I kept my promise of focusing more on natural make up than skincare for 2014, but I also feel like I’ve failed as a beauty blogger delivering and testing new skincare.
It came to that point where commercial products didn’t appeal to me as much; where a cream-based moisturiser felt awkward and the mindset of “I can do that too” kept me from trying out various of natural skincare lines that kept popping up, instead I rather spent my money testing out pure oils to treat acne scars. I also wouldn’t mind trying out wholesome healing supplements that I’ve heard can help with inside-out healing; anti aging capsules, apparently, can be really helpful in rejuvenation of cells and overall well-being. Trying out new products like that with natural ingredients, I’m open to. All in all, it has just been more appealing for me to buy three oils than one expensive serum. The economy is going towards inflation (or I think we’re already there), and I just don’t support the growth of some prices and question their worth. It’s not that I’m cheap, it’s that everything else is overpriced ;)
I was also hoping you could help me make 2015 even better, by joining to answer some questions in this survey! It’s only 10 questions and will take less than 5 minutes to answer. For this blog to take the direction I want it to, I need to know more about you. I thank you for your support in making this blog awesome!
Because of the lack of beauty products tested this year (2014) this list will contain a lot of simple products, and perhaps with some last years favorites, but to try and make up for it a little here’s an offer for you to save 10 percent on glossier.
Even though 2015 has just begun, I’ll be saying “this year” as referring to 2014. Hope it won’t confuse you too much!
Cleanser
Estelle & Thild Fragrance Free Milk Cleanser
If I had a bottle of Raw Gaia Skin Divinity Cleanser, it would still take the prize. But if I’m forced to choose a product that I actually used during 2014, I think Estelle & Thild’s cleanser did a great job. It’s not too thick or too milky, and it cleanses well without leaving you too dry. Though, it won’t take away all make up if you don’t use it with a cleansing cloth. Review will be up, but until then Mitte at Beauty Comes Clean did a good review on it.
Beyond it I still like washing my face with Thistle oil, but I’m not really content with it. So next up I’ll be trying something else, too spot if there’s any difference in feeling.
Toner
Rose Water
Toners aren’t really necessary, but just plain Rose water has been refreshing in the summer.
I’ve also used Rosemary and Thyme, both good for acne and scarring, which I create simply by making tea out of the fresh herbs. But you could also let it steep a few days together with witch hazel.
If I’m lazy I will just burn a tea bag: Pukka’s Night Time or Harmonize are my favorites together with a few drops of essential oils like tea tree.
Moisturizer
Hemp Seed Oil
I had some issues with Hemp Seed oil in the beginning, but after some getting used to my thoughts about it has changed. Probably because of the smell, it’s not my favorite oil using alone, it needs to be blended. But for instance, I managed to make my own Hemp Heaven which turned out really good!
Facial Scrub
MSM Powder
Seriously, no scrub beats oil with either MSM powder or baking powder. It just leaves you baby smooth and hydrated if you let the oil stay. I even sometimes leave the MSM scrub on for it acts kind of like a painkiller and has lots of other benefits – a trick for anyone with itchy skin or cystic acne.
If you want a commercial alternative, Estelle & Thild Lily Micro Scrub is still one of the mildest and best scrubs on the market.
Facial Mask
DIY Face Maks
I try to use up the things I have before going out to buy a new one, so this year I ended trying to empty the ones I got and almost exclusively using DIY masks.
My favorite mask of the year has been this one:
Green Turmeric Mask
1 Dollop fresh Turmeric paste
1/2 Tsp Dried Turmeric
1/2 Tsp Chlorella Powder (Any green powder works)
1 Dash of Clove powder*
1 Pinch of Cardamom*
1 Spoon Buckwheat Honey
+ Water if needed
*Remember that Clove and Cardamom may irritate your skin, if you’ve got really sensitive skin, skip these two!
The reason I use them is because I want to create an allergic reaction on purpose, for my face to become red and and for blood to flow. When your face is starting to mildly itch, you know it’s working ;) – It shouldn’t though burn!
This stimulates the lymph system and cell growth. Also, Clove has the highest ORAC value of them all, so I’m also after the benefits from that.
I just notice such a positive change in my skin, it becomes calmer and looks glowing probably thanks to the yellow stains the Turmeric leaves. But I’ve noticed that the green from Chlorella prevents the Turmeric to stick to the skin as much as it would have otherwise. I also go for the Cooling and Calming Neem mask during summer.
Serum
Living Libations Dew Dab
Okay, when I think about it, I did opt for an expensive serum instead of three inexpensive oils, but it’s basically essential oils blended together. So no, I don’t think this counts as being something commercial.
It definitely is a favorite even though I had a few problems with it, but overall it managed to prevent spots and lighten scars somewhat, so I do recommend it to anyone who’s got these problems. Two months later, I rarely get a spot or two, and my scars keep on healing well that I don’t feel as if I need to buy it again.
Make Up Product
Lily Lolo Powder Concealer & Concealer Brush
I did go through a few brands and the one that impressed me the most was Lily Lolo, that has delivered great quality considering their budget pricing. The brush has not even once shed, and has kept it’s softness after nine months now.
Alima Pure Bronzer Mauna Loa
Many of us can agree it’s like the perfect bronzer. I didn’t even like or understand bronzers until I tried this one! Having bad luck with blush, this bronzer was well enough to “wake up” my skin without it looking unnatural. It did become quite unnoticeable after the summer, so perhaps I will try Trinidad or Belize too in the future.
Body Cream
NUBIAN HERITAGE – RAW SHEA BUTTER INFUSED WITH FRANKINCENSE & MYRRH
I’ve used this one throughout the summer to hydrate and protect my skin from the sun. I love the smell, and for having tried other shea butter, I really like the smooth consistency of this one where as regular shea butters will be somewhat grainy. It’s not tricky to massage it in, and where coconut oil fail, it doesn’t leave you feeling like you just smeared oil all over your body.
Hand Cream
Nonique Intensive Hand Cream
Last year it was the anti-aging hand cream, so Nonique is doing something good when it comes to hands. Thick, moisturising and quick absorbing, is all I ask and Nonique seems to deliver just that! My man thinks they are a bit expensive haha but a little goes a long way.
Shaving Cream
Dr Bronner’s Shikakai Soap
I’ve tried most things, even plain coconut oil, but this is by far the best shaving cream and the cheapest. The Shikakai soap is thicker than the original, and is supposed to be more hydrating. You’ve probably heard about Shikakai powder to wash hair with, unfortunately after a month of trying I didn’t find the Dr Bronner’s shikakai soap to be effective as a schampoo. Nonetheless I liked it more as a hand and body soap as well as the best natural shaving cream. You really need the smallest drop and some water and it creates a delicate foam over your legs, simplifying shaving, and leaving your legs hydrated and clean. It has really been my little secret until now :)
Oil of The Year
Organic Tamanu Oil
Tamanu oil really impressed me this year, especially together with Rosehip seed oil. I think it has had a great impact on the healing of my scars and protecting my skin from the sun, but what I really liked about it was the consistency and feeling of it. I can somewhat agree that oily skin types shouldn’t use it alone but to blend it with something high in linoleic acid. Currently I’ve just used it up and I’m going to try something new for next year before I repurchase it again.
Want to check out last years beauty favorites? Click Here
Love it if you’d take the survey :)
What’s in store for 2015?
In no particular order here are some of what’s to come:
- My long and anticipated review on Clarisonic
- Kiss My Face Whenever Schampoo & Conditioner
- Green Love Eye oil with Barbary Fig Seed Oil
- Beauty Battle: Milk Cleansers
- The Oil Guide – Remake of the popular post “How To Find The Right Oils For Your Skin“
- Simply The Best Detox Schampoo
- The Oil Cleansing Methods
- The Rapid Healing Trick No One’s Telling You About
- Exotic Black Cumin Seed Oil for Acne Scars – Just purchased!
- Tried and Tested Toothpastes
- All About Nutritional Sunscreen – Wanted to do this one last summer
- Bentley Organics Schampoo & Conditioner
- AND MORE!
I hope you are as excited as I am! During the holidays I’ve been working on my About & Contact page which has been missing far too long. It’s now up! Got any questions, ideas, or just want to chat you now know where to find me! Until my next post, it will be interesting to see your answers from the survey! :)
