Rosacea: Causes, Treatments, Make up Solutions

There are only a few lucky women out there who just happen to have a perfect skin (fortunately for them, unfortunately for those outside the lucky group!). The ugly truth is that a lot of women all over the world are struggling with different skin problems. Today I want to focus on a problem I am very familiar with - Rosacea. 

Before I begin I just have to say that I have the feeling that rosacea is a rather neglected skin problem. Everywhere I look there is a lot of talk, advice and products directed to treat acne and spots (not to mention anti - aging niche). So this post is dedicated to all the ladies who know and can relate to the problem of rosacea. 

Image taken from www.paiskincarereviews.org

Let's start with the definition of Rosacea - It's a chronic skin condition that is characterized by redness in the center of the face, but later on can progress to overall face redness. Rosacea affects both - men and women,  but mostly women. Rosacea progresses with age - the older you are the worse it gets. 

In the modern day society scientists came up with the way to fight it - laser treatment...BUT..this is so far the only efficient way and it can get really pricey. Other skincare or make up products can only reduce the appearance of  rosacea or prevent it from getting spread.  

This is my rosacea. It's not very bad (not yet), but it's definitely noticeable without make up. So I was looking into this subject for quite a while now. I went to the dermatologist and had a good talk about the causes and measures that can be taken to help. 

First of all, rosacea is something that, most of the time, is genetic and runs in the family. My dad has it and my mum, so no way out there. Although, when I was younger the redness was noticeably less - just a few capillaries showing through but ,as I got older I got more and more redness. So I asked my doctor why this happens and it turns out there are many reasons for that: 

1. Sun exposure is a number one factor;

2. Harsh weather conditions (wind, cold temperatures or sudden temperature changes) ;

3. Nutrition - unfortunately, rosacea sufferers should follow a very strict diet - no fried, spicy or fat food, no soda, no certain vegetables (onion, garlic etc.), very hot drinks are not advised (hot tea, coffee). Besides any stomach diseases (like gastritis) is direct redness booster :(

4. Alcohol consumption - alcohol increases the blood pressure and widens the capillaries (even breaks them sometimes), which makes you face even more red. An although red wine can be good for the heart, it's definitely not good for the tone of your face.

5. Hot bath, sauna - heat widens and breaks the capillaries, increases redness.

6. Smoking - everybody knows- smoking is not good for the skin condition, it makes skin tired and reduces collagen levels in the skin etc.

7. Certain skin care products - it's not about the skin care, it's about the ingredients in the skin care, like alcohol, which aggravates the skin, bringing redness. 

I want to share with you how I reduce the appearance of rosacea with help of skin care and make up. I went to dermatologist asking for help and she said the only thing that can help dramatically is laser treatment, but there are ways to prevent the redness getting bigger. 

The first thing she recommended was the Bioderma Sensibio lotion. Yes, I know that Bioderma is a very famous and hyped skin care product at the moment. But a lot of people don't know that it has rosacea helping properties. It doesn't change the current situation of the skin, but if you use it regularly it doesn't allow any more redness to appear. I know that Bioderma is hard to get in the States, but it's available all over Europe in regular pharmacies. 

The second product is from a German brand called Eucerin. They have different multiple ranges for hair, body and face. This particular one is for redness, it has a green tint to it (green neutralizes red). It's not a very special product, there are many like this one on the market (I know Clinique makes something like that), but this one is reasonably priced and does the job. 

 I've tried to apply the green moisturizer first and then apply a foundation, but I it did look a bit patchy and not very flattering on the skin ,so I tried to mix it together and it worked for me.

I do half a pump of moisturizer and half a pump of foundation, mix it with the foundation brush and the apply it to my face either with fingers or with a brush. It tones down the redness, so here is the result:

After the redness is down, you can proceed with the rest of the make up. I applied blush and some mascara.

With pink blush on the cheeks

I am sorry that the post is soo long, I just have a lot to say since I have been looking into this subject for a long time. I hope you enjoyed and if you have any questions I will be happy to answer. xo

Lancaster After Sun Tan Maximizer/Moisturizer

Since I live in the Netherlands I haven't seen a real summer. When occasional sunny day finally arrives there is always SPF 30 (even though I want to be tanned, I don't want any sun damage) and before you know it - summer is gone and the lovely, golden summer tan is a no-show. So, I decided to find a solution for that (besides fake tanning) and kill two birds with one stone. Just about then it was time I came across Lancaster's After Sun Tan Maximizer. 

At first, I thought I am a little too late with this review and it's not a good time anymore - summer is almost gone - but then I thought, may be it is, because all sun products now are on big sale. It can peacefully wait on the shelf until the next summer or that fabulous vacation to a hot country. As the matter of fact, I was lucky with the price as well - my local make up counter had a huge sale on all Lancaster sunscreens, after suns etc. Reduced from €34,00 (for 125ml.) to €13,00 it seemed like a very good deal, so I bought it. 

At first I thought it was something like a fake tan - tinted moisturizer kind of thing, but I was wrong. Although  it does have a veery slight, almost undetectable yellow tint to it, it comes out just as a white moisturizer. 

How to use: on the tube it says: "Apply generously to face and body after sun exposure, for at least 4 days to increase your tan.", which I did and , I think, it actually made a little difference. With just a couple sunny days that we had here in the Netherlands I actually managed to look tanned. 

It goes on clear, just leaves a moisturized feeling to the skin

One thing I have to mention is the smell. I don't even know how to describe it - it's not a sunscreen smell, nor  a fake tan smell. Just this annoying smell some moisturizers have, I guess. 

To sum it up - I do like this product and I would repurchase it again, but only on sale. It is €13,00 good, but not €34,00 good. For €34,00 one could buy a really good fake tan and don't bother with tan maximizers. 

Hope it was helpful, xo

Nailed: YSL La Laque Couture

I have a confession to make - I have a little obsession with nail polishes and... I am in love ..again. This time with YSL's La Laque Couture nail polish collection. I came across these polishes when I realized I don't have anything exciting to wear on my toes this summer ( already past summer - time flies!!!), so I went to the make up counter to look around and boom! Found the nail polish Holy Grail. 

Image from ymbeautyblog.com

At first I was lost - there are 30 most amazing colors to choose from, but, after half an hour of poking around and confusing sales people, I decided to go for the maroon fuchsia color called Fuchsia Cubiste (Nr.8). I ran home and (of course!) repainted my nails immediately. I got sooo excited about this nail polish, I went back the next day and picked up another one called Bronze Aztec Nr. 28. 

Firstly, I love the packaging. I think it looks very luxurious with the thick glass and the golden, shiny top with YSL logo. But it doesn't stop there - the quality is really good too. The formula is close to perfect - not too thick, not too thin, the pigmentation is fantastic - 1 coat is enough to get a perfect looking nail (2nd coat to intensify the color).

One Coat

Two Coats

This is a very vibrant color, perfect for summer and may I just say - it goes on like a butter, dries super fast and doesn't chip for ages. Although I do use the base coat, I can easily go 4-5 days without touch-ups. 

The second shade is rather nontraditional dark green color with very fine golden shimmer in it. Normally, I wouldn't go for a color like this, but I thought it would look pretty on the toes ( it totally does!). Besides, it's very refreshing and not very common. 

With Flash

As for the price - it is pricey (RRP - €23,50 for 10ml.). This is, probably, the most I would pay for a nail polish, but it does have very good quality and very pretty colors. If you decide to splurge on a high end, luxury nail polish and treat yourself, definitely consider YSL's La Laque Couture collection. 

Hope you enjoyed, xo

To stay or not to stay: Maybelline Super Stay 24 Color

While reviewing YSL's Glossy stains in the previous blog post, I suddenly remembered "Wait a minute - there is something similar in my make up bag already!" And there it was - long forgotten Maybelline Super Stay. 

The fact that it was long forgotten occurred because it was not used for ages. So I decided to give it a second chance and...Disappointment again... Now, let me begin with describing what this product actually is. 

This lipstick/stain has two ends: the colored end with the applicator and the lip balm.

It took a lot of practice before I figured out how to apply it. The pigmented part of the lipstick dries very quickly, so you have to get it right from the first stroke and, since I have the deep red color, any little imperfection is very visible. If would have been fine if one had time to play around, but when it dries (in around 10 seconds) it's impossible to correct. Then you have to get it off and start all over again...(annoying and time consuming).

After applying the pigment (one or two coats) comes the lip balm, which adds shine to the lips. 

For me, Maybelline Super Stay is not gonna stay in my make up bag for long. Whilst, is goes stay on for a really long time and it's very pigmented and the price is fine(€13,99), ....it dries your lips like CRAZY (unless you reapply the balm every 10 minutes!), it feels like dried raisin,  it looks harsh and dry...and the color changes after a little while. I bought the bright red and ended up with deep burgundy, which doesn't really suit me...

So, no - Maybelline Super Stay 24 Color is not something for me. May be there is a different technique for applying or may be with a different color the mistakes are less noticeable... If there is , please let me know. 

Hope you enjoyed, xo 

Lip Seduction:YSL Vernis à Lèvres Glossy Stain

The buzz about YSL's  Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres glossy stains still goes on! It's my turn to review the most fabulous glossy stains. Recently I've purchased 2 of them and decided to share my experience. 

I have never tried any of YSL's lip products before, so this is the first for me. At first I've red very good reviews online, including make up artist (Lisa Eldrige) -  I immediately thought - it must be worth trying, but then I saw the price ( RRP in the Netherlands - 33€) and decided to wait. But the question "Is it really that good?" kept me awake at night, so I decided to try anyway (never mind the price:):)

I picked up two shades - Nr. 13 - Rose Tempera - pretty pink shade, with very fine, almost undetectable blue pearl in; And Nr. 11 - Rouge Gouache - bright deep red/berry-ish color. 

This lip product does not quite fit in "lipstick" or "lip gloss" category. It's a rather unusual hybrid between gloss, lipstick and stain. I wouldn't say that there is nothing like it on the market - there definitely is. Off the top of my head there is Maybelline's Super stay 24 color, L'oreal's Infallible never fail lipstick etc. But the difference is - before the Glossy stains it was never "The perfect product". I have tried Maybelline 24 Color stay - it was pigmented and it stayed on for long time, but it was so drying. 

It does take a little bit of practice to finally apply it perfectly. I do it in two stages: first apply a thin layer, defining the lips and getting the color worked in. Then, apply second layer to add more color and voilá - glossy, plumped, sexy lips that will last you good 2-3 hours without touching up. 

Nr. 13 - Rose Tempera

It fades nicely throughout the day, but you might wanna do a touch up after a meal (especially if you're ordering something oily.I find that oil is the only thing that takes this lipstick off).

Nr.11- Rouge Gouache

Somehow, my camera couldn't pick up the real color. On the picture it looks like orange based red, whereas in fact it's more berry, deep red (at least on me..)

Overall, I think this product is Fantastic! YSL managed to do the impossible - to make a stain that is glossy, but isn't drying on the lips, is pigmented and last a long time. Yes, it is expensive, but I believe one will get many fabulous compliments on the lips out of the tube. There are 20 shades to choose from, so there will be a color to catch the eye. 

Hope you enjoyed, xo

Estee Lauder Eyeshadow Palette

Today I want to review the eyeshadow palette from Estee Lauder's "Blockbuster" make up kit.  I know that the kit varies (I believe depending on the country). I bought mine last year around Christmas time in the Netherlands. I think it was originally launched into the market in the end of 2009, but it's still available in shops.

The packaging is gorgeous - if it wouldn't be for the sticker with eyeshadow names on the back, it looks like a little fabulous clutch bag.

The palette contains 18 eyeshadows. Mostly shimmers - 11, satins - 6 and 1 matte. I would say the colors are neutrals with just a few brights. It has two small applicators (not particularly useful or good quality anyway..)

I have to say the eyeshadows are not very pigmented (except may be one or two), however they look rather beautiful. Here are some swatches I made..

I love the names of the eyeshadows!  It matches the color almost exactly!

Unfortunately, you can't buy the palette without the rest of the kit...But I have to say- the kit is amazing value for money, aside from the eyeshadows it has (at least mine has) 4 blushes, 3 lipsticks, lip gloss, mascara, makeup remover and 3 eye pencils in black, gray and brown. It retails for 80 Euros, but it's possible to get it cheaper.

Hope it was helpful. xo

Clarins makes a perfect Raspberry Sorbet!

Every Girl is in search of the perfect lipstick. Well, for me Clarins Rouge Prodigy in Raspberry Sorbet may be close to perfection. The packaging, the scent, the color, the texture...A dream come true!

 I was trying to make a picture of the packaging myself, but the surface is a mirror (which is perfect for touch ups, if you don't have a mirror with you) and it's difficult to do the packaging justice if the picture is bad.

The color looks (as you may have guessed from the name) EXACTLY like raspberry sorbet. I have to add that the color in real life is a little more vibrant. It has a lovely, but not overpowering scent to it - I believe it's a berry smell (probably raspberry, hence the name..)

Texture wise, it's quite hydrating and creamy. I do like the pigmentation of this lipstick - you definitely see the color pay-off even with one layer. As for staying power - it's not the best, but you can prolong the wear with matching lip pencil. I personally don't use lip pencils often, so I need to touch it up after  a drink of a meal.

The color choice is very classic, good old reds, pinks, corals etc. The retail price in the Netherlands is €22,00, available in Douglas, Ici Paris XL, online.

If anyone tried nice shades - please, let me know! xo

Clean Start with Dermalogica

Clean Start for Clear skin? Today I want to review Dermalogica's face cleanser Clean Start.

Now, I have red and heard a lot of good feedback and reviews about Dermalogica in general, but I have never tried any of their products before. So, I decided to snap to it and bought a couple of things to try, including Clean Start.

Let's start with the positives: I like the fact that it has an active ingredient - Salicylic Acid (0,5%) - which is good for acne-prone skin and just generally clears out the skin. My skin type is normal to combination and this wash didn't break me out.

It is reasonably priced - 20 € for 180 ml of product. It smells nice and refreshing (smells a little like oranges). Also, it can be used on the face, neck and chest, but I use it only on the face and neck. 

It is a foaming gel cleanser,  comes out clear. The tube doesn't have a pump, you have to squeeze it out, but the consistency isn't too runny, so you can stop on time. 

The directions say you have lather a small amount in damp hands, then rub over face. (No, don't get it into your eyes! It feels like you have a bucket of sand in your eyes and you can wash it out!!!) I massage it for a minute or so and rinse with water. 

Now. all in all its not bad cleanser: it gives a gentle, but thorough cleanse, BUT it leaves my skin feeling very dry and the feeling doesn't go away unless I use skin tonic after the cleanse. May be it works better on oily skin...My verdict is Don't knock it till you try it, but beware - it can make your skin dry. 

Lancome Vernis in Love

Hello Everybody and Welcome to my blog!

This is my first - ever blog post, so I am sorry if I made any rookie mistakes. Hopefully, everything will get only better from this moment on!

This post features Lancome's Vernis in Love nail polish in 343 B Rose Pitimini. So let's get started..

The shade choice is good – there is something for everybody – from soft pastels to vibrant brights. I thought it would be a good time to try one and immediately ran to the shop to pick up this lovely warm rose pink shade (Rose Pitimini – What a cute name?!), which I is perfect for summer.

Did I regret the purchase? How could I - the nail polish is perfection! It applies like a dream, the formula is fantastic: not too runny, not too thick, dries to a glossy finish with one coat only. Needless to say - the color pay-off is fantastic. 

With Flash

Day Light

All in all this nail polish range is worth trying. In the Netherlands it retails for 15,50€ for 6ml of product. There are cheaper nail polishes out there, but if you want to treat yourself and invest in something a bit more luxurious - Vernis in Love is definitely the one to try.