The Skin Regime

I have always been on a mission to create beautiful skin. I actually managed to get pretty close but going back to college and the stress of the course meant my skin broke out and has now scarred badly and I feel like I am back at square one.

So when I was offered a chance to read The Skin Regime and have a test of the routine, I jumped at it.

The author of the book, Dana Ramos, is a skin care enthusiast and her book presents a way of reversing sun damage and ageing and achieving beautiful skin using an inexpensive home skin care routine.

The routine is based around weekly skin peels that you would usually have done professionally and using a simple, gentle products in between the peels for a period of 6 to 12 weeks. 

The book is written in a simple and fun style, I managed to whizz through it after a day of commuting. After an introduction (which you can read free on the website) it dives in to how you can create beautiful skin and explains who the treatment is and is not suitable for. There is then a chapter on maintenance — including what to do if you don’t want to try peels — and some advice on how to show off your nice skin (make-up talk). There is also a chapter on treatments beyond the regime, things like fillers and liposuction, and whether or not they can actually work. Finally there is a chapter looking at the regime on the rest of your body and how it differs from the face.

I was sent a small sample of peel to try, and although I was a little nervous using it and convinced I had done something wrong, the next day my skin felt very smooth and looked a little clearer. I still have a long way to go in terms of clearing up the scarred areas but I do believe that over the suggested 6 week course the routine would work.

I am hoping to continue the regime for a few weeks and share my results with you. In the mean time if you want to learn more about The Skin Regime and see before and after photos as well as an amazing photograph of the author without makeup, take a look at The Skin Regime website.

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Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Nude

When white and pink eyeliner became the waterline trend I tried them and hated the look, rather than looking brightening the colours drew attention to my waterline and, in my opinion, looked odd.

But I still wanted to achieve that bright-eyed, awake look.

Cue Rimmel's scandaleyes eyeliner in nude.

Rimmel say that the scandaleyes liner range has long lasting shocking color intensity with an ultra smooth and creamy formula that glides on easily. Waterproof, smudge-proof, sweat-proof, heat-proof, humidity-proof and scandal-proof. It is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested and is safe for sensitive eyes.

Nude from Rimmel is something I believe will suit medium to dark skin tones that want to achieve that brightening effect and that didn’t get on with white/pink eyeliner. The colour is a light peach-nude and the formulation is soft and creamy making it lovely to use on the waterline.

The wear is good, lasting at around 7 hours in the waterline before disappearing. Even though it is a waterproof formula I had no trouble removing it at the end of the night. This is a win from me and it means that these days I'm opting for nude eyeliner on my waterline during the day rather than black for a more natural/day friendly look.

The liner costs £3.99 and can be found in Boots, Superdrug and supermarkets with a Rimmel counter. I suggest waiting for a 3 for 2 offer and picking this up along with my holy grail black eyeliner, Rimmels exaggerate waterproof eye definer, and another product of your choice :-)

Of course you can choose any combo you like!  Let me know what yours would be.

Sample session: GlamGlow tingling and exfoliating mud mask

Having tried the other mask in the GlamGlow range last week I thought I would give the star product a try. GlamGlow say that their tingling and exfoliating mud mask delivers both instant and cumulative results and leaves your complexion revived and glowing for 3 days after each application.

The benefits include:

• Skin collagen synthesis for a noticeable 3 day glow
• Brighter, radiant skin in minutes
• Leaves skin noticeably soft and smooth
• Multi-level resurfacing exfoliation
• Penetrates into the deepest layers of the skin to soften fine lines and wrinkles
• Tightens, tones and lifts the skin
• Relieves dark circles and minimises pores
• Absorbs impurities without removing natural oils
• Suitable for all skin types, ages and for both men and women
• Contains no artificial colours or fragrances

The mask is dark grey/green in colour and has a gritty texture with some larger bits also thrown in.

I applied a thin layer and the mask immediately started to dry, which made the application difficult. The texture is like sand, so rubbing it into my skin I felt a bit concerned that it might be too rough.

After a few minutes the tingling began and this lasted about 5 minutes, at which point the mask had dried completely. The tingling is intense but not uncomfortable to the point that you wonder if you should remove the product.
I left the mask on for 15 minutes in total before removing with a damp face cloth. Again the texture felt like sand but this is the exfoliation step of the treatment.

Immediately after my skin looked bright and clear and felt so smooth. My face did feel tight, but not uncomfortable and this was easily fixed with face oil.

The next day my skin still looked bright and clear and my scars lighter. On day two my skin still looked bright and clear and my pores less noticeable and the same on day three.

A big factor for me when using face masks is the luxury/treat element. I can't say that I enjoyed using this but the results after one use were so impressive that I would be tempted to purchase a full size tub.

Starting at £22.50 for 15ml of product (there is also a 50ml tub), it's not a cheap mask, but a little produces good results and based on the immediately results, I believe that over time my skin the mask would provide the cumulative effects that it promises.

GlamGlow can be found in online and in Space NK and M&S stores. You can also purchase the sample I had for £4.99 from the GlamGlow website so you can try before you buy.

Have you tried GlamGlow? I'm always on the hunt for the ultimate face mask so let me know what your favourite is.