I saw a few videos on YouTube where people claimed the juice/gel inside an aloe vera plant could help clear acne and scarring. I finally went out and purchased one from good old Bunnings Warehouse. Before my cheeky puppy destroyed the plant by ripping it out of the soil I managed to test it out for a week. 

So before I write all about what I noticed etc. I thought I'd jump straight in with a before and after photo since that is probably what you all care about or are most interested in. The images were taken on Wednesdays a week apart.

You'll notice that no, Aloe Vera cannot completely clear acne or scarring in only 7 days. I don't think anything could do that in that short time. In saying that, my larger breakout areas completely smoothed out and the redness was minimised. A few blemishes also banished within the week of using Aloe Vera, mainly in the temple area.

The most noticeable difference I found was how smooth it made my skin. Even though I had active pimples popping up daily (thanks PCOS), the Aloe Vera juice really helped flatten them pretty much over night. Makeup sat a lot better on my skin as well.

The way I applied it was by cutting off an outer leaf, then a smaller section before slicing it in half. I left the remainder in the fridge to use for the other days. I rubbed the sticky consistency from the two sections all over my face and let my skin absorb it. I decided to sleep in it every night and by the morning there was no residue on my skin nor was it sticky. In the mornings I rinsed my face with cold water. Some people like to use Aloe Vera gel as a mask then remove it or even to spot treat. It is personal preference what you would like to do but the overnight method worked best for me.

Benefits of using Aloe Vera as your skincare

• Helps with sunburn
• Acts as a moisturiser and easily absorbs into the skin - non-greasy so perfect for oily or dry skin types!
• It is anti-inflammatory so it treats acne - hence why it sorted mine out 🙌
• Combats ageing, fine lines and improves elasticity in skin
• Reduces puffiness (especially since you store it in the fridge)
• Protects your skin from environmental toxins

I would definitely continue using Aloe Vera as my night moisturiser/mask. If it could make those subtle changes within a week imagine what a month of use could do. As soon as my plant has the rest and recovery it deserves I will be back to harvesting my crop and using it as my skin care. I recommend Aloe Vera to everyone, even if you buy one large leaf it would definitely last numerous uses. You do have to store it in the fridge to keep it going!

P.S. My Aloe Vera plant survived the attack and is currently in rehabilitation out of reach from my puppy. Also, my puppy was not poisoned in any way as she did not ingest the plant, she just enjoys pulling things off the table now that she can reach.

P.P.S. The images of the Aloe Vera plant and leaves are not my own. I didn't get a chance to take a photo of mine when it was new and looked nice in the pot so I had to rely on Google.

I haven't updated you all on my skin since October last year. So I thought it was about time to check in. I was hoping this post would be the one all about how I finally cleared my hormonal acne but it's not.

October 2017-February 2018 were the months when my skin was at its best. I will attach photos throughout this of my skin but you can check out my last update to see how smooth it started to become. For whatever reason, the clearer skin phase was just a phase. It has gone back to breaking out and only clearing up around ovulation time. Since I have PCOS and my hormones are constantly regulating due to treatment (naturopath) my cycle length has altered. My cycle has gone down to 32-37 days which is a lot better than the usual 48 days or skipping. This now means I ovulate quite late so my body has less of progesterone or testosterone (I can't remember which one). Therefore, I have larger amounts of time with my breakouts.

Since the naturopath is dealing with the supplement side of things I will leave that out for now. Especially as it is personalised. I will mention I still have a herb mix, vitamin A and zinc.

My diet is pretty much the same, although I would like to cut back on sugar again as I was less strict for a while. I am also going to aim to eat the rainbow when it comes to vegetables on a more regular basis.

Now for skincare, my favourite part. Once again I want to reinvent my routine. It already is quite minimal and natural/organic however there are some changes I'd like to make.

• Olive oil - currently using this as my first cleanse to break up makeup. Olive oil doesn't clog pores, contains antioxidants, hydrates and so much more. I find it a lot gentler than store bought oil cleansers and it doesn't leave an oily residue.
• Dr Bronner's Pure Castile soap - this remains as a staple. I only use it if I really have to (when I have heavier makeup on and the olive oil cannot take it all off), as it can be drying. I am hoping to purchase a cleansing milk to have as my second cleanse though. So that is a change that may happen between the now and my next update.
• Sukin Hydrating Face Mask - I am only using this product until I use it up completely. I also want to use up all of my other masks so I can switch this entire section out. I plan to purchase an aloe vera plant and vitamin C serum. I will use those two ingredients as my face instead.
• Liquid Zinc - Currently using this as my serum before moisturising, and only at night. I have gone on about zinc numerous times so I won't get into it here. I do find it is helping to reduce my active breakouts.
• Zumface Facial Oil - the same as last update!
• Tea Tree Oil - to spot treat any larger pimples.
• Aloe Vera plant - This is something new I've FINALLY added to my routine. I have been using it for about a week (blogpost coming next week showing results) and it has done amazing things!

Based off my photos you will notice that with almost a year difference it has cleared up quite a bit.  I am excited to see how it is in another years time, I guess I was just kind of expecting it to be clear by now. These photos really do keep me motivated and help me notice progress.  

June 2017 - June 2018

I share photos with you all to show that it is possible for pimples to clear up. If you are also taking a natural route it may take a little longer but it works.

That is all I have to share with you for this update. My skin can only get clearer i'm sure!

Welcome to my third project pan update. I was hoping to get another blogpost up between my last update and this one but May was a very busy month for me. I had three weeks of placement (teaching every day), my mum's 50th and my brother's 18th. I am finally on Uni holidays so I can delve back into blog post writing again.

I did pretty well this update and have some exciting progress to share with you all!

Eye Shadow - Bh x Carli Bybel (original)
No new pan here. I have only expanded the existing pan from the last update and created more dips in the matte cream shade, matte deep brown and two shimmers.

Bronzer/Highlighter - Urban Decay Naked Flushed

Unlike the eyeshadow palette, I have made amazing progress with this! The highlight is almost completely used up and there is a lot of pan showing where the bronzer is. Pretty much all the product I repressed has been used which is really exciting.

Brows - Chi Chi Brow Pomade (blonde)

The brow pomade is finally showing some usage! I have created quite a dip in one area which I am proud of.


Blush - Nudestix Bare Back
I pushed myself to use this more often over the past month. I found a new favourite way to apply it, using a pretty dense stippling brush or flat top brush and applying the product to that then onto my cheeks. I find it distributes the colour a lot better and is easier to blend.

Foundation
I wasn't able to use up any foundations but I am getting close to using up my Lily Lolo Mineral Powder and Scout Cosmetics Luminous Finish Mineral Foundation. I will continue to focus on them and hopefully by next month they're done and dusted! 

Just a reminder that my goal with foundation is to use up a total of 5 this year. So far I have used one.

Lips

I have the worst luck with losing lip products! Unfortunately when I was trying mattresses (for my new bed) my 3ina Lip Oil must have fallen out of my pocket. It's such a shame as I had a quarter left and worked so hard to have it finished by this update. Also with Colourpop Oh Snap I ended up giving it to my mum as the shade was not nice on my skin tone. 

With my Gerard Cosmetic's lipstick (Vintage Rose), the only survivor, my progress was going really well. I think I was a little optimistic to think it would be done by this update. Lipsticks are so hard when you're someone that forgets to reapply! There isn't much left so fingers crossed by next update I finish off the bullet.

Added in

Since I decluttered and lost products I had to add in new ones. I chose the 3ina Eyeshadow Stick and NYX Butter Gloss in Eclair. I'm unsure how to share the lipgloss progress as the tube isn't see through. I will have to figure out to weigh it maybe? I started tracking progress with the eyeshadow stick and have been reaching for it often so there is progress for you all on that!

So to conclude, I wanted to set myself goals for the next update. I'd like to use up the two foundations, use up Vintage Rose, hit pan on another eyeshadow and finish off the highlight.

Reached goal on 6 items

- Tartelette in bloom flower child (empty)

- Tartelette in bloom smarty pants (hit pan)
- Tartelette in bloom charmer (hit pan)

- Colourpop ulta glossy lip in weho (empty)
- Inika Organic BB cream

- BH x Carli Bybel light brown shade (hit pan)

Lost or decluttered 3 items

- Colourpop Oh Snap (decluttered)

- Chi Chi O.M.NUDE!! lipstick (lost)

- 3ina Lip Oil (lost)