My Skin Diary – December 2015

My Skin Diary – November 2015

Hey All!! How have you been? How was Diwali? I know a whole lot of time has gone since we last talked. So, how are you doing? There has been just so much I have to share with you all. So, last two years have been pretty bad for the blog so I apologize for that and I hope it really does not continue. But, then, I do realize I am past all hope and you have for sure given up on me.

Anyways, my October and November were pretty cool in the skin care department. I have made a huge haul again. Okay, not as huge as Malaysia one but huge still!! I can literally term myself a spendthrift now for the amount of money I have spent this year. And, that reminds me that we are only a month away from 2016. Whoohooo!!

I shall be 30 this year. Bohooo! I do not really know how to feel but it does overwhelm me. I feel that I am getting older but then the next moment I love the liberation which this age brings. Now, I understand why every actress above 30 says this is the best age to be. Teens are confusing, 20’s are insecure, 25+ one is just trying to adjust with growing up. 30’s is when the real life really begins. And, you actually have the guts to laugh on your older self, condemn your actions, realize your mistakes and actually use some brains to avoid more!! Hehe…okay, enough already 🙂

Talking about my skin, I had started sharing my skin care routine again in September. And, then, October was a crazy month. The whole thing went off in anticipation of the wedding of the year in the family and life and mails did bring in a few surprises. Oh yes, I also got a chance to interview one of the leading dermatologists in the country but that was in November. And, I have sooooo many tips to share with you all. So, let me start with October.

How was October for my skin?

The last two months my skin has been acting up weirdly! In the month of October, it broke out pretty much on the chin area and that had been really difficult to control. I thought it was because I was applying Sheisido sunscreen which probably got a little extra for my skin but now I am not so sure.

And, I had this wedding to attend which I talked about. It was Mr. P’s cousin’s wedding and the entire family has been preparing for this event since year and a half! So, yes, a huge event and I did want to look my best but unfortunately the wait zapped me off the excitement and killed it, literally. So, I ended up doing nothing for it! Yeah, anyways.

But, I did take care of my skin with Estee Lauder ANR and eye serum. Honestly, the first three – four weeks I used the serum, I was sure I had wasted my money down the drain but then I realized that the serum takes time to show effect but it does improve the skin overall in texture. But, yes, it did not do much for my blemishes and spots so if you are expecting something like that, it would not happen! At least, did not happen to me.

And, another thing which really helps skin is the cleansing part, I think. Because, in November, I have significantly left off the sunscreen and so there was no cleansing so I could see the difference between a non-cleansed skin and a cleansed one. So, yes, I think you MUST cleanse your skin every single day. And, apply sunscreen everyday too.

So, that was just about in October. Nothing new! Oh yes, regarding the breakouts I did not really treat them or do anything except using the Clean and Clear Essentials Toner.

And, lets see November.

How was November?

I skimped on the sunscreen and regular moisturising as well since I became really tired and lazy this month and everything around took a toll. Oh yes, another exciting thing was that me and Mr. P turned two this November.  So, I do not know what to say but I still do not really feel like I am married 😀 I am not sure if that is a good thing or a bad!!

And, I finished quite a good number of products and am planning to make another huge haul but I am just stopping myself coz I have already got my closet full. [Update – I did make a haul!!] Oh btw, I gifted my dad Forest Essentials Dates and Litchi anti-ageing cream which he has not really appreciated for the price tag itself but reports back saying everyone has been lately asking the glow on his face!! I think I do need to steal a bit from the jar and use on myself.

Oh btw, I have a huge tip to share. I had always thought about implementing this tip but now that I got the confirmation from one of the leading dermas in India, I am using this tip for an amazingly gorgeous skin this winter. Breaking the suspense.

And, you would have super soft and amazing skin!! It really works. So, that is one of the tips I got from the dermatologist. Another thing is that I had talked about using Estee Lauder ANR, right? I stopped using it in the end of October and I have to admit that the effect stays for more or less 10 days and then your skin is back to normal. Also, there is something called “Skin getting used to a product” so if you should NOT use a product more than 3 months in continuation.

I did get facial before my anniversary but unfortunately both the times I got facial from Lakme, they really did not work on me. In fact, I feel that my skin lost its glow and became even worse. Or, it can be that I do not maintain my skin properly because I have been skipping sunscreen pretty much now!! That will again remind you why you should NOT skip sunscreen EVER.

And, yes, I can confirm that Sheisido sunscreen does break me out so what I thought in October was pretty much true. And, yes, being closer to 30 does mean you need to take care of your skin pretty well. Howsoever good your genes might be, your diet and your skin care routine plays a major role in how you look.

I have this extremely hideous neck line which is growing deeper day by day and I have no idea how to control it. In one month of using ANR, I did not find any difference in the line. Safe to say it does not work a bit on wrinkles. And, yes, I am in love with Vichy products. No, I used their face wash but hated it but somehow I feel that the current products I got from them and the Aqualia range would be amazing!!

What else? Well, not sure if I really do have anything much to share right now. So, see ya day after tomorrow 🙂 And, yes, do check out which products I used.

How was December?

Finally, we are in the New Year. December was hectic with a trip to the dry and harsh Delhi winters, diligent usage of sunscreen, trying out various products including the Forest Essentials Date and Litchi which I gifted to my dad, a face wash from Kama and ending the month with a trip to the zoo and getting unwell on New Year’s Eve.

And, now we are all gearing up for the next event in the family – my niece’s wedding – being held in February. So, I shall be taking pretty good care of my skin this month. Hopefully, I shall have tons of skin care tips to share in the next skin diary post. In the meanwhile, I am leaving you with some thoughts about a few products I used.

How to keep Skin glowing in Winters?

Generally, winters make skin darker. Why? Because of too much moisturization? Or, too less hydration? One skin care rule which everyone should remember. Keep your skin hydrated and moisturized for the best looking skin. Lack of hydration makes skin look dull, dark and sallow. Adequately hydrated skin looks bright. Also, do not skip sunscreen even if you can not spot the sun due to the smog. Radiations reach the Earth in all circumstances.

Products Used

Face wash – Vichy Purete Thermale Face Wash + Clean and Clear Deep Action Cleanser (reviews coming soon for both) + Kama Ayurveda Rose and Jasmine Cleanser

Morning Moisturizer – Marie Veronique Face Oil + Biotique Advanced Youth Serum (its not really interesting) + H2O Face Oasis

Lip Balm – Estée Lauder Lip Balm + Neutrogena Lip Balm with spf + Maybelline Candy Wow + Maybelline Electro Pop

Body Moisturizer – Kama Ayurveda Amber Lily and Ginger Body Oil + Nivea Body Milk (also for the feet) + Forest Essentials Bengal Tuberose Body Oil + Nivea Cocoa Butter Body Lotion

Face Sunscreen – Marie Veronique Everyday Coverage (but mostly I skimped on them!)

Body Sunscreen – Shiseido spf 30

Makeup Remover – Neutrogena Gentle Cleanser + Vichy Micellar Water

Toner – Kama Ayurveda Vetiver Water (Smells Divine) + Clean and Clear Toner + Vichy Aqualia Thermal Spring Water

Night Treatment – Estee Lauder ANR + Eye Cream (in October) + Biotique Advanced Youth Serum + MVO Face Oil (in November) + TBS Oils of Life (in December)

Face Mask – Vaadi Herbals Mask + SKII Facial Treatment Mask (one sheet)

As you have seen, I have loads and loads of new products to talk about. I have started using a few high-end brands but I still believe that the regular carrier oils are equally great for skin. Once I am over the current stock of mine, I am going to splurge a bit on carrier and essential oils again.

How was your skin this month? What are your secrets to keep your skin glowing in the harsh winters?