Skincare Update

Two years ago I started using new face creams regularly. My thirties skin is definitely different to the skin I had in my twenties and it really needs some TLC.

I immediately noticed an improvement in my skin just by using a day and night cream.

The hormones during pregnancy had a huge impact on my skin and I developed a red, patchy rash around my mouth and nothing shifted it.

Now that Joshua is almost six months old, things seem to be settling down. I've started using the creams again, drinking more water and eating more fruit and veg. Along with cycling more, it seems to be doing wonders for my skin.

I've also used up my maternity body lotion and am back to my old one which was a Soap and Glory gift. I'm looking out for my next one already.

I used to think I'd hate getting older and having to take care of myself more but actually I'm really enjoying my thirties!

TLC

There are lots of things I feel like I should be doing for myself at the moment but just don't find the time or money.

• More exercise
• A facial
• Better eating habits
• Pedicure
• A hot bath
• ...

Up until Tuesday, I hadn't had my hair cut in almost a year and I can't explain how much better I feel for it.

Some things, like running and painting my toenails, have to wait until the new year but I'm going to start taking better care of myself right now by drinking more water and eating more fruit and veg. 

They're goals I've set before but being ill, and life in general has knocked my determination a bit lately so I'm renewing this promise to myself.

Skincare

Now that the colder weather is here, I need to start turning up my skincare routine again. The cold weather really dries out my skin. I always had oily skin but over the last few years, I've noticed a difference.

For the last ten years, I've used Clinique products and loved them. Theirs was the only moisturiser I found that didn't make my oily skin even oilier. However, I'm consistently looking for ways to save money and as I'm tightening my belt now more than ever, I wanted to find something good for my skin that doesn't blow the budget.

I used to work for Boots in England and one of the more effective yet affordable brands was Garnier. Luckily, it's also available here and I'm going to try it out over the next weeks and see how that goes. I've ordered a day and night cream for the first time too.

Summer Pedicure

Finally able to comfortably reach my toes again, I tried out a new nail polish this week. I usually go for bright pinks and reds for summer but was tempted into this cool turquoise at Douglas recently and I love it. It feels bright and summery but at the same time cool and calming - just what I need right now. Will be using it lots this season.

Beauty Tip

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Soap and Glory really took off in the UK around the time I moved to Germany and it's taken me this long to really get on the bandwagon despite friends and family raving about their products.

It started with a Christmas gift with the body sprays. Nico isn't convinced but I love them. 

Then, when I was in England for my hen do, I bought their sugar body scrub. I don't use it often - normally when I have time for a bath rather than just a shower as it gives the product more time to work. It is amazing - the scent is fresh and sweet and it has an amazing effect on the skin.

My latest addition is what prompted today's post. After eight months of regularly moisturizing the growing bump, I have finally used up my seemingly endless supply of body lotion - the product of many years' Christmas and birthday gifts. Finally I had to choose one on the shelves of my favourite cosmetic shop here - Douglas. I went with the Soap and Glory Smoothie Star body lotion. It cost 17 Euros but the bottle is huge. The aroma is delicious and like the sugar scrub, my skin is already thanking me for it.

If you haven't discovered it yet, take a look! They are definitely my go to brand for body skincare now!

Spring Mani-pedi

As well as enjoying being out and about in my new summery maternity wear, I thought I would brighten things up with what will probably be my last mani-pedi for a while. Reaching those toes was not easy and the baby gave me a good kicking for trying but that's it for a while. Love that colour! 

28 things - wear a bold red lipstick

Another late addition to the party, I decided to try wearing a bold red lipstick.  I've never been one for bold makeup.  With my skin tone it can make me look quite washed out.  However, inspired by my friend Loreto, who is rarely seen without her red lippy on, and some new outfit choices, I decided to go for it at game night last week.  I was waiting for someone to give me a funny look or tell me to go wipe it off but there was nothing of the sort.  Nico said it may take some getting used to but it's not going to be my every day look or anything.  I also happened to have the perfect shade in my avon samples from my avon lady days so this one was another freebie!  It's something I think I'll be trying again.  Unfortunately, I don't have a decent colour photo of the evening but I think you get an idea of the effect from the picture above.

Christmas Manicure

Finally found the time last week to do my nails in time for the holidays - they match our tree!!  And if you look closely, you can see the glittery bits!

Inspiration

28 things...have a facial!

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On Saturday we headed to Orkideo in the Roland Center so that Nico could finally redeem his Christmas present - a massage voucher.  While he was there, I thought I would take the opportunity to get a facial.

A friend told me several years ago that she swears by facials and feels great afterwards and I've wanted to try one ever since.  

It started out exactly as I expected:

1. Cleansing milk massaged into the face and then washed away.

2. Facial scrub massaged into the face and then washed away.

3. Cooling eye pads applied and the steam machine started to open the pores.

The next bit was not so expected:

4. Pores cleansed by stabbing them with a little stick.  (Basically doing everything the magazines have been saying not to do i.e. picking my spots.)  My Mum has been trying to do this for me since I was a baby - would that I had known that people pay for the treatment, I may have let her carry on!  I was told to keep my eyes closed which was fine, as soon as she was finished and I opened them, my face was awash with all the stingy tears that had built up!

5. Eyebrows plucked.

6. Refreshing toner wiped over the face.

7.  Moisturizing cream applied.

To be fair, now that I know what to expect I think I may have a facial every few months.  20 Euros for all of that in half an hour was good value and the salon was nice and clean.  Nico also enjoyed his massage so I think we'll be going again.