Roaccutane Diaries | Month Six | Makeup and Haircare

I can’t believe it’s been six months on Roaccutane already, the time seems to have flown! I have a couple of days worth of tablets to take then a check-up in 6 weeks time and hopefully this round of medication sticks (third time lucky and all that) and I will continue to be acne free! I will link my previous two updates at the bottom of this post if you want to read them but for this final instalment I thought I would focus on the makeup and haircare that has been working well for me while on the tablets! 

 

My favourite side effect of Roaccutane aside from clear skin is a drier scalp meaning my normal every 2 day hair wash has gone down to once a week. What a dream! I’ve been lucky not to suffer with a flaky scalp but I still like to use my Nature Lab Tokyo Perfect Shine Clarifying Scalp Scrub (10% off with code Danielle10 on Nature Lab website). It has such a great SLS free formula and contains sugar crystals to exfoliate. It’s easy to get worked into my scalp and does a great job of getting rid of build-up leaving my hair shiny and feeling hydrated but not weighed down. Read more here in this Five Things I’m Loving post!

 

Next up, my old favourite Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector. I‘m sure you are sick of hearing me talk about this but it really is one of my favourite hair products and I have repurchased it countless times over the last 3 years! It is a bond rebuilder and I like to leave it on as long as possible before washing out and it has made my hair so much stronger and healthier. I notice far less breakage with this which is much appreciated as someone with dry ends no matter if I am on Roaccutane or not! I pick my split ends far less when I use this regularly and it’s been a life saver over the last year when the hairdressers have been out of action for so long! See more of my haircare essentials here! 

 

A more recent addition to my haircare arsenal is the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer* RRP £37 (10% off with code PKARAW). Now, this is a product I have tried a mini of before and thought it was a nice deep conditioner but never really paid much attention to. Like the Olaplex No.3 it also needs to be used regularly in order to see the benefits and I have been taking turns using one or the other each time I wash my hair. The sweet spot for me with this is an overnight session, my hair seems to drink it up and after washing out and drying, it looks shiny, my ends don’t feel dry or crispy and when I brush, I can visibly see the ‘elastic’ bounce on tangles that before would have broken. My hair doesn’t feel weighed down and I can’t wait to see more improvement with continued use! This is the limited edition Egyptian Jasmine and Mandarin scent which if I am honest I don’t love but it’s not overpowering at all and I don’t find it lingers! How beautiful is the packaging too!

 

Moving onto makeup and I treated myself to a few new bits more suited to dry skin as most of my current stuff was very much geared to my oily/combo skin though to be honest apart from month one, I would class my skin as more normal right now than very dry! The Fenty Beauty PRO FILT’R Hydrating foundation (shade 150) is absolutely beautiful! I was already a big fan of the matte version but this really brings the glow! It’s medium/full coverage, doesn’t feel heavy or settle into fine lines and lasts really well on my skin without flaking or wearing off. I resisted the NARS Soft Matte Concealer (shade Light 2 Vanilla) for a long time thinking it would be too drying but how wrong I was. It has been perfect for covering up some stubborn pigmentation I have, doesn’t disturb the makeup I put on top and a little goes a long way! It also made my Best Beauty Discoveries of last year! I also recently picked up the NARS Soft Matte Foundation (shade Deauville) which is another full coverage foundation (the only type I am interested in lol) and though the name obviously says matte it isn’t drying at all and again lasts well for me throughout a full day at work with my mask on and off. Full review here!

 

As well as those newer products I did have a few old favourites that have also risen to the occasion for me! The Becca Backlight Priming Filter is a primer I love to mix with foundations to add a little somethin’ somethin’, it feels hydrating and creates a soft focus and I am devastated the brand is ceasing trade later this year! Pick this up while you can! I chatted more about it in this Forever Repurchased post! NARS Sheer Glow foundation (shade Deauville) is an old favourite that even my oily skin loves though the longevity is better for me right now! It’s another medium/full coverage base that feels so lightweight and gives the most natural but perfected finish! Lastly for base, the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, another product I have went through countless pots of. It’s never cakey, adds a little extra coverage and while my skin is more normal, towards the end of the day with makeup on it can start to feel dry but it never looks flaky or flat when I use this. I prefer to use with a fluffy brush than a puff and a pot lasts ages so worth the investment in my opinion! Talked more about it here! 

 

Finally, some lip products I love! The NARS Afterglow Lip Balms (Dolce Vita, Fast Lane and Orgasm) and Charlotte Tilbury Superstar lips (Pillowtalk) have been my go to’s. Although my face isn’t too bad, my lips are DRY. These are my favourite long-lasting tinted lip balms (I haven’t worn lipstick in over a year more so due to lockdown/mask wearing than Roaccutane), these are hydrating, they give my lips a great my lips but better colour and the lasting power is great on them too! Spoke more about them in this lip balm post here!

 

So that’s it for my Roaccutane hair and makeup favourites - I have a check-up in 6 weeks once the medication is out of my system but I’m not sure if I will have any other posts about it! I’m just really hoping it doesn’t come back so keep your fingers crossed for me! Did you see any of your favourites mentioned?

 

If you want to read the other instalments in this series see below!

 

Roaccutane Diaries | Month 1 | Skincare

Roaccutane Diaries | Month 3 | Bodycare

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me.

All opinions are my own. Affiliate links used.

See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

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Current Skincare | Toners #3

I am so close to finishing most of these toners I thought it was high time I did another roundup! Now, I do currently have more than these four toners in my collection but I am still taking Roaccutane so these are all I have been using for the last 5 and a half months as they are all gentle and hydrating so perfect for my drier than normal, sensitive skin! 

 

Pyunkang Yul Essence Toner RRP £16 for200ml

One of my favourite beauty discoveries of 2020, this is my second bottle as I love it so much!

It contains just seven ingredients (milk vetch root extract being the main one), and is instantly cooling and soothing. It’s thicker than a normal toner, feels very gel like and is so gentle and hydrating. Like I said, it is perfect for my currently sensitive and dry skin and my face just drinks this up! I apply with a cotton pad like I would a toner but you can also apply by patting in with your hands like you would an essence. Previously, I had the 100ml and but I upgraded to the 200ml as I love it so much! Full review here!

 

I’m From Rice Toner RRP £26 for 150ml

Continuing with the K Beauty theme, this is a milky, hydrating toner that contains rice extract to brighten the skin as well as one of my favourite skincare ingredients, niacinamide! I love using this in the morning as it feels calming and balancing as well as brightening and doesn’t dry my skin out so it feels well prepped for my next skincare steps and makeup. Overall, my skin looks more even and this also featured in this Five Things I’m Loving post here!

 

Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Facial Toner RRP £20.10 for 180ml

Like the Pyunkang Yul, this is another gel like toner perfect for dehydrated skin. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid as well as centella Asiatica and amino acids so as well as being hydrating, it is cooling and anti-inflammatory. Like the name suggests, it preps skin well for my next skincare steps leaving it plump and calmed. I would say I prefer the Pyunkang Yul just very slightly over this though the two are very similar! I seemed to gravitate towards the essence toner more when I started Roaccutane as it felt slightly more hydrating to me but this one is still a great shout too!

 

Scientia Peach and Glow Hydra Skin Tonic* RRP £24 for 100ml

With my skin being too sensitive for any products containing glycolic acid, salicylic acid and retinol at the minute, I was happy to see this toner contains Tranexamic acid and Bakuchiol, two much gentler alternatives to help with pigmentation and fine lines! It also targets dullness and the ingredients list has Matrixyl 3000 and Glycerin in there too resulting in hydrated and brighter skin. Since using this toner, I have found my skin tone looks more even although I haven’t seen a dramatic difference in my pigmentation but there is some improvement for sure! My skin does look much brighter though and I think this has been helping combat fine lines. It leaves my skin feeling soft and well prepped and though you can use by patting into skin I still prefer to use a reusable cotton pad to apply! Full review of Scientia Skincare here!

So, that’s the current toners I have on rotation! If you would like to see instalments one and two you can! And if you want to see my full toner collection it's right here! I have about a week of accutane left then I will be adding them back into my routine as my skin gets less sensitive! Let me know your favourite toners! 

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

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French Pharmacy Favourites #2

It’s been quite a while since my last French Pharmacy post and it’s actually one of my most popular so here is a well overdue second instalment! It’s also 1/3 off French Pharmacy at Escentual right now so the perfect time to stock up though these products are always on offer at the likes of Boots, Look Fantastic and Feel Unique too!

 

Bioderma Atoderm Ultra Nourishing Shower Oil

I have been obsessed with this stuff over winter! It’s a cleanser for your body but also doubles as one for your face too so a dual product! It feels luxurious, not greasy at all, and creates a mild lather. It is formulated with vegetal biolipids that create a defensive barrier over your skin and after my shower my skin feels soft and nourished. I have a tendency to get dry patches on my legs and this coupled with my moisturiser have been keeping those at bay! It’s very lightly fragranced but no scent lingers and it also works well to help remove tan. My skin always feels soft, supple and fully hydrated after use and this bottle has lasted an age with daily use as a little goes a long way! I have talked about it loads on the blog but you can read more about it here in my Accutane diary post!

 

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution*

While micellar water is not my usual go to cleanser, I have completely fallen for this cult classic’s hype! The Sensibio range is targeted at sensitive to redness prone skin and is alcohol and fragrance free. I use it to get the bulk of my makeup off before following with my usual cleansers. The micelle solution itself is great, the formula is gentle, non-astringent and feels just like water, I was shocked at how much makeup it removed! It leaves no residue or film behind either which I appreciate! The only place it struggles a little I would say is with my two coats of waterproof mascara, and I find I have to go back in with either a balm or my trusty Nivea double effect waterproof eye makeup remover to get the last, hard to remove, clumps off! Full review here!

 

Vichy Mineral 89

This has been my serum of choice over the last few months while on Accutane and it is the perfect, simple hydrating serum! I was previously a fan of the Vichy Aqualia Thermal serum which featured in my last French Pharmacy Favourites post but with alcohol denat quite high up on the list in that one I made the switch to this and haven’t looked back! It’s a really cooling gel serum that hydrates my skin and makes it plump! It sinks in quickly, lasts all day long for me and sits well under makeup too! Can’t recommend this enough if you have dry or dehydrated skin! Featured in my accutane diary and best beauty discoveries post!

 

La Roche Posay Toleriane Ultra 8

I am a big fan of face mists and I picked this up the same time as the Vichy serum and Bioderma shower oil right at the start of my accutane treatment! It is a lovely, soothing and hydrating spray with a fine mist. I like to use it as a skincare step right before applying hyaluronic acid but it works well throughout the day on top of makeup as a hydrating fix or pick me up! It is alcohol and fragrance free and has been formulated specifically for sensitive skin! 

 

Phyto Joba Moisturising Mask

Finally, a deep conditioning hair treatment containing jojoba oil! This leaves my hair soft and manageable as well as hydrated, shiny and healthy looking! It's concentrated so a little goes a long way and it smells like coconuts. I leave it on for as long as possible and my hair seems to drink it up! If your ends are as parched as mine are you need to try this, they will thank you for it! It featured in a favourites post and my best beauty discoveries of last year too!

 

If you want to read my last French Pharmacy Favourites post featuring these products is it linked here! Like I said, the only product I wouldn’t necessarily recommend is the Vichy Aqualia Thermal serum –  I think their Mineral 89 booster is a cut above! 

 

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

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Five Things I’m Loving | March 2021

I know there are a few days left but March has absolutely flown by! And, as of today, I am beauty purchase free for the month so no spending report from me, yay! Instead, I thought I would share some recent favourites! 

 

The priciest item I have today was kindly sent over by Dermalogica and it’s their Neck Fit Contour Serum* RRP £75. Now, having a dedicated neck serum is not a necessity for everyone, but, since turning 30, I am increasingly interested in products targeted towards aging skin. Neck skin is thinner and more delicate than the skin on your face as well as being more vulnerable to UV damage especially if using fragrance. Finally, and my main issue – the skin on your neck is more prone to creasing from tech neck and constantly looking down like me with my phone and iPad! The serum claims to lift and tighten, smooth fine lines and protect skin against pollution while delivering retinol-like results and strengthening the skins moisture barrier. I cannot get over the difference in my neck since using this! First off, the roller applicator is so cooling and relaxing to apply, it dispenses the perfect amount and then you turn the nozzle off and continue to roll in. It really has targeted the creases I had been noticing more and more and my neck has never felt so soft, smooth and toned and those fine lines are nowhere near as noticeable anymore! I cannot recommend this enough if you are concerned about aging skin on your neck and I can’t wait to see continued results from more use!

 

Moving from the most to least expensive of the items I want to tell you about today and the Good Molecules Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel* RRP $6 has slotted in very nicely as my current eye gel! Yerba Mate is a tree from South America and a source of antioxidants and polyphenols which help to slow the appearance of aging caused by UV rays. It also contains peptides, caffeine and hyaluronic acid so works to hydrate and revitalise tired, puffy eyes. The gel is so cooling and sinks in easily making it a perfect base under makeup. My skin is hydrated, bags are depuffed and look brighter and I am also obsessed with the fun, bright packaging! This also featured in my Best Budget Skincare post! 

 

 

Next up, the newest foundation to my collection, the NARS Soft Matte Complete Foundation RRP £28 and one I have been wearing constantly since I got it! NARS claims that it is oxidation proof and provides full, natural looking coverage and I would have to agree! Coverage is definitely full but not cakey and while it provides a matte finish it still lets some natural shine come through without the base disintegrating! It claims to last 16 hours though I haven’t had any reason to test it that long but it lasts well throughout a day of work and my mask being on and off! It also comes in a very generous 45ml size and I love the squeezy bottle! NARS recommend applying with fingers but I apply with a damp BeautyBlender and don’t think this has affected the coverage or finish! I plan to do a full review of this later in the year once I am off Roaccutane and my skin becomes more oily again so I can test how it performs fully as at the minute I would class my skin as “normal”. See the haul it was included in in my Beauty Spend Report forJanuary! 

 

Sticking with NARS and an oldie but a goodie - NARS Laguna Bronzing Powder RRP £30. A bronzer with a subtle golden shimmer running through it, this has been a favourite of mine for years since it was included in the Steven Klein palette way back when! I upgraded to a single pan in Sephora a couple of years ago and it’s been used regularly ever since! I neglected it recently as I was trying to hit pan on my Fenty bronzer which I was successful in (woohoo!) so I have set my sights back on this one as its already got a pretty good dip in the pan. It really gives the most natural, sunkissed warmth to my face and also adds a little contour without looking harsh. It is such a fool proof shade for lighter complexions and is so flattering on the skin! It is easily buildable, and leaves a beautiful healthy glow! A must have in your makeup bag if you ask me! I have another review of it here along with the matte version! 

 

Last but not least, the Sand&Sky Enzyme Powder Polish* RRP £44.90 deserves a shout out as it’s such a beautiful gentle exfoliator that has been perfect for my skin while on Roaccutane. The powder is ultra-fine, full of antioxidants and on contact with water it turns pink! It doesn’t feel gritty at all which is amazing for me at the moment as I can’t use anything too harsh but my skin always looks smoother and brighter after use and never looks red or feels tight or dry! It is very similar to Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant and Good Molecules Pineappple Exfoliating Powder but this is the gentler of the three! 

 

 

 

So that’s my current favourites! Let me know if you have tried any of these and what your favourite products are right now!

 

*denotes a PR sample that was sent to me. All opinions are my own. See my full disclosure here.

 

Danielle xx

 

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