#MyFrenchPharmacy – Chelsey’s Picks
What have I done to deserve this? Ok, a slightly over exaggerated outburst, but hey! When mornings bring you nothing but a new breakout and a super slippery skin-tone this question appears in the forefront of your mind, before you can even begin remember which outfit you picked out the night before.
Now, we all love to hit snooze on our alarms, right? Well, up until a few months ago, this pleasure didn’t exist for me. Every time that annoying dinging sound went off, my brain would be counting down those golden minutes I could be spending perfecting my concealer, ticking and ticking away. Leaving the house with my insecurities on show couldn’t happen and wouldn’t happen.
Have you guessed it yet? I’m blessed with oily/blemished skin, and the above is a small insight into the trials and tribulations that that skin type comes with.
I thought it would be best to start this journey as we mean to go on. An ode to all of the handy tips I’ve collected alongside my expedition of antibiotics and flawless skincare dreams.
Look, it’s not all doom and gloom. My skin has been saved! Who knew it could involve a few French pharmacy friends and the painstakingly simple ingredient that is water. I’ve rounded up my very favourite products below, each with 1/3rd off RRP until the end of June. May they bring your skin some peace as they have mine…
1) La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel
In my experience, face wipes are a complete no-no! Oily skin needs hot water (and this face wash). I know the journey to the bathroom seems so far away when the easy option is sitting by the side of your bed, but trust me, that journey is completely worth it and your skin will thank you later. The La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel puts sebaceous secretions to bed by using gentle water soluble cleansing agents, meaning my skin feels fresh and I no longer live under a ‘fear of the film’ (film – uncomfortable, shiny build up of oil on your face). Morning glory in a bottle? I think so! It can even be used as a body wash…
2) La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Micro-Exfoliant Lotion
Don’t get it twisted; astringent lotions are very similar to toners. However the big difference belongs in their components and the skin types they’re designed for. Now for my blemished, shiny skin. the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Astringent Micro-Exfoliant Lotion is the answer. Enriched with LHAs, my complexion feels tighter and my pores are overjoyed that they’re finally being unclogged. I treat this tonic as my morning expresso for the skin. #Perky.
3) Darphin Niaouli Aromatic Care
I didn’t believe in oils for my skin type… until 3 months ago.
There are so many myths around oils, and I can completely understand why you may think that applying oil on top of oil would be a spell for trouble. I’ve been there and I’ve most definitely worn that T-shirt. But it’s time to change your ways, because I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the results.
One size doesn’t fit all, and there are certain oils that are best for oily skin types. The Niaouli Aromatic Care oil from Darphin is one of them. This little bottle of magic has improved my problematic skin tone (as well as my once-bitter attitude to facial oil). I tend to save this treatment for a Sunday evening surge of goodness and my little weekend pick-me-up.
4) Vichy Setting Powder
Now when I say I love my makeup, I LOVE my makeup. The more the merrier has always been my motto. I know, slap my wrist. But cut me some slack – I’m starting to shake the habit now my skin is clearing up!
Anyway. If, like me, 12pm comes and you get the feeling your face is one big landslide, or you feel that people can see their own reflection in your t-zone, you shouldn’t be without this beast of a setting powder. Believing in your powder can be tough, but I’ve done the groundwork for you. Though the Vichy Dermablend Setting Powder is white, it’s completely transparent on the skin and it feels so fresh. It does has SPF 30, but I haven’t experienced any flash back problems (use sparingly) and a truly matte finish can be completely expected.
Sweep and set, it’s as simple as that. Voilà!
5) La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.I Targeted Breakout Corrector
“Stop right now, thank you very much. I need somebody with a human touch!”, sang the Spice Girls, and these lyrics completely sum up my relationship with outbreaks and my beloved triple action hero: the Effaclar A.I Targeted Breakout Corrector. This SOS treatment puts my mind at ease in times of need, adopting the role of a preventive treatment and a bacteria buster all thanks to the welcome addition of niacinamide. Unwanted blemishes are banished due to the Piroctone Olamine, and scarring is reduced too and that’s all down to my favourite skincare ingredient – exfoliating LHAs. Since finding my perfect products, my skin has finally let me become a morning person – I now ask the question ‘is this what normal skin feels like’, and it’s such a great feeling!
If mini light bulbs have pinged in response to my skincare tale, we need to be pals. I love to chat, especially anything skin/makeup/beauty related – you’ll always find me on Twitter. Why not share your experiences too? I’d love to know what’s worked for you! I’m over at @EscentualChels and I’ll be patiently waiting for your tweets! *presses refresh*
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