The Ordinary

This brand is not ordinary, but extraordinary. Created to offer clinical formulas with integrity (low price tag and pure actives) they have revolutionized the skincare world by allowing us, skincare geeks, to become more educated and to have the possibility to customize our skincare routine depending of each specific need. Their very scientific lab looking packaging contains Retinols, Vitamins, Acids, Oils and more complex molecules that will help to target directly and efficiently your major concerns.

My skin is normal to dry, I´m in my 30´s and my will is to improve my skin´s condition and erase fines lines of expression, acne scars and hyper pigmentation. I also like to exfoliate time to time with some acids and overall to maintain my skin´s moisture levels high to feel it more supple and elastic.

Anti-Ageing 

Who’s not scared by the tiny fines lines that discreetly appear under your eyes, the nasolabial area and even on the forehead? I’ve been obsessed to avoid fine lines since I was 25 and know I have incorporated to my daily routine more effective products that smooth and lift the contours of my face.

ARGIRELINE SOLUTION 10%

This is a very effective solution of Acetyl Hexapeptide-8. A trademark owned by the Spanish Company Lipotec. This neuropeptide, relaxes the facial muscles that lead to wrinkles, so it´s a targeted treatment to use only on the folds or lines that are forming or are already very present. You don´t have to use it all over your face, but only on the specific areas where your muscles are contracted more often. It´s not a magic product, but I have noticed that my skin´s appearance has significantly improved since I´ve started this treatment. It absorbs very quickly as it´s water based so it´s perfect to add as an anti-ageing boost to your skincare routine.

MATRIXYL 10% + HA

This is a trademark lipopeptide developed by the French company Sesderma. Created with two ``versions´´of Matrixyl (3000 +Sinthe’6) and coupled with HA, Hyaluronic Acid, a lipid which allows to penetrate into deeper layers of the skin. These compounds together stimulate the production of collagen and elastin reducing the look of wrinkles. I love how it feels when applied on the skin, I think it´s due to the hyaluronic acid. My face looks very plumped in the morning. If you are looking for a good anti-ageing serum, this one is fantastic as it gives to your skin more elasticity and a more youthful appearance.

Acids

When I first heard about acids in skincare I freaked out, as I associated the use of them to the stories of violent acid attacks in cities like London. I was so ignorant… All my life I have been using physical exfoliators and I was truly amazed the first time I applied Glycolic Acid for the first time. The choice of the best exfoliator depends on your skin´s preferences. Yes, its preferences, because sometimes rubbing tiny particles can be irritating for some persons, or a certain type of acid can cause to others an itchy uncomfortable sensation. My advice, experiment by yourself gradually, starting with tiny patches of your complexion where you feel that your skin is less reactive.

LACTIC ACID 10% + HA

There is also a more gentle version of Lactic Acid 5%, but I went for the more concentrate one, as my skin is not very sensitive or reactive right now. I really like this product for a weekly exfoliation, I use it as a serum. I apply a few drops only at night all over my skin and massage it well. It is a tiny bit itchy and tacky, but absorbs pretty well. The morning after the use of a high SPF is mandatory, as Lactic Acid is a derivative of AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) that makes your complexion more sensitive to sunburns. Avoid direct and intense sun exposure for a week after the application. 
 I really like the fact that it's blended with Hyaluronic Acid, so it has a comfortable feel on the skin. It also contains purified Tasmanian Pepper Berry that reduces the irritation caused by this acid. If you have extremely sensitive skin, as Lactic Acid is a chemical peeling, I recommend to try it first on a small patch of skin. After all the warnings, let's talk about the benefits. The morning after I apply it with a very simple moisturizer like Ebryolisse, my skin wakes up radiant and glowy. It diminishes the appearance of pores, improve skin's tone and reduce hyper pigmentation and tiny fine lines. It's an amazing product because it's a surface exfoliator and doesn't go very deep into skin's layers like other acids. The use of Lactic Acid regularly will lighten your skin and will remove dead skin cells revealing the healthy new ones. My face looks polished, bright and flawless when I use it.

ALPHA LIPOIC ACID 5%

So, this is a a game changer acid for me. My face looks incredibly good when I apply it, seriously very smooth and luminous. The hitch is that it burns on my face, like, literally! I even cry sometimes, because it's difficult to stand the tingling sensation. You might probably think that I'm crazy, but trust me, it's completely safe. 
This formulation contains an extremely high concentration of Alpha Lipoid Acid, so use it only two to three drops once a week. ALA is a highly potent antioxidant and has anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. An unsung hero, because it's more effective than Vitamin C+Vitamin E together. ALA is a great treatment to prevent wrinkles, pores and uneven texture that will also improve acne scars marks. This acid is ideal to use time to time to revitalize your skin.

Emollient

100% PLANT DERIVED SQUALANE 

It might sound basic, but hydration is key for a healthy and youthful complexion. Without the suppleness, hydration and elasticity, the skin is more prone to premature aging. This product is a must in my skincare cabinet, because it's perfect for a simple and soothing routine after applying peptides, acids...Less is more and I don't like to mix ingredients, I prefer to let my skin focuses in one specific blend of actives and do not driving it crazy with complex mixtures and layers. This cruelty-free vegan Squalane is a non-comedogenic hydrator. It has an oil feel, but in my opinion, the absorption is quicker. It's a very good emollient for your skin.

I'm crazy about THE ORDINARY, because it has democratized the use of highly effective clinical formulations present in very expensive and high end skincare products. 

Two days ago, I added to my collection Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane and Alpha Arbutin 2% with HA, but I haven't use them enough to have a constructed opinion. Let my know if you are interested in a review of them, or if you have tried another product of this brand.

Body & Hair Products that make me feel Good

After a long day at work I'm really tired and the only thing that instantly comforts me is to have a warm shower. Recently, I have been using again and again these products and they make me feel very good. The common denominator lies in their incredible smell. Scents can have a positive effect on our moods. My favorite notes are flowers and fruits. Try to find your most loved ones and discover their hidden force to improve a desired psychological state of mind. 

I start my aromathology ritual by washing my hair with the Daddy O Shampoo by Lush. A magical purple product that smells like fresh violets and lemon. The colour itself on my hair makes me smile. I have also mentioned this product in the "Unicorn Beauty" post that you will see below:

https://thebeautysatisfaction.blogspot.com.es/2017/10/unicorn-beauty.html

After rinsing thoroughly this beautiful shampoo, I use KLORANE Mask with Mango Butter. This treatment not only nourishes dry hair, but leaves an irresistible mango scent on your hair, sweet and fresh like real ripe mango. Words aren't just enough to describe how good it makes me feel. My hair is very smooth and moisturized after using it. While I leave the mask doing its job I wash my body with the shower gel Rose Jam by LUSH, and yes it's dreamy I just want to lick myself after using it, because it exactly smells like sweet strawberry jam with a hint of rose petals. This gel is very special, because as it's formulated with natural ingredients, essential pure oils and Turkish Rose absolute it leaves your skin with an incredible scent that last several hours.

After living a fantasy show of colour and perfume in my shower I don't forget to moisture my body's skin with Sleepy Body Lotion by LUSH, an invitation to relaxation. The ideal finishing product to let go the day that wraps your body into a calming blend of lavender, tonic absolute, yang ylang oil and oatmeal infusion.

It's just small beauty treats like these that make all the difference.

Do you have a little sensory ritual that make you feel good?

Gentle Cleansers for Winter

Happy New Year!!!It's been a while since my last post. Normally I tend to be very stressed by the goals that I have fixed to myself, but at the end of 2017 I have learned to be more positive, self-appreciative and grateful. I don't know why, but at the moment I feel stronger than ever, that's a change!

When the cold days arrived my complexion started to turn more sensitive and extremely dry, so I completely changed my skincare routine and switched from my regular gels and soaps to more gentle and moisturizing products. Thanks to these two, my skin is now clearer than ever, no pimples or spots on the way.

Pai Camelia and Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

 This cleanser is the best choice for sensitive and dehydrated skin. I know tons of people that never wash properly their faces with the excuse that they have dry or reactive skin and they think that micellar water applied with a cotton pad is enough to remove the daily grime. Well, they are totally wrong! A clean skin with unclogged pores is essential.The creams and serums that will be applied wouldn't be absorbed properly if so.

I personally love to wash my face, it's a very relaxing and enjoyable moment for me. This cleanser is heavenly and the ritual of doing it with a tool, the cloth, makes me feel like I'm doing a facial or I'm in a spa. 
The texture of the product is creamy, it smells incredibly good, very natural and botanical. For the application, 
I simply massage the cream well on the skin and damp in hot water the cloth to take off the product very gently. The cloth has two sides one exfoliating muslin and an ultra soft side for sensitive areas. To ensure that is very clean, I put it in the washing machine after 5 uses. Even if you have a very reactive skin, you can try this cleanser as it's free from detergents, alcohol and other nasty ingredients. Enriched with Castor and Sweet Almond oil, it melts any leftover of makeup while protecting the skin. The Omegas 6 and 9 and the Vitamin E replenish the skin's moisture barrier. The Camellia dry oil included in the formula leaves the skin moistured, soft and elastic without an oily feel. I'm really impressed by this cleanser, the efficiency, the finish on the skin and the luxurious and natural formula really worth the price.

OSKIA RENAISSANCE CLEANSING GEL

This cleanser is a staple in my skincare collection. I think that I have like a skincare wardrobe, which means that I have way too many products, but it can be useful depending of the occasion. I don't use this cleanser all year round, but during winter my skin begs me to pick it. This pink gel that transforms into an oil, has to be applied on dry skin. I massage it well and when the texture changes I add a tiny little bit of water to emulsify the product. Then it changes again its appearance for the second time to a non-foaming white milk. Its formula is a boost of vitamins, very necessary during the gloomy months of winter, that leaves your skin cleaned and radiant without drying it out. The key actives are vitamins A, B2, C and E that help to fortify, protect and smooth your skin of the past and the future damage fighting against free radicals and environmental aging factors. Fermented pumpkin enzymes deeply cleanse the skin removing dull skin cells. Minerals like MSM and Magnesium soothe, calm and improve firmness. It also contains starflower oil and Omega 6 to enhance the skin's lipid barrier. 

These two brit brands are developing amazing products that are natural, luxurious and really work at the same time. Have you already tried these two? Or another product of these brands? I'm a total fan and I'm really interested in your opinion.