did buy it because my eyelashes were getting a bit sparse due to all the mascara I was wearing. I honestly think it is worth the money, and although it says on the packaging that it only has a supply of one month, I have been using it since November last year, and its still not finished.

 

NIGHT ROUTINE

 

After I take off the majority of my make-up at night, the first thing I like to use is a Clarisonic Mia (RRP $139AU). I purchased this after Christmas, as I was given a Myer gift card and had been going back and forth about buying it. I finally bit the bullet, and used the gift card and only paid about $80 out of pocket. Boy, am I glad I did. Seriously. I noticed a difference straight away with using it, and it is now a staple in my routine. I use it with the Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser (RRP $13.99AU) which I brought with the Aveeno Moisturiser above. Its a match made in heaven with these two. My skin feels so refreshed and clean, bare of any make up.

 

The next product I use is the Sukin Rose Hip Oil (RRP $19.99AU for 25mL). I use this as my night time serum. I basically use three drops all over my face and rub it in. I usually leave it to soak for about 5 minutes before going in with my last two products.

 

After the oil, I go in with the Sukin Antioxidant Eye Serum (RRP $19.99AU). I use the tiniest pump, and spread it between my ring fingers and pat it underneath my eye, and also on the lid, until it has absorbed into my skin. I really enjoy both of these Sukin products, I think its a great brand, and although I haven't seen a difference in my skin like with some of the other products, both of these keep my skin hydrated throughout the night and leave a subtle radiance in the morning.

 

Last, but not least, I use the Nivea Daily Essentials Regenerating Night Cream (RRP $12.99AU). I dot it around my face and neck and blend it in. This is not a show stopping moisturiser, but it does the job. I do have a Sukin night cream to try after this one is finished, and if it is any good (or completely dismal), I may write a review on it. After this I use the same eyelash serum as I use in my day routine.

 

 

Another fantastic product that I cannot live without (excuse the grubby picture) is the Lush Mask of Magnaminty (RRP $16.95AU for 125mL). After hearing Jaclyn Hill (major girl crush) talk about this on her Youtube channel, I basically had to get it. Santa got it for me last Christmas, and holy moly, it is the bombdotcom. Seriously, this is my skins lifesaver. It contains china clay, bentonite gel, ground abuki beans, primrose seeds and peppermint oil (taken from Lush Australia's website), and calms any breakouts or stand alone pimples I may have. It also clears those pesky blackheads that I mentioned before on my nose. I use this mask about twice a week all over, and maybe once or twice more on just my chin and nose, depending if I have any pimples. I wait until its completely dry, about 20-25 minutes, and rinse it off, and go in with my moisturiser. It is an amazing mask that is truly worth every dollar.

 

I know this was a very long post, especially for my first official post on this blog, but as I stated before, I really believe skincare to be an important part of my overall make-up routine. While these products may not work for everyone, they really do work for me and hydrate my skin as I like it to be.

 

I hope that you enjoyed this post, and that it was helpful and informative. As I said, it isn't a great deal of products, but to be honest, these all perform together with my skin to hydrate it and help to avoid most imperfections :)

 

*all products were purchased by me and have been used for at least a month or more. all pictures and opinions in this post are also my own*