(Spring) Night Time Skin Care ~ What I'm Currently Using

I have been looking to take my evening cleansing and skin care routine up a notch. And these products are helping me do just that! Here is my experience just a little over two weeks of using.

Long time readers of HHL will already know that Bioderma - Sensibio H2O has been my go to for removing my eye make-up for a few years now. Just a little squirt on a cotton pad thoroughly removes all traces of mascara, eye shadow, eye liner and brow powder (I have also used it to remove lipstick). It is the most gentle make-up remover I have tried!- and continues to be part of my skin care routine. 

Audrey Hepburn was a huge fan of this cleansing bar.

I have been wanting to give Ernoszlo exfoliating sea mud deep cleansing bar a try for some time ... WOW! I can't believe how CLEAN my face feels after each use. It lathers up equally or better than some cream cleansers I have used in the past. Enriched with 26 minerals, dead sea mud detoxifies, hydrates and restores the skin's own mineral levels. Think exfoliate - removes dead skin cells for more radiant skin; stimulates - improves circulation and motivates natural skin regeneration; and cleanse - removing dirt, blackheads, impurities and makeup without stripping skin of natural oils.

There is a cleansing oil that you can use before the cleansing bar - I tried a sample the Beauty Consultant at Holt Renfrew suggested, but found the cleansing bar on it's own did a great job of removing make-up and cleansing.

While I was happy with the toner I was using, I was looking for one that offered the same results but was a little more budget friendly ... the Beauty Consultant at Shopper's suggested the La Roche-Posay - soothing lotion. I apply it with a cotton pad - and wipe my face to remove any cleanser I may have not completely rinsed off. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and ready for the next step in skin care routine.

As we age, so does our skin care needs and lately I've noticed the eye cream I had been turning to (on and off) for many years was just not giving me the results I was looking for. After some research and speaking with the Beauty Consultant at Shopper's - Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate  - a plant based concentrate anti-wrinkle, anti-puffiness and anti-dark circle eye contour treatment, appeared to be worth a try. You don't need a lot of product, 3-4 pin head dots for each eye covers the eye area from temple to nose (think of it as a C).  After a couple of weeks I'm finding the fine lines (crows feet) are more blurred and a little reduction in the puffiness under my left eye (the side I sleep on most) - dark circles are generally not an issue for me. I also use it with my morning skin care routine.

As I look in the mirror I'm starting to see the lines around my mouth are becoming a little more pronounced (the result of having lots to smile about in life !!) and also the skin around my jaw line is falling victim to gravity. The Beauty Consultant at Shopper's suggested Stri-Vectin-AR (advanced retinol night treatment). Since making it part of my evening routine, I'm not really seeing a reduction in the fine lines and wrinkles - though I have been told because it's an over counter retinol it's not as potent as prescription so results may take longer to see. The up side the irritation that can be common with prescription retinol does not seem to be a concern - I have experienced no irritation. What I have noticed in this short time is that the texture of my skin feels smoother and looks more radiant.

So there you have it ladies, this will be the night time skin care routine that will take me through spring. Let's see what stays or goes for summer.

What skin care products do you swear by and/or are currently using?

You are the curator of your life so live it luxuriously ,

 
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Detox for the Mind and Body - Part 3 of 5 - Deep Cleansing Facial

image via google ... edits HHL

In Part 2 of this series we discussed Exfoliating the body, today we are going to explore Facials.

images via google ... collage and edits HHL

Most of us are pretty good at washing and moisturizing our face in the morning and evening, but we could be doing more at home to nurture our face between seasonal professional visits to the spa, by incorporating a weekly deep facial cleanse into our skin care routine.

7 Easy Steps to Deep Cleaning Your Face

1. Cleanse your face using your regular face cleansing product. Gently pat your face leaving it a little damp.

2. Fill a large bowl with very hot water and add a couple drops of essential oil (see chart below)

3. Place a towel over your head an lean over bowl with your eyes closed - for about 10 minutes (setting a timer allows you to relax and not worry about checking time). Gently pat your face dry.

4. Apply a warm moist face-cloth over your face for about 30 seconds, leaving the face moisten.

5. Apply a store bought facial mask for your skin type leave on for 10-15 minutes. You may like to try the recipe for Marie Antoinette's honey facial mask found here. 

6. Gently remove face mask with a cool wet face cloth. Once mask is completely removed - soak a clean face cloth in very cold water and apply to face. Leave on face for about 1 minute. Gently pat face dry.

7. Apply your facial moisturizer.

When was the last time you did Deep Cleaning Facial?


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Detox for the Mind and Body Part 2 of 5 ~ Exfoliating

In Part 1 of this series we learned about the benefits of Dry Skin Brushing today we are going to explore Exfoliation. 

We may be great at taking care of our face and exfoliating BUT when it comes to the skin on the rest of our body we often forget that it needs some TLC too. Just like on the face exfoliation of the body is a great way to help the skin shed the dead cells that can clog pores and make skin look dull and flaky. Select exfoliating cleansers that contain sea salt, sugar, ground almonds or other grainy component. 

You can purchase an exfoliating cleanser or make your own. Laura Mercier's almond coconut milk and crème brûlée sugar scrubs; and L'Occitane SHEA ULTRA RICH BODY SCRUB ARE AMONG MY PREFERRED CHOICES FOR STORE BOUGHT. Here a couple of home-made scrub recipes I have tried in the past.

Memories of the Tropics:

1/2 coconut oil

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon of vanilla

Memories of Provence:

1/2 cup of sea salt (I prefer Himalayan)

1/3 cup of jojoba or almond oil

1 tablespoon dried lavender

10 drops of lavender oil 

Below are some of the exfoliating applicators I use to apply the exfoliating cleanser. 

High Heeled Life Exfoliating Tips:

Loosen dead skin cells ~ prepare the skin for exfoliation before getting in the shower use your exfoliating glove or loofah to brush your dry skin. Like dry skin brushing start at your feet and work your way up. This loosens dead skin cells

Moisten your skin ~ get in the shower and wet your body from head to toe

Exfoliate ~ Use a pumice stone on your feet to remove dead, dry skin and callouses. Then after applying your body scrub to your loofah or exfoliating gloves work your way up the body - starting with your feet in circular motion. NOTE: the area around your bikini line is very sensitive - be very gentle in this area. Use a long handled loofah to apply the exfoliant to your back and hard to reach areas.

Face ~ Only use an exfoliating product formulated specifically for the face and be gentle. 

Hands ~ be sure to exfoliate your hands. If using exfoliating gloves, remove them and apply exfolianting product by massaging the hands together or using the loofah or folded glove in circular motion.

 Rinse ~ Rinse your body completely with warm water to remove any exfoliating product and finish off with the coldest water temperature you can handle.

Drying skin ~ pat your skin with your towel to gently remove water and dry skin.

Moisturize ~ starting with your feet apply moisturizer in circular motion working your way up the body.  Again for the face use only a moisturizer that has been formulated for the face.   

Not a shower girl ... 

No problem. You can exfoliate in the bath too!

Run a warm bath (not hot). Lay back and relax for at least 10 minutes. Lift each limb out of the water starting with feet and legs and apply the exfoliating cleanser in a circular motion. Kneel in tub and with a long handled loofah exfoliate your buttocks and back. Rinse off with hand held shower wand or slip body under water to just below neck. Pat your self dry with a towel.

You can exfoliate your face at sink (using an exfoliant formulated specifically for the face); rinse face with cool water and apply your facial moisturizer. 

What is your favorite body exfoliating cleanser ?



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Fall into Healthy Skin Care - What's your Secret?

The weather is quickly changing from comfortable cool autumn temps to cooler crisper temps, reminding us that winter is just around the corner. In our area sprinkling of snow like powdered sugar have started to arrive with early mornings.

Products that I have been using this past year that seem to be working ~ by the positive comments friends make about my skin.

Now that the weather is changing I will be looking for a light hydrating cream (I have combination skin - oily T-zone, drier cheeks) that will help combat the winter cold days that are just around the corner.

To ensure optimal protection and moisturizing of skin during the the cold months, it's important to replace the light products used during warmer months for a richer, thicker facial cream. The best face cream for winter should keep skin hydrated and prevent it from becoming dry and flaky. 

Skin type and sun protection also need to be considered when choosing a cold weather facial cream. People with oily skin can and often experience dry patches ~ using a light and hydrating cream will help  in combating this. Normal skin is not as impacted by the colder weather, still it requires a richer and more nourishing cream than what is used during warmer months. When the temperatures drop dry skin is the most affected and thus a richer and deep moisturizing face cream is the best choice for cold weather.

Our environment, poor eating habits, lack of proper sleep/exercise, aging and medications individually can cause havoc on our skin. If you are like me, "facing" a combination of these at any given time, you already know/understand how the effects of these show up in the skin's appearance. A preventive at home maintenance plan along with a seasonal visit to either a dermatologist or an experienced-certified esthetician are beneficial in achieving healthy looking skin.

Along with regular at home skincare maintenance, at the change of each season I book a deep cleansing facial with my esthetician. 

A Basic Facial includes:

~ Cleansing and exfoliation  

             -  stimulate cell renewal, remove dry skin, break down stubborn discoloration

             -  prepares skin 

~ Face, neck and shoulder massage

             - improves micro circulation to help bring new nutrients to the skin at a 

               cellular level

~ Steam

             - softens the hardened oil in the pore, making it easier for extraction and 

               deep pore cleansing.   

               Steam is also excellent for hydrating the skin provided a cream is used to 

               seal in moisture.

~ Manual extractions

             - manual removal is the most effective way to remove blackheads and unclog pores.

~ Mask

             - used to deeply hydrate and give the skin a healthy radiant glow.

~ Moisturizer (face and eye)

             -  Seals in moisture and adds a protection barrier from harsh elements.

A professional skin care specialist will analyze your skin, hear your concerns and show you how to properly care for your skin based on your unique needs and skin type. 

I have recently discovered the Oxygen Facial and am completely amazed by the results. An oxygen facial delivers oxygen, moisturizer, vitamins and antioxidants to the skin through an airbrush. The pressure and serum help to plump skin, which minimizes the appearance of wrinkles and increases circulation. Unlike traditional treatments there is no red blotchiness and make-up can be applied right after a treatment. Perfect to have done for a special occasion

Would love to know what you use 
& if you change your skincare products 

when temps change from  warm cold?

Spring Skin Care ~ and a Giveaway

With the warm temperatures slowly making their way into our spring days, most of us have been busy cleaning out our flower beds; throwing open windows as we clean and clean some more our homes from the  hibernation and accumulation of things during winter.

What about our skin care?

A rich moisturizer may have been great for protecting your skin from the harshness of outiside cold and indoor dryness from our home heating systems during the winter months, but with the warmer weather it may feel quite heavy and greasy.This is the time to switch to a lighter moisturizer, not only will it feel better on your face, it will help lessen clogged pores.

It is also important to pay attention to sun protection. From your skin to your hair - the hot sun can make them as crisp as bacon. Hydration is key during the hot months of summer.

Just in time to help us tranisition from cold weather to warm weather The Seeker from Searching the Inner Me is hosting a fabulous giveaway for SkinCareRx. The winner will receive a $25 gift card to use on Apothica.com, SkinCareRx.com, or SkinBotanica.com.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER GIVEAWAY

Drinking lots of water during the warm months is one of the best and simplest things we can do for our skin. Plain water can be a little boring, keeping a pitcher in the fridge infused with lemons; strawberries; cucumbers or combinations of fruits - will look more interesting and inviting. 

This is part 2 of ARE YOU READY? click here for part 1

If It's Good Enough for Sophia...

That's Sophia Loren, I'm speaking of...

There is no dening that she is one of the most beautiful women in the world!

Sophia at 64

at 71

 at 76

( front row at Giorgio Armani 2011 Spring collection in Paris) 

 What's her secret to great looking skin?

Would you believe "the odd bath in virgin olive oil " and eating "pasta".. Yes, you read  correctly! So, once in awhile don't be shy, add 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to your bath water.

As for the pasta, Sophia says " Serve it with a sauce made from tomatoes and unrefined olive oil, with perhaps some shredded carrots added for natural sweetness."  I'll be saying YES, next time Hubby asks "Pasta for dinner tonight?" and I won't be insiting on an alfredo sauce. The homemade tomato sauce will be good enough enough for me ~ after all it's good enough for Sophia!

Why it works...

because it contains omega fatty acids and significant amounts of Vitamin E and Vitamin K, it proves to have excellent hydrating and anti-aging properties. Extra virgin olive oil is worth the extra pennies. While other bottles of olive oil have been chemically processed, extra virgin olive oil is in its purest form with the most health benefits.

Eating for a Heathy Glow...

Part Three of  Three

Putting Your Best Face Forward....



If you want to have young and supple looking skin with a healthy natural glow it is important to take inventory of what you are putting into your body. Here are some foods that I am trying to incorporate into my eating habits to help get my body back on track and to get healthy glowing skin.

WATER: The more water we drink, the more we help our system to flush all toxins out of our body and the healthier our skin is going to look.

Green Tea: Green tea is rich in antioxidants which help reduce inflammation and protect cell membranes. It is important to remember to get the most benefit - do not add sugar or milk to green tea.

Berries:  Are rich in antioxidants ... strawberries, blue berries, black berries and raspberries add to yogurt or eat on their own.

Salmon: This yummy food is high in healthy fatty acids that are key for achieving healthy skin... Omega 3s. Flaxseeds are alos great way to get the healthy fatty acids.

Spinach: A fav food of mine is great for clearing up acne and promoting skin repair. Vitamin rich foods such as carrots and broccoli are also part of my veggie increase.


To help achieve and maintain healthy skin I am working on eliminating: sugar, white flour, saturated fats and fried foods from my "LifeStyle" eating.
Please share what food changes you have done to help improve your health and skin!


You can read part one Putting your best face forward here and part two Everyone wants great skin ~ facials and masks here


Don't forget to enter my Giveaway for your chance to win an autographed copy of Ask your Guides, by Sonia Choquette... Click here to enter.
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