Beauty Fix 1 : Pretty when make-up free!

So, here's my 1st beauty blog post. Personally, I like cosmetics but I rarely use them because of school. In my high school, we really can't use make-up and when we mean by we can't, WE REALLY CANT. Our teachers can really filter out if we used the slightest amount of make-up. Talk about creepy, eh? But, I really can't blame them. Our school promotes simplicity in all ways. Now that I'm heading to college and it's still summer, I could finally experiment with looks anytime I want. But NOTHING beats having bright, clean and clear skin, right? I'm basing everything by experience. BTW, I have mixed-type to normal skin (meaning I have close normal skin except for some dry and oily parts of my skin). So if you have any concerns about skin types and if I didn't put any recommendations (trust me I'm forgetful), please don't hesitate to comment!


Disclaimer : Some of the things I've posted here may not be available in your country. I come from the Philippines so just comment below for any questions and queries if it is or isn't available in your own countries. If it isn't, I could help you for alternatives (Especially in other Asian countries and Northern America)


Scale : DRY to NORMAL (not too dry, not too oily) to OILY


Here's part one of my top beauty fixes for a beautiful clear skin you're proud to show without make up!


1. St. Ives Naturally Clear Blemish and Blackhead Control Facial Apricot Scrub

I totally recommend this facial scrub. This totally cleans your face to the pores and prevents you from getting pimples, even though I RARELY get pimples even before I started using this about 2 years ago. Though I suggest you don't use it everyday but only for 2-3 times a week with 1-2 days interval. I use this after I wash out the oil from my skin with Pond's facial wash (more about that later) . If you want clear smooth skin on your face or if you just want to exfoliate dead skin or dirt off your face while preventing blemishes, this is the one for you. Good for all skin types. Use about a half an index finger's width of the wash for your face. Rinse your face before you  lightly scrub it on your face for about a minute or two. Wash it off with water after.

2. Pond's Clear Balance Smooth Pores pore tightening facial wash with glacial clay

I've been using Pond's facial wash since my early teen years and their facial washes have never failed me. But this one in particular has caught my skin's attention. Living in a tropical country will leave you sweating all day long. In short, you sweat a lot. A lot of people mistake sweat for oil and vice versa. It's because they're both liquids and they come out at the same time. After all, one cannot occur without the other wont appear. When you sweat, you give out oil. Without the oily film on your face, it means you didn't sweat at all. One way to take out the greasy feeling is the facial wash. Some leave out the hot or warm feeling or the squeaky clean but dry feeling after using the product, but this one makes your skin while keeping it soft, supple and cool. It gives of a little cooling, refreshing not stingy sensation afterwards, keeping your face fresh throughout the day. It keeps your pores tight to lessen the oil. I recommend this for people with NORMAL to OILY skin. Best used daily and during the summer. Use about half an index finger or 

3. Olay Total Effects moisturizer with Cooling Hydration

 

My mom has been using Olay ever since I could remember. Yet, in the 90's it was just the Oil of Olay cream suitable for normal skin. After a decade, they revolutionized the cream for anti aging. Don't look at me like that, I'm not that old. Like the elders say, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. I'm really a great fan of the cooling hydration variation because of the fresh, invigorating and cooling feeling after use, keeping me cool in the midst of the tropical heat.This keeps your skin glowing and fresh without the sticky feeling. I recommend this for people with dry to normal skin and for the people living in very hot and dry to humid climate. Oh, If you don't like wearing sunblock, you're in luck! It has SPF 15

4. Eskinol Facial Cleanser Classic

My favorite astringent, toner and make up base! It makes your skin so velvety and clean, It's like making your skin as clean as a new painting easel ready to be painted beautifully with make up (lolwuuuuuuht?) Pardon my jargon, I'm a teen after all (Huhuhu 2012-2013's the last years that I'm gonna be a teen. Hello -IES.) This is also a good make up remover but I CLEARLY suggest you guys to PLEASE wash your face with soap and water before using this for extra assurance that you don't have make up residue on your face! Using this astringent will actually determine if you still have make-up on your face! You don't want chunks of make up on your pajamas or worse, your mother's prized pillow cases. This is also good to use even after sweaty gym sessions and if you just wanna refresh in the middle of a hot day, this one's for you! Recommended to all skin types but not to all sensitive skinned people! Use it with a cotton ball but don't make the cotton too soggy. Rub gently from your face to your neck. Use after washing your face, before applying make up and removing make up. Don't place near your eyes.

5. Physiogel skin care (Cleanser, Lotion, Cream)

My family dermatologist recommended this to us a long time ago (7-8 years ago) and she told us we'll never find any other set like this and you'll never regret buying one. Let me tell you, it's the BEST. SET. EVER. We never not used this set ever since our family tried this. From the cleanser to the lotion to the cream, they're living up to their name "Second Skin". It's really good for all skin types especially for the ones who have dry and sensitive skin. The cleanser is a on-the-go wash good with or without water it leaves no sticky feeling! The cream is amazing if you have scaly spots on your skin or if you just want to keep your face soft and supple! The lotion is also good for the face, if you want to have a lighter cream for your face. You only apply a very thin film on your face. If you think it's too little, it's not! It's already preventing your face from drying up without the very thick sticky feeling on your face! :) Based on experience, my dry skin spots turned disappeared, I've never had pimple breakouts since I was 13 (It means I never get so many pimples in one time and I rarely get them. I occasionally get 1-2 pimples in months gap.) Even though the set here in the Philippines is about US$48 (Each product about US$16), it's all worth it. It takes 2-3 months to finish but you'll see good results after use.

But, before you use any washes or creams, I HIGHLY suggest you ask your dermatologist or your family doctor about these and if it is compatible for your skin, if you can. Also, ask your friends about it, maybe they have other reviews about it aside from mine! :) If you have any questions, feel free to drop a message below or on my Twitter account.

Happy April 1 and Blessed Palm Sunday, everyone!

Regards,

gracedlemonades :D