Maid of the Mist - Facial Sprays

I had first started using these sprays a few years ago but the results were un-impressive, tedious and seemed to almost dehydrate my skin more, which of course is exactly the opposite of what they claim to do in the first place. Annoyed at myself for buying the "hype" around these "water cans" I ended their existence in my bathroom and figured that they just weren't right for my skin type. Lesson learned!

This year as my skincare routine evolved I rediscovered the coveted facial sprays (among other things) and hoped that this time around the chosen formulas would be better and worth my time and effort. With more experience and even more research I embarked on a shopping expedition hoping to find that "miracle brew" everyone raved about.

Despite the simplicity I have found that facial sprays are also often misunderstood and misused if you don't do your homework and read the directions on the product itself. Trust me, there is definitively a wrong way to use this and I had nailed it perfectly.
The fact that I, a biologist by trade, missed such an obvious biological feature of the skin composition and had used a hydration product to specifically dehydrate was only slightly embarrassing. However I am happy to say that i finally figured it out and hopefully learned a lesson about reading directions...

Its actually a really simple concept if you stop to think about it. Spraying water on a "living" surface and allowing it to dry will cause even more moisture loss from the skin cells through the osmosis/diffusion phenomenon. The final result is a skin that is more dehydrated than what you started out with, hence wrongful use of the culprit will only cause more harm than good.  The thermal water sprays don't have any moisture binding ingredients in their formulation so as they evaporate the skin cells are basically "sucked dry".
The key in preventing this from happening is also simple as well. Use as directed, spay all over your face, let it sit for about 30-60 seconds and most importantly BLOT the excess away. Trust me, the difference is really more than noticeable and for the first time I am able to appreciate this product properly.
My favorites thermal mineral waters include - La Roche Posay ($12.99 for 5.2 oz), Avene ($18.00 for 10.58 oz) and Evian ($11.00 for 5 oz).

A sub-category of facial sprays includes specifically hydration targeting formulas too, in which case the blot-factor is not essential because these include moisture-trapping ingredients that are able to penetrate skin surface and balance the natural skin "water" content. These new-generation hybrids can have added glycerin, hyaluronic acid, plant botanicals and even essential oils to provide even more benefits to your skincare routine.
My favorites of this kind are - Caudalie Grape Water Soothing Moisturizing Spray ($19.00 for 6.7 oz), NUDE Hydrating Water Spray ($32.00 for 3.4 oz), Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist ($86.00 for 3.4 oz) and The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist($16.00 for 3.2 oz). 

Top Picks for Facial Mists with The Body Shop, Omorovicza, NUDE Skincare

Now that I have read the description and very necessary directions I have found many unique ways to use these spa-inspiring facial mists
1. In place of toner, prior to serum and/or moisturizing cream to improve absorption
2. A light mist as a finishing-setting step after makeup application to achieve the "dewy glow"
3. To fix "powdery" mistakes during makeup application
4. Refreshing pick-me up during the day (especially hot, humid summer days and nights)
5. Airplane hydration treatment

Even though facial sprays are not necessity a must-have item for someone with an otherwise good skincare routine I would still recommend giving them a try. The skin-loving benefits can be targeted by selecting the right brand and formulation but where this product really shines is the appropriately named "dewy factor". A light mist of these sprays is a sure way to achieve that baby skin glow that can elevate your look to a much more youthful, healthy level. That alone is reason enough for me :-)

You can purchase my favorites or discover new ones at Sephora, Ulta, The Body Shop, Dermstore and Amazon

I hope that was helpful!

Do you have a favorite facial spray? Any tips for using these products even better?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Skincare Tips from a Skincare Hoarder/Beauty Blogger

Just a quick glance of this blog and its pretty clear to anyone that the Canadian Princeza is a huge appreciator and connoisseur of the beauty industry or more specifically the skincare field. Necessity, genetics and over-reactive skin caused me to start seriously looking into skincare, ingredients, treatments and a vast number of products from a very young age.

Being proactive, naturally curious and a scientist at heart (Biology Grad Student!) made it second nature for me to want to experiment, try new things, explore new innovations but perhaps most importantly learn about ingredients and how to identify the "bad" from the "good".

You would be surprised just how many ingredients can be questionable in just one single product - I was shocked to see some "respectable" brands filling their skincare with parabens, petrochemicals, sulfates, glycols and even synthetic colors. How is synthetic fragrance or color going to improve the performance of that moisturizer? Chances are it won't and in fact the chances of the formula becoming more irritating due to the addition is far greater.

Luckily for us there are so many new brands (and some older ones too!) that are understanding the shift in focus to good ingredients, simpler formulas and accountability to their customers. I can only hope the trend continues.

One of my wonderful readers (Hi, Kate!) perceptively picked up on the fact that I obviously have a lot to say when it comes to skincare and requested a post filled with: tips, recommendations and some pointers when it comes to choosing the right technique or product for all skin types.
I was obviously very excited (happy dance!) and more than happy to share my (limited) knowledge and experience with all of you.

Before we begin I would like to remind you all that I am not a professional, I do not work in the beauty-related field and I am certainly no expert or guru anyone can rely on. The products, pointers and tricks, have all worked for me but may not preform exactly the same for you, especially if our skin type does not match. For that reason I tried to narrow down my points, streamline the list to mostly tips that could work for all skin types and include product recommendations for both budget and higher end brands.

Please use common sense, be cautious the first time you use something new, ask for a sample before purchasing (when available?) try to do a patch test when introducing a product, research other reviews (like Makeupalley) and most importantly pay attention to your skin, only you will be able to tell you if something is wrong.
*For reference my skin is combination with some localized dryness, moderately prone to acne & clogged pores, sensitive & reactive and now displays mild rosacia on cheeks and nose.


Things I Learned Through My Own Skincare Journey

*Neglecting Sunscreen
Skipping sunscreen or not using enough of it is one of the top beauty and health mistakes anyone can make. Don't use one and risk skin cancer, skin cell and blood vessel damage, deeper wrinkles, photo-damage, discoloration, pigmentation issues and generally weaker skin surface. The "leathery" look is not trendy now and I hope it never is.

- Great sunscreen for the body is the Honest Sunscreen SPF30 - $13.95 for 3 oz from the Honest Company
- Great sunscereens for the face is the Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 - $34.00 for 1.7 oz from SkinCareRx or for an amazing budget choice try the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 110 - $16.99 for 88ml from well.ca


*Sleeping Without Removing Makeup
We have all heard this advice before and even though it seems simple enough, it can end up being the hardest task of your day on one of "those nights". No matter how crappy I feel I also know that if i don't take a few minutes to take care of my face I will more than regret it when I wake up and see surprise bumps on my chin. To make things easier I always have some facial wipes, Micellar water, cotton pads and a travel size of my moisturizer handy right on my bedside stand.

- Good budget facial wipes I have used for years are the Neutrogena All-in-One Make-up Remover Cleansing Wipes - $12.99 for 25 sheets at well.ca
- For a good cleansing (micellar) water that preforms fully and gently try the Vichy Purete 3-in-1 Calming Cleansing Solution - $17.00 for 6.76 oz at ULTA


*Overcleansing and Harsh Facial Products
This point can actually be quite difficult to figure out and stick to because for years the opinion on treating problem (acne) skin was to "treat" it or "clean" it into submission. Unfortunately all that does is strip your skin of its natural oils, disrupts skin's natural moisture balance, over-dries skin's surface and causes the epidermal cells to produce even more oil to overcompensate, thereby new pimples pop even more. Harsh ingredients such as alcohol and harsh physical scrubs only further irritate that what you are trying to correct and your skin eventually rebels no matter what you do.
As a rule clean your skin only twice a day (morning + night) unless there are special circumstances and choose gentle formulas for your skincare, whenever possible.

- Great gentle cleanser for problem skin is Green Beaver Daily Facial Cleanser for Sensitive & Acne Prone Skin - $16.99 for 120 ml from Green Beaver
I also highly recommend the Pangea Organics Discovery Set for Blemish-Prone Skin - $34.00 for 5 piece set available at iherb

Skincare Tips with Antipodes, Cake Beauty, bareMinerals

*Lifestyle and Diet Problems
We all know that eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep, affects how our bodies feel and how much energy we have for everyday life. Your skin is affected the most when you neglect yourself in such a way and pretty soon you will see it "on your face". Common skincare issues such as blemishes, sallow tone, dark circles, dryness, excess sebum and superficial redness; can all related in some way to how you live your life. The good news is that if you improve "you" it wont take long for it to be evident on the face as well.


*Skipping Moisturizer 
Making sure that your skin is hydrated is very important and that goes for all skin types, including those beauties with oily skin. I can understand why it makes sense to skip the step because you fear more oil on your face but that kind of thinking has now been dis-proven by dermatologists around the world. Basically if you don't add moisture to your skin then your epidermal skin cells will add their own in the form of more oil!
To avoid this just find a lightweight face lotion, designed for oily skin which will not just hydrate but can also help mattify the complexion even more.

- \My recommendations are: Say Yes to Tomatoes Facial Hydrating Lotion $14.99 for 1.7 oz from ULTA and Avene Hydrance Optimale (Light) $30.00 for 1.35 oz from drugstore.com


*Overexfoliating - too much of a good thing!
This tip is one of the most important ones for skincare-aholics and beauty bloggers like me. There are so many "potions" I want to try and sometimes these "trials" end up overlapping almost without me noticing. A lot of skin treatments preform some kind of resurfacing, exfoliating, scrubbing, peeling, polishing, refinishing...or will just indicate "enzyme presence". All of those terms mean one thing and that exfoliation. There are two ways you can exfoliate - chemical and physical but they should never be combined or overused.
I recommend taking an inventory of all the products you use and identify which ones preform any kind of exfoliating. You will be surprised how many you'll end up with and once you know what you are working with then it will be easy to make sure you only use one at a time.

For example - using a Clarisonic with a resurfacing face wash is doubling up OR using a facial scrub with a chemical exfoliating toner like Biologique Recherche p50 is also doubling up.
Try to use only one exfoliating product with each routine.

*Neck and Hand Skin Care
Many of us forget to include the neck and hands when caring for our skin (me included) even though we know that the first signs of aging usually show up on these two areas. It takes a little bit of practice to remember but the effort is certainly worth it.
What helped me was purchasing a separate neck cream to include in my evening skincare routine however I don't think I necessarily needed a separate product for it. However once the cream is gone I will have developed a habit to take care of the neck so it will be second nature to me. I am hoping anyways :-)

*One of the best neck creams out there and the one I chose is the ridiculously expensive Clarins Advanced Extra-Firming Neck Cream which is ridiculously priced at $80.00 but can be found for a lot cheaper on Amazon.
*A more budget version is the bareMinerals Naturally Luminous Extra Firming Cream $48.00 at Sephora

To take care of my hands I make sure I choose a hand cream that I like and just litter the tubes all over the house so they are always handy to me whenever I remember to use it. There are anti-aging formula's out there but I feel that since we are constantly washing our hands all day long, the focus needs to be on hydration and protection first.

*A few of my top choices are: Glysomed $3.69 for 50 ml, Cake Milk Made Velveteen $10.00 for 30 ml and my favorite Burt's Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Cream $12.99 for 55 g; which are all available well.ca
*If you are looking to splurge on a luxury formula then I strongly recommend the Rodial Glam-Balm Hand Cream $39.00 for 50 ml, available at Murale and the Antipodes Deliverance Kowhai Flower $26.38 for 75 ml and Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream $41.23 for 120ml; which are both available at feelunique

I hope this little guide was helpful to you (especially Kate!). If you have any questions, comments or ideas, don't even hesitate to contact me - I will always get back to you!

What are your favorite skincare products? Does my list and yours have items in common?

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)

Review - Avene Antirougeurs Calm - Soothing Repair Mask

Masks are an integral part of my skincare routine and I really try to fit them in a couple times each week. Pampering and treating my skin comes hand in hand for me so I need to make sure my treatment mask choices are effective, smart and chock full of ingredients that are proven to deliver. 

Avene is a no-frills, no-nonsense, affordable French pharmacy brand whose products are all enriched with the healing properties of their exclusive Thermal Spring Water. Everything Avene makes is designed and suitable for use by those of us with sensitive skin issues, a fact that has made them popular with skincare enthusiasts and dermatologists all over the world. Further endorsement is ensured knowing that all Avene products are paraben-free, fragrance & color free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic

My own experience with Avene has always been positive and even though choosing the right products can sometimes be a challenge I have found that a little bit of research is definitively worth the effort. Customer service "skin specialists" are very helpful and genuinely passionate and knowledgeable about all of their products so consulting them is always a breeze. 

Avene Antirougeurs Calm Soothing Repair Mask is one of their less celebrated treatments, a fact most likely due to its level of specialization and function.

The soothing repair mask is a treatment used for some of the more dramatic skin emergency incidents. Essentially this stuff is to be saved for when your skin is in dire need of comfort and healing. 

Description;

When skin experiences discomfort, pulling or heated sensations, it can be hard to calm the flare-up. The Repair Mask instantly soothes angry skin with its fresh and creamy texture, and then works deep within the skin to improve skin microcirculation with Ruscus extract. This ensures that both long-term diffuse redness and temporary redness are reduced, and the skin is moisturised and repaired.

Key Ingredients;

Avene Thermal Spring Water (54%), Saponin-Enriched Ruscus Extract (0.1%), Sucralfate (1%)

The soothing and repairing nature of the mask is pronounced most dramatically when you really make your skin mad by either environmental factors (extreme weather),biological issues (over-treating-exfoliating) or just plain negligence. Just 10 minutes of wear time will deliver calmer and comfortable skin. It really is a wonder when it comes to soothing dry patches, redness, mystery rashes and otherwise compromised, inflamed skin. The palpable cooling effect reduces any heat inflammation, stinging irritation and will actually reduce skin reactivity post treatment. I like to refer to it as an "ice-pack" for your face. 

The healing factor is so intense that the Avene Antirougeurs Calm Soothing Repair Mask is widely recommended for patients post cosmetic procedures to relieve discomfort and accelerate skin's natural repair cycle. The gentle but potent nature of the formula is proven just by that fact alone - if you can use it on inflamed, post-peel skin then using it during "normal" times should be a breeze. There is no strict regiment requirement which means that the mask is to be used as needed without worrying about over-saturation or residue build up. 

The texture of the mask is very creamy, whipped and silky so it feels exceptionally nice on your skin. I love the fact that I cant detect any greasiness at all so I can leave it on comfortable without being constantly "aware of my face". Removal is fairly easy - a moist, luke-warm facecloth does the job quickly and efficiently in just a few strokes. Adding the Avene Thermal Spring Water on top (as recommended) completes the facial experience, giving you a cool, comfortable skin to work with. 

The final conclusion is very positive and I would (and have) recommend this mask to everyone but especially those with reactive, sensitive skin. Its definitively nice to have for those skin mishaps we all have once in a while. 

Avene Antirougeurs Calm Soothing Repair Mask ($33.75) and other Avene products can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart locations across Canada or purchased online at the Skinfo Skincare Boutique here. 

Have you tried Avene products? Any favorites? 

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-) 

Review - Avene Thermal Spring Water

I have been aware of these "thermal waters" in a can for some time, considered purchasing a few times but always found a reason not to. After all this really isn't an essential skin care item and I have always been skeptical when it comes to the phenomenon of any "healing" waters. The outlandish claims and promises of health & youth always rubbed me the wrong way so dismissing products like these came pretty easy to me. 

My first experience with Avene Thermal Spring Water was rather uneventful and my reservations came to be justified. I received an Avene skincare gift set for Christmas and the Thermal Spring Water was a part of it. I used it a few times, was underwhelmed, set it aside and then promptly forgot about its existence. 

I rediscovered it recently and decided to "trial" it properly and in turn do some research about its origins and actual promises. 

What it is;

Avene Thermal Spring Water features a unique composition which soothes, softens and restores skin's natural balance.

Clinically proven by over 300 studies to calm, soothe and soften the skin and restores skin's natural balance. It has been used since 1743 in Avene's Hydrotherapy Center to treat serious dermatological conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema.

Ingredients;

Water (100% Avene Thermal Spring Water), Nitrogen

I was surprised and initially quite alarmed to learn that Avene Thermal Spring Water originates from regular rain. Surely in this time of global industrialization and ridiculous pollution ratings, good old regular rain can't be beneficial? Apparently this rain takes a 40 year old journey through the French Cavennes Mountain aquifer and on its way collects all kinds of trace minerals, transforming into a enriched "water" which is said to restore even the most sensitive of skins. 

I was surprised to learn that the Avene Thermal Spring Water has been tested over 300 times by independent scientific institutions, which subsequently proved the soothing and skin-healing properties. Even more impressive - the Thermal Spring Water has been used in treatments for some severe dermatological diseases and conditions. For decades the healing water properties have been used for dermatitis, psoriasis, ichtiosis, acne and even superficial burns. The more I learned, the less vocal my inner sceptic became! 

Those of us who are not dealing with extreme skin issues can also reap the benefits of the Avene Thermal Spring Water. It's recommended for: makeup setting, after-shave coolant, diaper rash, facial redness, general skin refreshment, sunburns and even post surgery. 

My favorite way to use the thermal waters is just before serum or oil application to help with spread-ability and absorption. I find a single spray of this allows me to use less of whatever skin treatment i happen to be using and since it dilutes the solution a bit I can work it in to my skin faster as well. 

The most recommended way to use the Avene Thermal Spring Water is to use it throughout the day as a refresher however that's a direction I wholeheartedly disagree with. Spraying your face with any kind of water (thermal enriched or not!) causes evaporation so essentially what you are doing is removing moisture from your skin each time. That's a luxury my skin cannot afford! 

My final verdict is positive but hesitant at the same time. I believe that the Avene Thermal Spring Water ($18) is an excellent product and I can definitively feel the soothing effect on the skin but I can't consider it as an essential part of a skin routine. Basically it's a perk that is really nice to have but isn't 100% necessary. 

Avene products can be found at Shoppers Drug Mart locations all over Canada.

Have you tried Avene Thermal Spring Water? What is your opinion on these "canned" waters?

XOXO 

ANJA

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Summer Time Dew That Doesn't Leave You Eww...

Canadian summers can be pretty hot and sometimes just as intense as our famous winters. Living on the Atlantic coast by the ocean does have its perks of course however in the summer sometimes the humidity can start to wreck havoc on my complexion and general "stickiness"

Having combination skin, bordering on dry my skin requires a lot of fine tuning and that is never more true than when the seasons start changing. It is almost as if my skin does a complete transformation and suddenly overnight all of my secret weapons and big-impact skincare work no longer preform the way they should. My usually combination skin starts to oil up a lot more, the texture becomes rough and my cheeks get flushed almost permanently. 

The hardest thing for me to figure out while i am building a new skincare routine is the elusive perfect summer appropriate moisturizer. The choices are endless but my warmer weather skin cream needs to check off a lot of boxes before getting a privileged spot in my bathroom and vanity. 

The perfect formula should moisturize deeply, absorb quickly, leave a dewy matte finish, contain great ingredients, be portable and be suitable for sensitive or reactive skin.

Its a tall order for any product - its a lot to ask from a moisturizer but i am happy to report that there are brands that deliver everything i want!

Here are my Top 5 Picks 

1. Avene Hydrance Optimale Legere ($30)  

This is what i would call a bare-bones moisturizer. There is nothing fancy about this formula, no outrageous claims, the price tag is reasonable and sensitive skins can use this comfortably. I love the fact that it can come with or without SPF and that its completely fragrance free 

2. Omorovicza Illuminating Moisturizer ($160)

I am a huge Omorovicza fun so including one of their creams was a no brainer. Its meant for dry and/or sensitive skin with bonus ruby crystals that use light-reflection to blurr and soften facial features. I absolutely love this cream and will continue to repurchase despite the price tag - with Omorovicza you always get        what you pay for and more

3. Ole Henriksen Truth Creme Advanced Hydration ($56)

This moisturuzer manages to be rich and silky and at the same time feels light and absorbs very quickly. The Vitamin C in both the creme and the serum heals, brightens, hydrates deeply and boosts collagen production. The combination of serum and cream together is amazing - you wont believe how soft your face will be.

4. Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Mega Moisturizer SPF 15 ($63)

The flawless skin skincare collection has some misses for me but this moisturizer really lives up to its flawless promise. Its a little richer formula compared to my other pics but the velvety feel makes it a winner for me and the fact that it has SPF is always a bonus 

What are your favourite Summer Moisturizers? 

XOXO

ANJA

P.S. If you enjoyed this post and want some more Princeza Beauty Musings, please consider following me through GFC, Bloglovin, Pinterest or Twitter! Insert "happy dance" here :-)