Whether it is a bad day, a fight with our other half, a low point on the hormonal roller coaster of life *these are the worst type, or one of the more complex challenges of dealing with mental health issues – we have all been there at some point. So, when putting one foot in front of other feels like a big deal, how do our negative emotions integrate with our beauty routines? And can they ultimately help us, in a small or large way, to alleviate bad days or indeed bouts of poor self-image?
How we feel about our self-image can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing, I have long thought and lived by the principle look good feel good and in times of trouble I always turn to my beauty routine for comfort, as strange as that may sound. Trying with my appearance is therefore a positive affirmation of my existence. In my evening routine I love to light a candle and get a nice warm flannel for cleansing.
Last week was one such bad week, I was suffering terribly with my scalp from stress and decided that rather than complain or be complacent I would act. I headed to 3 Degrees for a little pamper and consultation. My psoriasis had really been inflamed and thankfully Estelle was able to help massively. She recommended some Alfaparf Milano products from their Semi Di Lino range. Semi Di lino Scalp Rebalance Gentle Exfoliating Scrub €19.95 gently purifies the scalp and rids the scalp of dandruff. It contains a Microbiotic System of probiotics and prebiotics which help to maintain the balance of the scalp. It works by taking away excess scales and preparing the scalp for the next step which is the energising tonic. Alfaparf Scalp Renew Energizing Tonic for Hair Loss €24.95 is a product to rebalance and maintain the action achieved by using Energizing Shampoo and Energizing Lotion. It increases the body and density of the hair x8 and give vitality to weakened hair. On a regular basis she recommended the Calming Low Shampoo Soothing €14.95 for sensitive scalps gently cleanses counteracting feelings of discomfort. It gently cleans the scalp and is nice to your hair too. It isn’t too highly scented.
From a skincare perspective I love to double cleanse. Double cleansing has become known as the backbone of many beauty & skin-care routines. It is extremely important to remove makeup, dirt, and pollutants that have accumulated on your skin during the day, before heading to bed, but why make cleansing a two-step process? There are major benefits to the technique.
First up, when you wear makeup, double cleansing gives you a better clean. Double cleansing removes the layer of makeup to let the cleanser truly clean the skin. This in turn makes room for any products you apply afterwards to penetrate deeper, making them more effective. You need a clean canvas to start your work. Clean skin will allow active ingredients to penetrate better and work more effectively, as well as achieving perfectly clean skin! Dermalogica recommend a first cleanse with an oil-based cleanser, the second cleanse with your prescribed Dermalogica cleanser. My choice is Double cleansing has become known as the backbone of many beauty & skin-care routines. It is extremely important to remove makeup, dirt, and pollutants that have accumulated on your skin during the day, before heading to bed, but why make cleansing a two-step process? There are major benefits to the technique. Dermalogica have two winners for me. Precleanse 150ml €46 a deep-cleansing oil that melts impurities, daily pollutants, and make-up from the skin. Achieve ultra clean and healthy-looking skin with the Double Cleanse regimen that begins with PreCleanse. Mix oil with water, massage over dry face and rinse. Formulated with conditioning Rice Bran, Vitamin E and Apricot oils, fortifying Borage Seeds for a dreamy cleansing experience that is suitable even for oily skin. Skin Resurfacing Cleanser 150ml €47.50 This dual-action exfoliating cleanser quickly improves unwanted signs of aging. Achieve smooth, ultra-clean skin with this highly active, two-in-one cleanser and exfoliant. Lactic Acid concentrate helps retexturize skin suffering from visible signs of aging by removing dulling surface debris and helping to accelerate skin cell turnover. Enriched with antioxidants to help condition the skin while Rose Flower Oil refreshes the senses. Use daily to dramatically improve skin texture and properly prepare it for maximum penetration of your other products.
To help with my dry skin I have had the delight of discovering Ultraceuticals Ultra Rich Moisturiser €73.00. This intense moisturiser provides immediate and lasting hydration for dry to very dry skins. Developed with Shea Butter, Ceramide-3 and a complex of moisturising ingredients to provide essential nourishment to maintain the skin’s lipid layer in good condition while supporting the skins Natural Moisturising Factor (NMF). With antioxidant Vitamin E, this ultra-rich moisturiser leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and plumped. I love it for nighttime.
GlamityJane 