Something Good...

I borrowed these prompt ideas from my #bloggoals fave Meet Me At Mikes

Check out her blog! Its one of my blogging inspirations!

My Skincare Routine

Before I got pregnant I had a skincare routine. It was made up almost exclusively of Korean skincare products, some where hits, some were misses.

When I got pregnant, I happened across an article about the safety of skincare during pregnancy. I didn't even realise that some things I put on my face could potentially harm my baby (I'm talking to you Retinol!) and unfortunately for me, a lot of my Korean products were not considered safe, and just in case I stopped using them. Thanks to the increase in hormones etc, I found I didn't need to use skincare products during my pregnancy, so apart from washing my face with warm water, and wearing sunscreen, that's all I needed.

Until after the birth!

Oh man, my skin did not like me after the birth of Bubba. I had trouble drinking the 3 litres of water recommended while breastfeeding, which meant my skin dried out... a lot. There was a week or so there where my lips were so dry they cracked and bled whenever I ate (and add having to wear a dental splint at night for my teeth grinding) it was not a pretty sight.

So it's about time to re-start my skincare routine... or ritual! (I'm listening to House Witch by Arin Murphy-Hiscock, and trying to create myself some personal rituals... hopefully a post about this soon)

Some of these products I used pre-pregnancy and loved them. Others are new and I have been using for a couple of weeks, others are brand new, and only used a couple days (but come HIGHLY recommended and/or brands I've used before)

Oil-based Cleanser

Heimish All Clean Balm (PM)

This is one of my favourite products. Its the first step in my ritual. Its a oil creme that you use to remove all makeup and build up. It smells wonderful, feels amazing, and despite being an oil based product, doesn't leave your face feeling oily. I have just finished my second container of it, and need to order more! I usually use this in the PM to remove the product build up, especially sunscreen (and rarely, makeup)

Water-based Cleanser

Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick (AM, PM)

Another returning product. This is so easy to use. Its comes in stick form, like school glue sticks. You wind it up, wet it a little and wipe it on your face, then you rub it in with your fingers and rinse. Its that easy. I keep mine in the shower and use it AM & PM

Toner

Son & Park Beauty Water (AM, PM)

Another product return. If I don't have time to do my ritual, or too lazy, I will use this and moisturiser. Its technically a cleanser and a toner. I use it mainly as a toner. Put some on a makeup wipe and wipe your face. Easy as bro! Smells great, gentle on my skin, great price. I'm onto my 3rd bottle... with a 4th bottle waiting!

Serums

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

New product I haven't used yet. I will let you know what I think. I bought it because it is highly recommended to help with hydration. There were a few Hyaluronic Acid products I looked at, but I went with The Ordinary because I have used their products and like them, and they're cheap. $12.40 for this product!

Eye "Cream"

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG

New product - haven't used it yet. It had mixed reviews, either really good, or bad. But Caffeine in an eye serum has got to be good, right? especially since I have to minimise my caffeine in take since I'm breastfeeding.

Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patch

I keep these in the fridge for a refreshing cooling eye mask, especially on a hot day. They are a jelly like under eye patch with a beautiful rose smell, and super cool pink shining look! I love them. I don't use it very often, just when I feel like I need a boost.

Exfoliant

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA

New product. This is the whole reason I went into Priceline (and walked out with 3 The Ordinary products). I used to always use a physical exfoliant, ie a creme with particles in them, or a rough cloth etc. I read an article about chemical exfoliants. I used to avoid them, because "chemical" scared me, but chemical exfoliants are gentler on your skin, especially the delicate skin on your face. I'm excited to give this a try, and retire my exfoliant glove from my face skincare (and give it body duty)

Moisturiser

Clinique Moisture Surge 72-Hour Auto Replenishing Hydrator

I received a mini version in the Clinique free gift when I purchased a bottle of Clinique Happy (all the nostalgic memories there) and loved it. I just opened the full size one that YumMan got me when he went to Perth recently. I will use this with Son & Park Beauty Water when I'm being lazy.

Face Oil

Go To Face Hero

This is a relatively new discovery. Face Oils. I was skeptical about putting an oil on my face (and not washing it off like oil cleansers) but oh my word! This stuff is a miracle worker. I had purchased it after seeing reviews on Instagram from some people I follow... and I'm obsessed with the companies Gro To baby products (review coming soon) so I bit the bullet and got some. I was mainly using it for hydration, but magically it has seem to reduced the redness I have on my cheeks and nose from rosacea. Which is amazing! BONUS! I use this product morning and night, and it goes on after all the moisturisers (but before SPF) because it can get through the water-based products.

Sunscreen

Nutrimetics Ultracare Smart Shield Protection Creme SPF 50

Natio Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

Honestly, if you are going to do anything skincare related. DO THIS! Everyday of the year, whether its hot or cold, or sunny or overcast, especially if you live in Australia. (I even have sunscreen ready for Bubba) 

These are the 2 I use depending on what I'm doing. If I don't plan of being in the sun too much I use the Nutrimetics one, if I'm going outside I will use the Natio one. I also use a general sunscreen on exposed skin when I'm going to be outside for long periods of time. Also a hat (I need a new one!) and sunglasses (waiting for new ones)

Others

These products get used occasionally, but deserve a mention!

CORSX ACNE Pimple Patches

Feel a pimple, stick one of these one and it draws out the goo and usually stops the pimple from appearing. Which saves me from the unwavering need to pop pimples (WHICH IS BAD!)

Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Mist Serum

Feeling hot and bothered, I spray this on my face for a refreshing rosy mist of coolness!

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (Berry)

When I remember (and not so much anymore, because YumMan won't kiss me when I wear it!) Leaves my lips feeling super soft in the morning.

What do you use in your skincare ritual? Let me know in the comments

Love Molly xoxo.

Life In Photos

🐙

do you love or hate coriander?

I'm a mumma now! Bubba was born early August (he's 2 months old now) and we are doing great!

Parental leave has been great, but there is only so much sitting on the couch and so many tv shows and movies to watch. I miss work, but I don't miss work. I miss adult socialisation. I go out, but there are only so many times I can go to the shops, and man, I spend money everytime, and my wallet is not very happy with me at the moment.

I have a new phone - Samsung Note 20 Ultra - it has a great camera. I want to take more photos. I must admit, I'm taking a lot of photos at the moment, but they're all of Bubba. Bubba is 2 Months old now! Where did the time go? Still catches me by surprise, the fact that I have a son, that I'm a mum! Wow!

My goal in the next couple of months, is to take and share more photos, blog more, and maybe try my hand at a few different crafts. Mainly sewing (I've already started a scrappy patchwork playmat for Bubba) and drawing (I've got myself a plain notebook and a pen and I've just been doodling). I have also planted a herb and flower garden. I already have a flower growing, and already seen a bee 🐝 doing it thing! Buzz Buzz!

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What's your favourite herb? I wonder if I have it planted in my herb garden! Let me know in the comments and I'll tell you if I have it growing!

Love Molly.