Treating acne is a different journey for every single one of us – not one single routine works for everyone, but there’s no harm in sharing what’s working for someone else, just in case it works for you too, right?

This Is What We’re Trying:

Having heard good things about La Roche Posay’s Anti-Acne 3 Step System, Olivia from our Customer Service team decided to pair this routine with the use of her Clarisonic Mia 2.

The goal? The help reduce the severity of her hormonal breakouts, and clear up lingering congestion under the skin.

 

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A post shared by Clarisonic (@clarisonic) on May 28, 2018 at 2:00pm PDT

What’s In The System?

Combining both proven acne-fighting ingredients and soothing properties, La-Roche Posay’s Anti-Acne 3 Step System (which contains three full-sized products) is designed to help keep skin clear and smooth, minus the drying effects of other acne treatments.

Effaclar Foaming Gel: Treats skin gently, helping to minimise breakouts by clearing away bacteria, excess oil and makeup without stripping the skin.

Serozinc: Purifies and soothes surface irritations, leaving the skin feeling comfortable and balanced with a mattified finish. Serozinc is a popular solution to aid oil-balancing.

Effaclar Duo+: Targets bacteria and clogged pores, to both treat and prevent acne. It helps to reduce breakouts, inflammation, and uneven tone.

Buy here

 

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A post shared by La Roche-Posay Australia & NZ (@larocheposayaunz) on Aug 23, 2018 at 11:30pm PDT

Why Use A Clarisonic?

Cleansing is one of the most important elements of taking care of your skin. Particularly in acne-prone skin, effective cleansing helps to clear away acne-causing bacteria and reduce congestion.

The Mia 2 Skin Cleansing System uses sonic frequency to deeply clean the skin and improve skin texture for a softer, smoother complexion. It easily removes impurities, makeup, sunscreen, and excess oils from the skin, while also allowing other products to absorb better into the skin.

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Olivia’s Results:

Like I said, acne is tricky to treat and there’s not one approach that fits all forms of acne or skin types. Olivia has been following this routine for over a month – so here’s her verdict:

“I was lucky enough to try this routine on my hormonally imbalanced, breakout-prone skin. The La Roche-Posay Anti-Acne 3 Step System I would personally say works best on an oily skin type – I have combination skin so I made sure I was using my La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Light moisturiser.

I experienced good results from using these products with my Clarisonic Mia 2. My skin feels smoother and I was able to reduce persistent underlying congestion. After a month or so of consistent use and patience, I have noticed a difference in my skin’s texture and clarity (plus a little extra glow!). Hormonal acne is one of the hardest things tackle, but this routine has definitely reduced and eased the severity.”

Before | After

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Disclaimer: this was not a dream. I ACTUALLY escaped to the South of France and was lucky enough to stay at the L’Occitane Le Couvent des Minimes Hotel & Spa in Provence. (Yes, I’m still pinching myself). So, this is what my time there looked like…

2:00PM

If working for Adore Beauty isn’t enough of a perk, I was recently invited to venture to the land of L’Occitane whilst on my European holiday. Isn’t life hard? Beginning my stay with a tour of the L’Occitane Factory and Museum, I may have squealed when I saw a line of Verbena Shower Gels being filled with the fragrant combination of Lemon Oil, Grapefruit and organic Verbena.

Fun fact: did you know that it can take up to 15 years from start to finish, to cultivate, mix and bottle your favourite L’Occitane products? Isn’t that crazy?

5:00PM

A short drive North, through fields of green, we made our way to the most breathtaking white stone chateau. Now of course, as any sane woman would do, I made a beeline to our hotel room ensuite so I could inspect the amenities.

Can I tell you: you. will. die. Ok, not literally, but these L’Occitane travel minis are so adorable and the Bergamot Shower Gel is bliss. You’ll also be glad to know, the turn down service comes fully equipped with a bottle of L’Occitane Aromachologie Relaxing Pillow Mist, transporting you to a cloud of lavender zen.

11:00AM

And speaking of zen, if you’re ever in Provence (because you totally should be), make sure you book into the L’Occitane Spa. I indulged in a Deep Tissue Intense Relief 1-hour massage and 30 minute brightening and smoothing facial, after breakfast. It was everything that I needed.

First of all, my masseuse used L’Occitane’s Aromachologie Relaxing Massage Oil, to kneed out all of my knots and clear away any areas of tension. Then, a gentle but refreshing scrub to slough away dead skin cells before a lavish dose of L’Occitane Aromachologie Relaxing Body Cream to finish. You’ll be in L’Occitane heaven. Trust me.

1:00PM

I won’t lie, I spent the rest of my time laying by the pool and making trips to the sauna and spa, because that’s what you do when you’re in the South of France! But, I know what you’re thinking, not everyone can make their way to the hilltops of Provence. Which is why I’m adding in some of the links to the products used on me during my stay, because if you can’t make it to Provence, then Provence will sure as hell, make it to you! 😉

Shop Shanthi’s edit:

L’Occitane Aromachologie Relaxing Massage Oil

L’Occitane Aromachologie Relaxing Pillow Mist

L’Occitane Aromachologie Relaxing Body Cream

As procedures like chemical peels, needling and laser become much more affordable and accessible, a lot of us are turning to clinics to quickly zap away concerns like scarring and pigmentation.

And while these treatments are often effective, there is usually a bit of downtime involved – so what do you use on your skin during this recovery period, and how can you speed up your healing time?

 

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A post shared by HÜD SKIN + BODY (@hudskinandbody) on Apr 26, 2017 at 4:20am PDT

This Is What You Need:

mesoestetic post procedure fast skin repair is an intensive and revitalising cream designed specifically to be used on the skin after treatments like laser and peels to assist with healing.

– It has anti-redness and anti-inflammatory properties

– Promotes the repair of the skin’s barrier & healing of damaged tissue

– Stimulates cell renewal & is ideal for soothing the feeling of tightness

– The creamy formula is intensely nourishing but has a lightweight texture

– Feels very comfortable on damaged skin & absorbs quickly

– It can also be used to calm & soothe sunburn

Buy here

What’s In It?

mesoestetic post procedure fast skin repair contains three key ingredient complexes. Firstly, DMAE (an abbreviated term for dimethylaminoethanol) which can help to improve skin firmness and elasticity.

It also contains an anti-ageing complex which features starflower oil to restore moisture to the skin,  as well as centella asiatica extract and licorice extract to promote healing and calm inflammation.

Then we have the antioxidant complex. This includes ingredients like lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, idebenon and rosemary plant extract which have protective, skin-soothing properties. I’d also recommend using the hydra milk cleanser in conjunction with the post procedure fast skin repair.

Who’s Tried It?

★★★★★ Definite reduction in redness after laser resurfacing – Gloria

“I had a fractional laser treatment and left the clinic looking like I had a badly sunburnt face. After applying this cream, the redness reduced rapidly. I have applied it about 4 times in 24 hours and the redness is almost gone (still a bit swollen though). I would have preferred it to be fragrance-free considering it’s meant to be used when your skin is healing and irritated.”

★★★★★ Definite results – BG

“After using this moisturiser for a couple of weeks every day and night, people were commenting on how good my skin looked. It felt hydrated and my skin was looking fantastic. I love it. It is also great after you have had late nights.”

★★★★★ Post-Dermamelan must have – Maddison

“I had a severe reaction to the Dermamelan [pigmentation treatment]. Redness, swelling, severe peeling and pain. This product has been my saviour. Relieves redness and sensitivity, makes my skin feel normal and moisturised again! Definitely buy this product if you are planning to have Cosmelan or Dermamelan.”

Buy mesoestetic post procedure fast skin repair here

I think of combination skin as the often forgotten middle child, sandwiched between dry and oily skin types. I don’t encounter a lot of products that are specifically marketed to this skin type – which, when I think about it, is quite strange.

But Aesop’s In Two Minds collection is changing that. This trio of products is designed to address the oiliness through the T-zone, without causing problems for the drier areas of the face.

 

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A post shared by Aesop (@aesopskincare) on Aug 29, 2018 at 2:50pm PDT

What’s In Two Minds?

This trio of products is here to make your skincare simpler. In Two Minds includes a Facial Cleanser, Facial Toner and Facial Hydrator – together they gently cleanse, balance, soothe and provide lightweight hydration. Sounds pretty good, right?

Step One: Facial Cleanser

Cleansing is arguably the most important step for most skin types, combination included. In Two Minds Facial Cleanser helps to restore balance to temperamental skin by providing the exact degree of cleansing required.

– This mild gel cleanser helps to decongest without stripping the skin

– It contains 3 surfactants to remove excess oils & clear out pores

– Salicylic Acid acts as a chemical exfoliant to gently remove dead skin cells

– This cleanser also helps to soothe irritation often experienced in combo skin

Buy here

Step Two: Facial Toner

Toners may seem like they’re phasing out, but trust me – you’ll want to be using this one. It does contain a really small quantity of alcohol (which Aesop themselves were in two minds about), but it’s combined with other ingredients to improve the moisture level in the skin.

– This toner also Witch Hazel and Salicylic Acid to support combination skin

– Assists in the removal of excess sebum while maintaining & restoring moisture

– Contains provitamin B5 to hydrate & reduce inflammation

– Vitamin B3 restores barrier function, reduces moisture loss & soothes the skin

Buy here

Step Three: Facial Hydrator

Hydration is absolutely key for combination skin types, but it’s getting it right that’s the tricky part. You want something light enough to cater to the oily areas, but rich enough to nourish the dry areas. And here we have it:

– In Two Minds Facial Hydrator has a lightweight lotion texture with a matte finish

– Provides more hydration that just a serum, without the heaviness of a cream

– Replenishes & nourishes the skin with a blend of three botanical ingredients

– Contains natural antioxidants to protect against environmental aggressors

Buy here

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Pigmentation is right up there with the most common skin concerns we hear about from our customers. A lot of us here in Australia are sun worshippers, and unfortunately that can come back to bite us in the form of discoloured patches, age spots and uneven skin tone.

So we asked three customers to trial Clinique’s Even Better Makeup SPF15 – a foundation formula designed to treat pigmentation concerns over time, all while giving the skin a beautiful natural-looking finish.

 

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A post shared by MADDISON SCHMIDT (@maddisonschmidtmakeup) on Sep 8, 2018 at 8:15pm PDT

What You Need To Know:

– Even Better Makeup is a lightweight, oil-free liquid formula

– Helps to clarify skin tone & fade the appearance of discolouration over time

– Includes broad spectrum SPF 15 in a blend of chemical & physical sunscreens

– This long-wearing, buildable foundation feels comfortable & breathable on the skin

– Provides moderate to full coverage with a natural & smooth, matte finish

– Conceals the appearance of pigmentation-related concerns without looking cakey

Buy here

 

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A post shared by Clinique John Lewis Bluewater (@cliniquejohnlewisbluewater) on Sep 9, 2018 at 5:58am PDT

What Ingredients Are In There?

If a product claims to be proven to treat a concern, you can bet I’m checking the ingredient list. Clinique’s Even Better Makeup SPF15 contains a blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients including an active Vitamin C complex which helps correct uneven skin tone over time, and promotes a brighter, more radiant complexion.

Coupled with Vitamin E, mushroom yeast extract, natural grapefruit peel and white birch extracts, these ingredients combine to help break up and banish the appearance of existing uneven skin tone, helping to prevent future discolouration. Plus, this formula is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.

 

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A post shared by Clinique Australia (@clinique_oz) on Sep 12, 2018 at 12:00am PDT

What’s The Verdict?

Sophie, 27

“I have normal/dry skin with discolouration and post partum hyperpigmentation predominately on my cheeks and forehead. I had no issues introducing the Even Better foundation to my routine and it did not cause any breakouts. It was easy to apply with a beauty blender and provided light/medium, easily buildable coverage with a satin-matte finish. I loved the finish and it was very comfortable to wear. It hid my discolouration and pigmentation well and wore for 8-10 hours before beginning to wear off. Unfortunately over the four weeks I did not notice a visible difference in my discolouration issues, despite this I will be repurchasing as I’m in love with the way the foundation makes me skin look.”

Andrea, 43

“I’m blessed with awful hyper pigmentation, and this year it went a bit crazy . So when the opportunity arose to trial the Even Better foundation I jumped at it. I have been using the shade Honey for several weeks. Firstly, I was impressed with the coverage and texture – it sinks into your skin and leaves a lovely dewy finish (a no make up makeup look) perfect for everyday use. For nighttime outings, I simply add a bit of concealer and use a stippling brush for the extra coverage . As far as reducing my pigmentation I have noticed a subtle difference, I wasn’t expecting miracles but it has definitely softened the blotches and now they are almost invisible when I apply the foundation, so it’s definitely doing something.”

Christina, 42

“Clinique Even Better Foundation applies lightly and evenly, provides great coverage and feels like I am wearing a moisturiser rather than a foundation. Every time I have worn the foundation I get comments on how great my skin looks. In terms of my pigmentation, over the past 4 weeks I’ve noticed a slight improvement in the evenness and clarity of my skin, so I’ll continue to use the Even Better foundation as my go-to.”

Buy Clinique Even Better Makeup SPF15 Here

For those of you accustomed to rinsing your face with water and slapping on a nondescript moisturiser, transitioning to a 10-step Korean routine may seem like overkill. For someone like me who already does around six of these steps already, adding a few more products wasn’t too difficult.

And the important thing to remember here, is that you don’t do all of these steps every morning and night (I’ll get into that later).

This particular routine is aimed at hydration, and getting that supple, glass-like complexion – so you can add or remove steps to suit your skin type.

 

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Steps 1, 2 & 3: Cleansing + Exfoliating

Products You Need:

Cremorlab T.E.N. Cremor Refreshing Cleansing Gel Oil

Cremorlab T.E.N. Cremor Gentle Foaming Cleanser

Cremorlab O2 Couture Oxygenic Peeling Mask

Double cleansing isn’t a new phenomenon. Skin experts encourage double cleansing to ensure you’re removing all traces of makeup, dirt and oil from the skin – same goes in this routine. You cleanse with your oil cleanser first, followed by your foaming cleanser to leave your skin feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

As for exfoliating, this bubble mask by Cremorlab contains botanical exfoliants rich in Salicylic Acid so it works really well as a once to twice a week treatment.

Steps 4 & 5: Toning + Balancing

Products You Need:

Cremorlab O2 Couture Hydra Balancing Toner

Cremorlab T.E.N. Cremor Mineral Treatment Essence

Yes, toners and essences are different products (contrary to popular belief). First up, you’ll use this soothing and hydrating toner to balance the skin, followed by Cremorlab’s best-selling essence.

The essence works to restore your skins suppleness and natural moisture balance, delivering minerals and a boost of hydration to the skin. This step prepares your skin to effectively absorb the ingredients in the remaining products in your routine.

Steps 6 & 7: Serum & Mask

Products You Need:

Cremorlab O2 Couture Hydra Bounce Ampoule

Cremorlab Marine Hyaluronic Revital Mask

This is my favourite part of the routine, but again, you’re not expected to do a sheet mask every night. Depending on how thirsty your skin is, I’d say 1-2 times a week would be enough.

The Hydra Bounce Ampoule is a plumping and firming serum enriched with marine algae extracts to revitalise and help the skin retain moisture for a plumper, more hydrated look.

Steps 8, 9 & 10: Creams & Sunscreen

Products You Need:

Cremorlab T.E.N. Cremor Skin Renewal Cream

Cremorlab T.E.N. Cremor Eye Renewal Cream

Aspect Envirostat SPF 50

Now to keep all that hydration in, and keep your skin protected! Cremorlab’s T.E.N. Cremor Skin Renewal Cream enhances the overall vitality of the skin, calms irritation and adds hydration and radiance.

The Eye Renewal Cream has a soft and creamy texture, ideal for the delicate skin around the eyes. It soothes dryness and infuses the skin with hydration, for a firmer and smoother-looking under-eye area.

Lastly, it’s time for sunscreen. Obviously this is a daytime step, so you can skip this one at night. Allow a couple of minutes for your creams to absorb a little bit before generously applying your sunscreen. Aspect’s Envirostat is a chemical sunscreen so it’s always the last step in your routine before makeup.

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In my opinion, a great makeup artist is also an expert in skin prep. The way your skin is (or isn’t) prepped and primed prior to makeup can hugely influence the finish and longevity of your look.

So when I saw a few makeup artists and beauty experts using Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Mask on clients and themselves, I thought I’d better see what the fuss was about.

A post shared by motherhood | style | beauty (@littleriverlove) on Apr 15, 2018 at 10:38pm PDT

What’s So Good About This Mask?

– Features the same amount of probiotic extract as the Advanced Génifique serum

– Uses heat-sensitive hydrogel technology to quench the driest areas of the skin

– The active ingredients melt into the skin on contact for noticeable results

– Has a hydrating, comforting concentrated formula suitable for all skin types

– Plumps, smooths & leaves the skin visibly radiant

– You can customise your results depending on how long you leave it on

★★★★★ Perfect hydration – Louise

“I love a sheet mask and I’ve tried so many different masks in the mask but this one is my new favourite! It is super hydrating and soothing and it left my skin looking great and radiantly refreshed. I only left it on for 20 minutes the first time and even then I felt my skin looked firmer. Would seriously recommend this!”

Buy here

A post shared by Natali (@natalia_cherni) on May 18, 2018 at 12:15am PDT

The Purpose Of Probiotics:

A couple of key ingredients in this mask (which make it so good) are Bifidus extract and Lactobacillus ferment – both forms of probiotics. You might’ve heard of probiotics for gut health, but they’re actually really beneficial for delivering good bacteria to our skin as well.

Probiotics can strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and ability to retain moisture while restoring the skin’s pH balance. They also have anti-inflammatory properties, meaning they can sooth redness, irritation and the appearance of imperfections.

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How To Get The Most Out Of Your Mask:

If you’re using this mask to prep your skin, a 10-minute treatment before applying your makeup will leave your skin looking smooth, plump and ready for foundation.

In 20 minutes your skin will be feeling re-energised and soothed, and after a full 30 minutes, your skin will appear renewed, smooth and glowing.

★★★★★ Face heaven – Georgina

“I love a face mask. I love Lancôme and I love this mask. Do yourself a favour run yourself a bath and put on this glorious mask. Once the mask is removed you will feel radiant and youthful and gorgeous. Don’t worry about the price it’s worth it. Trust me.”

A post shared by Makeupbyyurany (@makeupbyyurany) on May 17, 2018 at 12:16pm PDT

Buy Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Mask