The Best Skincare Tips I've Ever Learned - The Philosophical

In the last post, I discussed the best practical tips I had learned about skincare in my almost five years of blogging and three years of commitment to a variety of trial-and-error skincare routines. In that time, my knowledge on the topic has increased exponentially - as well as my realisation that it will never be enough and something that I will always have to read up on more. However, one of the things that has changed the most in that time is my attitude towards skincare and my skin itself.

I used to think of skincare as a battlefield and my skin as a foe that was always out to defy me - something I had to best. Having imperfect skin stressed me out intensely as, foolishly, I thought that once I was no longer a teen, my problems with my skin would end. Imagine my shock and horror when this hypothesis was quickly debunked and proven to be 100% not true.

Admittedly, I've never had terrible skin. In fact, in retrospect, I actually fared rather well compared to many of my peers. But, as the case is with many of us, the bar I set for acceptable for myself and for others was quite different. Imperfection has never been good enough for me and, yet, I am incredibly flawed by standards even less strict than my own and, so, I've always felt lacking. My skin was just one thing I could focus on with the belief that I could, and would, improve it. Or, rather, I would perfect it.

And, so, I did silly things. I nicked the prescribed creams and face washes that my brother may not have been bothered using but had, in no uncertain terms, not been suggested to me by a doctor. I attacked any blemish with tea tree oil, zit creams and treatments, again and again, day after day, willing them to go away. It was a constant battle. When one batch would heal, hormonal shifts would ensure another quickly followed. Even when it stung, even when constant use of those creams desensitized a part of my face and left me with severe pins and needles for a fortnight, even when I thought the better of it - I attacked my skin in pursuit of perfection.

Of course, the stress that this all caused was utterly counter-intuitive and one of the worst things I could have done to my skin (stress is a big cause of breakouts). But I couldn't stop seeking perfection.

Then, I don't know how or remember quite when, I had an epiphany, a Eureka moment. It may have been while reading about skincare, I'm not sure. But I realised that skin is delicate and fighting fire with fire was just going to burn everything down. So, I stopped. I treat breakouts, sure, but I actually rarely use targeted blemish treatments anymore. Instead, I try to make sure that my skin is moisturised, isn't irritated and is happy with me. And the funny thing? The blemishes heal faster than they did with any spot cream - even with the noticeably slower turnover rate of skin renewal that I now have at twenty-five.

Hands down, the best product? Sudocrem. That magic gem of our childhoods. Soothes, heals, protects. All those buzzwords meant to sell the product to parents worried about nappy rash and bumps and bruises? Turns out that our skin likes them too - who would have guessed?

Skin isn't our enemy. Blemishes aren't the end of the world. Perfect skin doesn't actually exist. Imperfection is okay. Keep these things in mind and you'll be fine. I know my skin is clearer and happier for it.

I'm never going to have "perfect" skin and that's okay. I'll probably always have blemishes that even makeup can't cover fully.

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The Best Skincare Tips I've Ever Learned - The Practical

I think about skincare a lot. I read about it, watch videos about it and, when I'm indulged, talk about it ad nauseam. In fact, I recently went into a store to restock on toner and sunscreen and ended up chatting to one of the women working there about skincare for over an hour and a half. I'm not even exaggerating.

As a result of all this thought and research, I've come across some skincare tips and tricks that have really helped me and that I stand by. I thought it would only be fair to share in the knowledge. Here are the best skincare tips I've ever learned.

1. Commit to Sunscreen.

No matter how often I say this, most Irish women laugh me off, even women who are reasonable, even women who wear sunscreen on holidays and rarely let themselves get burned: sunscreen must be worn every single day. Every. Single. Day. 

Your skin may look fine now but, I promise you, it will remember how you treat it. Damage is happening whenever sun touches unprotected skin. Even through glass. Even if it is cloudy outside. Start protecting it now because I wear factor 50 every day and scans I had done at an event showed I had damage. You can only imagine how unprotected skin is faring. Plus, this isn't just a cosmetic thing, it is a health issue as well. Aging isn't fun but skin cancer is far worse.

2. No towels.

Another thing I get looked at like I'm crazy for: I do ever not use towels on my face any more. Ever. First of all, if you have to use them, make sure to pat not rub. The fibres are coarse in a towel and rubbing against the skin can cause damage, even if you can't see it. The skin on your face is delicate and needs to be treated as such. But I forgo using towels at all and, instead, carefully pat my face dry with cotton pads, avoiding any germy little camps that might develop even on supposedly clean towels.

3. Toner.

"What is toner? Why do I even need it? It's just another step."

These are things I often read and hear people saying and I used to be confused about it myself. Toner is basically used to rebalance the Ph of the skin after it has been cleansed and, often, is the first step in ensuring the skin is rehydrated. Avoid any toner with alcohol as this dries out the skin and is too harsh and be sure to apply as soon as possible after cleansing so that the skin isn't left thirsty for too long (it doesn't like that). Some people say that there's a 3-5 second window to do this but introducing any uber-stressful limitations on your skincare routine is likely to be more of a hindrance than a help.

4. The power of Massage.

Just slapping on products is a waste. A big tenet of Asian skincare is massaging products in, in order to increase bloodflow and relieve tension. I can say, personally, as possibly the tensest person in existence; massaging my skincare across my forehead helps ease the expression lines that crop up after a long day. Just remember to make sure your hands aren't completely dry when doing this, as you will drag the skin. Only massage when your hands are amply coated in a serum, cream or oil.

5. Don't forget to Exfoliate.

Exfoliating 2-3 times a week is a necessity for keeping the skin clear and smooth. However, do bear in mind that exfoliating should not be a daily thing (daily exfoliating face washes are the devil incarnate), should be done with a gentle chemical exfoliant rather than a super-gritty physical exfoliator and should never be done with washes with microbeads (also the devil incarnate - in this case, bent on ruining the planet).

These are the practical tips I've gleaned over the years but I've also gained a sort of philosophy and outlook on skincare and the idea of "perfection" that has been just as helpful in creating an effective and healthy routine for myself and my skin. This, I think, deserves its own post and the space necessary to properly elaborate on my thoughts. Look out for my second post in this series to read all about, perhaps, the greatest skincare tip of all that I have to offer.

(Some of my all-time favourite products)

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Quick Brow Routine

Brows are the one thing I rarely leave the house without. I'm not a massive make-up wearer day to day but my brows grow so sparsely that I can look odd without them filled in. Therefore, they are a bit of a priority.

Sometimes, however, you don't have time for pencil + powder + wax/gel - I like them to look good but ain't nobody got time for that in the morning. Which makes perfecting a routine that is quick and looks great is important.

Of late, two products have made that possible for me. The first is Soap and Glory's Archery Brow Tint and Precision Shaping pencil (€13.50, in the shade Brownie Points). I tend not to use the tint as it requires a lot of working and effort to look any way effective but I love the pencil. It twists up which is handy as I don't have to pare it all the time and I'm a lazy butt like that. I start off by using small quick strokes to fill in my brows, beginning at the centre and working to the outer edge before going back to the inner edge and meeting with the centre again. I read about this method somewhere ages ago and it basically keeps the shape believable and easy to follow. Afterwards I like to use a brush or spoolie to work the product in and take away any excess.









The second product is Mememe's Arch Angel (€10.50, in the shade Light Brown) which I am OBSESSED with. It's a two-in-one product with a tinted brow gel on one end and a highlighter on the other. The brush is the perfect size for brows which is great because many tinted brow gels often have mascara-sized brushes that are awkward to use on the brows. The formulation is wonderful too and doesn't go crunchy the way some do. I just brush this gently over the pencilled-in brows to set them and give them some more oomph - being careful not to add too much product. But the best part about this product is probably the highlighter which has a lovely, not overly-intense glow. I take a little beneath the brow, on the tip of my nose and on my cheekbone. A friend immediately noticed it the other day and said I looked like I was glowing which is always a good thing. Also I'm just mad keen on the name and packaging.













So, that's it - quick, easy and effective! Let me know if anyone has tried these products and what they thought. And, if you've been eyeing them up, I highly recommend giving them a shot!

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Bigger Lips

Lips have become the focal point of the face in recent months. These things go in cycles. For a while there, it was brows. And even that was a repeat of a eighties beat which was a repeat of a fifties beat... As are plump lips - Angelina Jolie started the pout envy for much of this generation.

With the rise in cosmetic procedures at earlier ages and the normalisation of the process, being enhanced is increasingly easier. Or, you can jump on viral bandwagons like the Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge to use little cheats for a similar effect. If you want to go down a less invasive, in the former case, and less potentially harmful, in the latter, there are tips and tricks that anyone can use to exaggerate the look of their lips.

Admittedly, I'm rather fortunate when it comes to lip size - my sister has a rather (un)charming nickname for them that I'm loathe to repeat here - but often, it's a case of changing the shape a little, or drawing the eye to the right spot. Making them poutier or more rosebud-like. Whatever your tastes dictate. So, here are some tricks I implement into my make-up routine when I feel like boosting the beestung vibes.

1. Exfoliate!

I suffer from terribly dry lips and, as I have a terrible habit of biting and picking at them, they can get chapped. Sloughing off some dead skin helps the lips look healthier but also makes lip colours apply much more smoothly. I wouldn't suggest doing it too often - give your poor mouth a break! - but maybe once a week or so.

This lip scrub from Lush is a favourite! It tastes like sweets and a teeny amount goes a long way so it'll take ages to get through it. This particular one was from their limited edition Valentine's Day line so it's no longer in store but there are several others including Bubblegum and Mint Julips (both £5.50).

2. Moisturise

Next, you need to get in there and care for your lips after being so rough with them. Apply a lip balm, preferably a nice rich one, and leave it to sink into the skin.

I have a few favourites but my holy grail lip balm is the Eve Lom Kiss Mix (€20.00).

3. Highlight

You might already be highlighting like crazy but one of the places people often forget to implement it is along the cupid's bow. It has major impact, drawing light and the eye to the lip and extending the size of the lip just a smidge.

Currently, I've been digging the Glow Pot by Topshop in the shade Polished (£9.00). It's creamy and blends nicely. It's glowy but not outrageous for day-to-day use or lighter make-up looks.

4. Colour

At this point, you can start to line your lips. However, if you're going for a more natural look, merely apply colour. I went for this pretty rosy lip crayon by No.7. This one is from a multi-pack I bought around Christmas, so it's a mini but you can buy the regular in a range of shades in store (€11.75).

5. Shine

I'd never been a huge fan of lip gloss...until I realised it isn't all that goopy stuff that magnetically attracts your hair to your lips and glues it in place. Again, it's all about attracting light and attention. Instead of applying a coat over the entirety of the lip, only pop a bit on the centre. This will make them look plumper...



6. SPF

...which reminds me. This lip gloss by Hawaiian Tropic (currently €4.99) happens to also have an SPF of 25. Don't forget the sun protection for your mouth! The skin there is more sensitive and needs caring for as well.

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Admittedly, you're not going to get the same effects as Botox here but it makes a difference without costing a bomb, hurting you or being invasive. And several of the steps will maintain the health of your lips as well as making them look better - always a bonus, right?

Before

After

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10 Tips for Better Skin

My skin is an ever ongoing project. I recognise that I will probably never have perfect skin but I aim to make the best of what I've been given. For just over a year now, I've employed a proper skincare routine, though it has changed and evolved over time and products have come and gone, and I can say that I do notice the difference. I still get breakouts, mostly hormonal in variety, which is frustrating but not the end of the world. And I would say that they are fewer and further between.

The real difference is somewhat difficult to quantify. It's a glow or a brightness. I can see it in how make-up applies now, too. Coming out of winter, it's not as apparent and I don't have great side-by-side comparison shots to really nail it down but I can see it in myself. And that's what matters, right?

So, here are some tips on how to improve your skin that I've both known for a while and learned recently.

10. Clean your phone.

It's obvious that you should clean your brushes (?) but most people probably don't even think about their phones. You're pressing it against your face, day after day, after leaving it on multiple surfaces and handling it. And now that most phones are touch screen, your dirty little paws are all over it! I'm not really a believer in going too mad with anti-bac and ruining your immune system buuuuut, all those germs are jumping onto your face when you make a call and can cause breakouts, irritation, redness and more. Make sure you clean your phone, if not every day, then on a regular basis!

9. Tie your hair back.

When you go to bed, think about tying your hair back. Not only will it give it a touch more body and wave but it'll also help prevent breakouts. Think about the bangs/fringe you had as a teen, thinking it'd make you look like Zooey Deschanel. All it did was make your forehead oily and spotty. You don't want that all over your face, do you? And, no, it won't be as pronounced but if you get breakouts along your cheeks, this might be why.

8. Exfoliate

But don't over-do it. You need to rid yourself of dead skin to keep the appearance fresh and healthy but it's also necessary to make sure that you're not abusing your skin. I've read differing points of view on this one but I personally don't exfoliate more than three-four times a week and never use anything overly harsh with large grains or bits in it that are just going to create microscopic abrasions all over the place.

7. Always wear SPF

UV damage occurs on a daily basis so, even if the sun isn't shining you need SPF in your life. It should also be topped up on a regular basis throughout the day if you're going to be outside. If it is sunny, avoid long periods of exposure to direct sunlight. Pay particular attention to your forehead, brow area and the tops of your cheekbones where light naturally falls. These areas usually have the most UV damage and warrant some extra protection.

6. Clean your Make-up Brushes

I know I said that I didn't think this needed mentioning but here we go. Do it. Seriously. You would sleep on dirty sheets, wear dirty clothes or wash yourself with a dirty cloth, so why would you apply make-up with dirty brushes?

5. Consistency is Key

I was majorly guilty, as a teen, of going through phases of intense concern about skincare, devising elaborate routines and ditching them when I inevitably failed to see results after a week. It can take months for any sort of change you make in your diet, skincare etc to become visible in your body. You have to stick with it.

4. Store your Night-time Skincare next to your Bed

Lazy in the evening? Skipping out on the regime? A really good shift that I've made is placing my night-time skincare next to my bed. This means that when I chill out in the evening with a book or a show, I can do my skincare in bed as I wind down. And this makes me much less likely to bail on the whole process.

3. Be Gentle

It's easy to think more is more is more. You want to see results, right? So, you get enthusiastic. You scrub your face, pile on creams. But your skin won't like you for that. As I said; exfoliate gently; don't pile on moisturisers as they can cause blemishes if overused; when drying skin, pat rather than rub; use your ring fingers for eye creams and pat into the skin very gently as it is very thin and delicate in this area.

2. Don't Forget your Lips

Dull lips age the face, as I was recently told by the head MUA for an international luxury brand. Winter can be really hard on the lips, especially. But we often forget about the lips. It's more products to lug around and apply and who needs that? You do. We all do. Exfoliate the lips gently a few times a week, apply balm multiple times a day and don't forget the SPF! It's still skin and it needs the same treatment. Like with the eye area, however, be a little more gentle.

1. Double Cleanse

You don't want to overdo anything and, with cleansing, you don't want to strip the face too much. However, you need to remove your make-up and then cleanse again. This is the only way to ensure your skin is actually clean. And, for the love of God, do not just use wipes. Shudder.

Bonus: Coconut Oil is your Friend

Seriously though. It removes make-up, works better than foam when applied before shaving, moisturises intensely and smells good. It's super-cheap and a multi-tasker so this is a very wise investment.

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Armani Launches for SS15 with Thoa Tran - II - Tips and Tricks

When you're watching a make-up artist at work who expresses personal knowledge about the things that "Mr Armani" likes and dislikes, you pay attention not only to the products that she is showcasing, but the gems of wisdom she casually drops into conversation. When you see her transform an, admittedly very pretty, girl into someone who could easily blend into the Giorgio Armani SS15 runway line-up in less than half an hour, you realise just how good she is. So, here are some tips, tricks, trends and titbits that Thoa Tran let us in on at the new launches event a few weeks back.

1. Want to look like an Armani girl? Ditch the winged liner. I know, I know. A difficult thing to process. Seemingly impossible to let go of. But Mr Armani prefers a straight line. So, now you know.

2. Speaking of straight lines, that's the brow shape that's going to be all over the place. Apparently Victoria Beckham has been in the process of growing hers like that for years. And they're Armani-approved.

3. Now that we're on the topic of brows...want to enhance yours? When using powders or gels to fill in your brows, first apply the product against the growth. This way the hairs will pick up the product better and look fuller.

4. The further boost the look, apply concealer all around the edges of the brows, defining them clearly.

5. P.S. Thick brows are back and bigger than before.

6. Armani is all about the glowing look. To look sun-kissed, glamorous and like you fit right in with the old Italian stalwart of style, ditch the blush and put the emphasis on good contouring instead.

7. The new launch, the Eye Tint, is multi-use and gorgeous. It is primarily a shadow but can be used as eyeliner in an awesome range of shades if applied with an angled eyeliner brush. And, number 12, also makes a mighty fine highlighter.

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Well, just wanted to share these little gems instead of leaving them hanging out and useless in my notebook! Any you'd try yourself?

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