The Overnight Project

Korres is one of my favourite brands and I even think it's the first skincare brand I've used ever (at age 13 it was more convenient to go to my local pharmacy as there were no beauty stores nearby), so I have used lots and lots of their products through the years and many of them have been added in my HG list.

You also may have read my skin rant, I haven't posted one lately, because I take extra care of my skin and only last week I noticed my skin feeling like that again. It's chillier in Greece so I was kinda expecting it.

Also, last week I was sent a package by Korres with a sleeping mask. I have tried sleeping masks in the past, but I wasn't that wowed by the whole concept, as the effects lasted a few hours tops on me, so I stayed faithful to my oldie but goodie moisturisers.

The sleeping mask is officially called the Wild Rose Sleeping Facial and you may have heard that their Wild Rose range is one of their best sellers, so that was a new addition and I really wanted to try it out. Korres claims that you will definately see a difference on your skin overnight, a claim I was very hesitant to believe, but I wanted to test this product out to see the works for myself.

It comes in a deep red glass jar that contains 40 ml of product. The product itself is a white cream with a very thick consistency and it smells like roses like every other Wild Rose product.

I did my normal night routine, double cleanse, double tone, eye cream and just the sleeping facial, no serum or face oil beforehand. I applied the Sleeping Facial all over my face and neck and it was fully absorbed, like a normal moisturiser, leaving nothing but a nourished effect on my skin.

First of all, I have to say that I experienced two things right after applying it. One, the scent was heavenly, it's just like you entered a field of roses (I haven't been to one, just imagining) and two, it had a warming effect. It didn't bother me whatsoever, but I just noticed it happening for a couple minutes. However, the scent was present until I went to sleep, it was not artificial but really soothing and it also helped me fall asleep easier.

I got up the next day and checked in the mirror. All last week I woke up with cracked dehydrated skin, there was none of it in sight now. It was not greasy either, it was just... glowing. Like I had a very relaxed sleep while being on the best vacations of my life kind of glowing. I was amazed at how rested and radiant I looked.

I did my morning routine and applied makeup, which went on smoothier than the previous days. The rest of the day went on with my skin being radiant and even my mother told me I seemed to have had a good night's sleep, because I looked so plump!

I have to say this is one of the most nourishing moisturisers I've used up until now that didn't make my skin feel congested, but very very soft. I think the claim that it's suitable for all skintypes is indeed true, because it didn't make my skin oily at all.

However, if it was my product, I would make a teeny tiny change: I would provide a small spatula with it so it would be more hygenic to use. Other than that, I think it's an excellent product, yes it works overnight and yes I have been using it every single night since I got it. It's my night cream now and I'm not changing it anytime soon. On the oher hand, I guess you can use it more sparingly, but it's recommended to use it every night to get the best out of it and I wanted these effects every day on my skin.

Supplements for beautiful hair, nails and skin

I decided to take some supplements in spring because I wanted to make my hair grow longer a little bit faster and after some research and help, I found what would suit me better. Happily enough, I started noticing that my nails didn't break as easily as they used to and a nicer, more glowing version of my face was looking back at me in the mirror every morning. I was hesitant to do this post, simply because I don't think I'm an expert in supplements and I needed some months to try them out to see for myself if they do really really work.

I should mention that taking supplements isn't the best thing you can do for your health. They just supplement your regime. Your vitamin, minerals, water etc intake must be monitored by you every single day. You should remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and the key is repetition and building everything up -that applies to everything, take skincare for example: if you apply moisturiser once a month, don't expect your face to be gorgeous in 30 years.

Madre Labs Fish Oil
Fish oil is the one supplement I can easily say I can't live without. I started this one first combined with some vitamin E oil I like to take and was recommended from my doctor. Fish oil is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids and if you can't eat fish (especially sardines, anchovies, salmon) every day, then you should take some. For women the benefits are so many: better blood circulation, less PMS symptoms, greater bone density, stronger nails/hair and clear skin. I found that is indeed better to take fish oil with either vitamin E or Coq10. I chose Madre Labs, firstly because I like their products a lot and moreover, because fish oil sometimes gives you a fishy aftertaste, but these caps don't.

Natural Factors Coenzyme Coq10
You sometimes hear about Coq10 in moisturisers, but don't know what it is. It has anti-aging properties, but I have found that gives me energy and I can think clearer (hello brainstorming!). Also, it helps with hair loss and increases your tolerance in exercising. I come from a family with heart related problems, so taking both fish oil and Coq10 was recommended for me as they have an increasing effect on pleople with heart failure, vessel problems and so on.

Seven Seas Vitamin B complex
I knew I wanted to take Biotin (your hair and nails consist of it), but apparently a B complex was more suitable for me. I have seen a massive difference on my hair and nails and I owe so much to these vitamins. I chose this brand because the dosage in Biotin was so much higher than other brands and I could not believe my eyes when I saw it was so cheap. Expect fast results with these little caps, they make your nails grow long like no other!

Vitamin E
I have been taking vitamin E for years and years. They were recommended from both my gyno and family doctor and I have a massive supply at home, because my mum has been also taking them for as long as I remember her (and she has gorgeous skin). I stop using them for a while and take Coq10 instead, but I like to change it up a bit.

Please make sure before taking any supplements to ask your doctor first. They are over the counter drugs, but everyone has different medical history and supplement needs.

Saviour

It's no secret I have dry and very sensitive skin. Around this time of the year I guess it has always been the worst for me, clearly because of the change of weather in Athens. Me and my skin haven't been good friends and although we've tried to work it out through the years, every November/December my skin is having a sudden rebellion.

It started a few days before I left for the Netherlands, when I noticed discomfort around my face and neck. And by discomfort I mean my skin starting to feel extremely tight, itchy and the slightest touch made it red. I had 5 very big fire red patches on my cheeks and neck, so not only it felt weird, but it also looked horrendous. And to top that, I suddenly broke out on my jawline, near my chin. I have to say here that I have NO allergies to any food, drink or anything in general and I was not at all stressed out, it's just how my skin reacts sometimes. Readers of this blog probably have read some of my rants and people who know me, they might have seen me going around with a red mark on my face/neck. Such a pleasant image indeed. Well, I tried a calming mask by Apivita, some serums and aloe vera straight from my garden, but nothing worked, until I discovered in the back of my skincare drawer a LRP Toleriane Ultra with a few uses left (3 to be exact).

I think I have talked about it in the past, but really briefly because I don't think I was that impressed back then. This moisturiser is addressed for people who have very sensitive skin. It's quite soft and a tad thicker than your typical moisturiser, but not balm-thick and applies wonderfully. And can I just say I love the hygenic packaging? It's suitable for all skintypes and I was shocked because I didn't have to apply a different moisturiser on my nose as I would normally do (dry skin-combination nose). It didn't feel heavy or not moisturising enough either. It was exactly what I needed.

But this thing is seriously intense. I had a blotchy face all day, I applied this at night and in the next morning everything had calmed down. I was still kinda reddish on those spots but it had almost gone. I applied it again morning and night the day after, and then I got a brand new one in my local pharmacy. Now that I'm thinking of it, I wish I had taken some before and after pictures to show you the difference (or maybe not, in case you get scared of people with a bloated face). I goes a looong way, you need 2 pumps for your face and neck (DO NOT forget your neck). Plus, I've stopped using eye cream for a while now and this definately works for your eye area too.

You can find it here, here, here or at your local drugstore/pharmacy as I did. The price for it in a pharmacy in Greece is around the 16 euro mark, but I'm sure there are several deals going on online ones right now (yes, french pharmaceuticals are waaaaay cheaper in Greece).

To all sensitive skin ladies (and guys) out there. This works wonders, buy it.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

I need to confess that initially I wasn't into the whole idea of cleansing balms, because it was a definite change to what I had known about cleansing all these years. But in the end, I had to buy one to see what the fuss was about.

Here I have to say that I had wanted the Emma Hardie one for months now. Everyone and their mother got it and loved it. I didn't get it for the sole purpose of the bad packaging quality that made the product leak. It is (was) summer, so boiling hot in Greece and I don't like stuff leaking, especially when we're talking about luxury pruducts. Also, I had no way of trying it out first, so I said no and continued with my life.

One beautiful sunny afternoon, I was at Hondos Center and Caroline Hiron's review came back to me, so suddenly there I was at the Clinique counter asking for the balm in the purple container.

The thing that struck me was that this balm is hidden in their very back shelves. I don't know why they hide it like that from the public.

The packaging is very simple: a plastic purple tub with a shiny silver lid. It surely doesn't have the wow factor. It's a pretty big one too, it contains 125 ml and is going to last me for a good 5-6 months with daily use. It doesn't have any scent whatsoever and has a soft oily texture when it comes in contact with the skin.

It doesn't contain mineral oil, but plant oils to dissolve makeup.

I finger scoop it out and gently massage it to dry skin, then wash it off with a washcloth/muslin cloth. I've used it on SPF and very heavy makeup and it removed everything. It has even dissolved hardcore waterproof mascara successfully.

My skin (dry, dehydrated, sensitive, clogged pores on nose) is very picky and liked this. Not only I felt cleansed, but also it wasn't that sqeaky clean feel where I know that in 2 minutes, things will start feeling tight if I don't apply my other skincare stuff.

For the time being, I use it at night time only and use my Nuxe gel in the mornings, but I see myself loving it in the winter where I can use it day and night. Also, I haven't found anything better for using in the Tanaka massage I do every night, because oil is too heavy and cream, I have to reapply more often.

It's great for travelling, because you can scoop out a little bit in a jar and even take with you in your carry on at the airport, as it's solid and won't melt.

It's not a luxury product for me, it doesn't feel like that on my skin. It's very simple, yet very right. In Greece it retails for 31 euro, which makes it kinda luxury, but thankfully there is always some deal going on around here these days.

Have no hesitation in buying this balm. I will purchase more different brands to compare, but I'd definately have this in my stash.

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

I was MIA for these past weeks and probably I'll be almost gone from the blog for the rest of the summer, meaning not many reviews and ootds for now. However, I wanted to do a quick review of my favourite skincare product of the last months, because I got a lot of questions after I posted this pic of it on Instagram.

I have changed my routine completely and I'm really happy about how my skins looks like right now. Having said that, I don't do manual exfoliation any more and converted to Alpha Hydroxy Acids for everyday use. I wish I had known earlier (and better).

After experimenting with Dermalogica's Gentle Cream Exfoliant, I went over to check out REN's Glycolactic Skin Renewal mask and Clarifying Toning Lotion and finally went to Liquid Gold. Liquid Gold was a little too much for my skin, but I was still on the market for an exfoliating toner. Sadly, in Greece neither Biologique Recherche P50 or Pixi is available, so the next best thing was Clarins.

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator comes in a 125 ml bottle. It has a watery texture and doesn't smell like anything to me and I don't feel any tingling sensation (maybe except for the first use) or my skin dry/tight. It uses glycolic, salicylic and tartaric acid from tamarind, that is what exfoliates the surface of your skin. It costs around 36 euro in Greece (ouchie), but will last you 2-3 months with everyday use.

For me, it's the best exfolianting toner I have used. Even though I really like my Apivita exfoliator with olive (very very nice), it was harsh and  like any other exfoliant of the such. REN toner might be a little too mild for me, but excellent stuff without a doubt. My pores on and around my nose are not so visible anymore and I don't have that many blackheads/whiteheads. The general description for my skin is: brighter, plumper, healthier.

I use it day and night after my cleanse (or double cleanse and Tanaka massage at night). I pour some on a cotton pad and lightly go all over my face, including my eyelids. Right after, I either use Thayer's rose water, Caudalie Beauty Elixir or Darphin Intral toner. I tend to use Beauty Elixir a little more these days, my exams are killing me.

Extra info

Always, ALWAYS use SPF when using AHAs. ALWAYS.

Toner is not meant to take your makeup off, it's a part of your skincare.

Products will just do some complimentary work. Your lifestyle and consumption habits are more vital.

There's a 35% off going right now in beauty stores in Greece. Use the deal wisely.

Maybe I'll do a June favourites post, but as I'm too busy now and next week I'll go on holiday, it might be a little delayed. I hope you're having a fantastic July (seriously, where has the time gone?) and I'll se you in a few days!

♥

Winter favourites

I'm sitting on my bed writng about winter favourites, while I have my window open and spring breeze is coming in! I know it's too weird living in Greece and all, but a mild winter is a great thing. To be honest, I am so done with the dark colours and all that jazz, I've already been sporting bright nails and coral lips, so it's already summer in February for me.

However, those 3 months I used lots of new products and I made some new favourites. Here we go!

Beauty Elixir

Hey everyone!


Some girls had questions about Beauty Elixir I mentioned on my last post, so I decided to do a full review on it.
I hold this product very dearly om my skincare stash and I really think it's a class on it's own!

The packaging
It comes in a translucent glass spray bottle with a silver plastic cap. I really like the glass exterior, but it's not that travel friendly. It comes in 30 ml and 100 ml sizes. I haven't ever used the 30 ml one. I guess it's a purse size, but mine can't hold on any more, so I haven't bought it!

The actual product
You can smell the scent once you open the cap. The main ingredients are: extracts of grape, essential oil of rosemary, orange blossom and rose extracts, benzoin, myrrh, essential oils of organic balm mint and mint. I can really smell the grapes and the distinct kick of mint. I don't have a professional nose for scents after all! The thing I can say for sure is that it's really refreshing and moisturizing. It minimises the pores, helps with dehydrated skin and has even helped with some pimples I have that time of the month.


How I use it
Now, this can be used in different occassions. You have to shake it first and then spray it on your face, you can see some oils floating on the surface and these have to be incorporated. I use it after I've applied moisturiser, as a final boost on my daily skin care. You can also use it after you've finished all your make up, to give an extra radiance and glow. In that way, it's like Fix+ by MAC, but I consider this is better. There is a similar water/lotion spray by The Body Shop, with a huge difference in price that does the same as Fix+ and Beauty Elixir in terms of a finishing makeup product. I can't say I would choose anything else than Beauty Elixir, simply because I like using it for its skincare properties. And of course, you can use it whenever you like, just for a burst of hydration!
I store it in the fridge in the summer, Athens is boiling hot then! As this is completely organic and natural, I can't let it outside.


This is my fourth bottle and each one has lasted me a long time. It retails for €36 on feelunique. In France it's a lot cheaper, but any local pharmacies didn't sell Caudalie products, so I order it online. Today though, the lovely Sophia from Carousel Coral told me she had seen it in several ones in the past here in Athens and sent me this link. As you can see, you can find it less than the feelunique price in Greece, so ask your local pharmacy if they have any Caudalie products.


I can see why it has maintained such popularity, it's a must have and a staple for me!

Have you tried Beauty Elixir?

♥

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My dry skin: Everyday routine

Hey everyone!

This winter treated me really badly. My skin went totally nuts because of the cold. I had been using products that are very gentle to my skin, but the past months I noticed they didn't provide me the moisture I needed. My skin went flaky and was really dehydrated so, I decided to change some of the products I used.

A little parenthesis here, for a great makeup remover I should mention. I really like Bioderma Sensibio (or Crealine) for removing my makeup, especially my eye makeup. Most of you probably know it, it's a makeup artists' favourite and many beauty bloggers rave about it. What more can I say that hasn't already been said about it? I love it too and I've been using it almost exclusively for six months or so. I don't really like makeup wipes and oils, they are greasy and always leave a residue. I also use Sanoflore's Botanical cleansing milk, but I find the Bioderma one comes more in handy. There's a micelar water I also really like by Vichy, but I think Bioderma's is slightly better, because it's more lightweight.

When I was searching for new products, I watched a video by Kandee Johnson and her everyday routine. She's been using a Burt's Bees scrub every single day for a decade. I like her skin and I love Burt's Bees, so I ordered it.

The Burt's Bees Citrus facial scrub comes in a glass jar. It's a brown, really thick scrub. I like the scent, to me it's cinnamon, I can't really smell the citrus!

I take a really small amount from the jar, add 1-2 drops of water and this becomes a nice paste. I use this every night, after I've removed all my makeup (when I wake up, I only rinse my face with water).


Before I moisturise, I use the SOS Thirst Quenching serum by Caudalie. It's a nice serum, great for that extra oomph of hydration you need when the weather is cold. I absolutely love this product, but I think in the summer, my skin won't need it that much.

I love La Roche Posay for moisturising my skin. I've used their products for most of my adult life, but this winter my beloved Hydraphase Intense Legere didn't satisfy my skin so much. However, for the last 2 weeks, I started using it again. It's spring time and it's not cold anymore!

Up until 2 weeks ago, I used Vichy's Aqualia Thermal. It was harcore. Really hydrating, amazing scent and no flaky skin at all. Now, that it's warmer though, I feel that it clogs my pores. But suberb moisturizer! Well done Vichy, well done.

Beauty Elixir is a little guilty pleasure of mine. Yes, it's ultra pricey and I don't really need it, but seriously I love it and I can't live without it. I use it after I've moisturized, 2-3 spritzes do the job. I rarely use it to set my makeup, but it works wonders for my skin. It's not a product I started using in winter, I bought in 2009 for the first time on a trip to Paris. I watched many videos on youtube recently that mentioned it, and also heard that's a Victoria Beckham favourite. Who knew?

I don't use any eye cream. I know, you'll say I must use one, but it's a pain in the bum. Also, I haven't found a decent one that moisturizes well and vanishes my dark circles. I've used vitamin E a few nights of the week on my eye area for some years now. I use the standard ones that come in gel capsules, they are really cheap and you can find them in any pharmacy or chemist's.

What is your everyday skincare routine? Do you have any favourite products?

♥