I officially have enough posts in my trash talk series for someone to read one every day of the week! I'm not sure who would do that but I just thought I'd mention it 😂

Over the summer holidays (yes, Australia is opposite for those reading from the other side of the world), I accumulated quite a few products. You'd also be aware that I am attempting a project pan so, by the end of the year, I hope to include more makeup products within these posts. For now, let's talk trash...

The Body Shop - Almond Milk & Honey body lotion

$20 

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This is a product I don't generally use up. When it comes to moisturising my body I often opt out of that step but I'm glad I used this up. This body lotion claims to soothe uncomfortable tight, itchy dry skin. I found it to be really hydrating and did not leave a greasy feeling. I'm unsure whether I would repurchase it as I have a few other lotions that I need to work my way through, but I did really enjoy this one so I would consider it.

NYX - Dewy Setting Spray

$14.95

⭐ ⭐ ⭐

A nice daily use spray if you can be bothered taking the extra step. It did leave a very dewy finish to my face which sometimes made my makeup feel heavier? Or at least made me notice I had makeup on my skin, which at times was not a pleasant feeling. I guess this did work but isn't a must for me so I won't be repurchasing. I also do prefer the Urban Decay All Nighter over this.

Josie Maran - Pure Argan Milk

(sample)

⭐

As someone with dry skin I did not think I would ever say this, this was too much for my skin. In the sense it was over hydrating but my skin didn't really absorb it. I found it to clog my pores and whenever I used it I had those small congested bumps afterwards. I ended up tossing it before using it up so luckily it was just a sample.

Models Prefer - BB Youth Boost

$16.99

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This is a beautiful BB cream. It sat so nicely on my skin and I absolutely loved using it. The only reason it lacks that final star is because of the shade range - there are only two. I found it to be a little too ashy/pink for my skin tone so for this reason I won't repurchase but it really was a lovely product and gave my skin such a healthy look.

Stem - Hydrating Face Fluid

$23.10

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

If you have sensitive skin and struggle to find a moisturiser that works for you then this is a great product. It is hydrating yet has a thin consistency so it absorbs nicely into the skin. For dryer skin types this pairs nicely with a facial oil for added moisture. I have a review on it here. I would consider purchasing this in the future.

Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip

$6.50

⭐ ⭐

Regular viewers of my Instagram stories would know I am tossing Midi, Beeper and Clueless from Colourpop as they are old in my collection and were well loved. The other Ultra Matte Lips I am decluttering (rehoming). These three in particular have had their formula change over time and just crumble off my lips. I personally wouldn't repurchase this formula from Colourpop as I am not the biggest fan of liquid lipsticks. Due to their formula and comfort they get quite a low rating however, the shades are gorgeous.

Nourish London - Kale 3D Cleanse

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I loved this cleanser, 30% because it changes colour when it comes into contact with water and being rubbed on your face and 70% because it worked well. Kale is one of my favourite vegetables so if it is in a cleanser I immediately love it. It left my skin feeling clean and brighter looking (over time). Even though I really enjoyed using this I won't be repurchasing as I have a pretty solid skincare routine right now so I don't require another face wash. 

Palmer's - Ultra Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil

$10.49

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Another one bites the dust. I won't say anything about this as it is in every skin diaries or trash talk I have written. There is one new thing I have to say about this though, *SHOCK ALERT* I won't be repurchasing this any time soon as I have replaced it with LUSH's ultrabland cleanser. This could make an appearance in the future though, I am missing it.

Derma E - Nourishing Rose Cleansing Oil

sample

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This product is similar to the Palmer's cleansing oil however, is a much thinner oil. I did enjoy using it but like I said, I don't require it in my skin care routine. If you aren't a fan of cleansing oils that leave your skin feeling oily then I recommend this one. It is very gentle on the skin and removes makeup quite well.

Chi Chi Cosmetics - Super CC Cream

$29.95

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This is one of those products that I changed my mind about the more I used it. At the beginning I didn't really like this CC cream. I found it broke up on my skin or left me looking cakey. After working with it and getting to know the formula I actually loved this product. I found it worked best on my bare skin and if I was going to powder it then loose powder seemed to work best. It offers great coverage but doesn't feel heavy on the skin. I will say, when I paired it with primer, concealer and pressed powder it did feel heavy and I hated wearing it. This is more of my go-to product when I had to wake up at 6:30am for work and wanted quick coverage and a very minimal makeup look.

When I work my way through more foundations I will figure out which were my absolute favourites and if this still makes the list I would repurchase.

Physician's Formula - Organic Wear CC Cream

$18.27

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

It appears that BB/CC creams are a common theme for this trash talk. I really enjoyed working through the ones in my collection over summer because they're the perfect base product. For a lighter coverage, and I mean barely there, this was a great option. It has really basic ingredients that are good for your skin which I appreciated. I found it applied best with my hands as it really helped the thicker cream melt into my skin. It wasn't cakey as it was super light-weight and undetectable. I won't repurchase for the time being and I want more coverage if I am going to wear makeup. I see myself buying and wearing this when my skin is clearer and I have a full time job because it would work better for that.

Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Rosewater Mask

$18.95

⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This was an ok hydrating mask. I did enjoy the consistency of it, I found it sunk into my skin nicely and when I rinsed off the excess my skin felt soft and hydrated. The strange thing is that it is formulated for sensitive skin types but I found it burnt mine sometimes? Due to this I wouldn't repurchase.

Brite Organix Masques in mango and coffee

$15 each

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I love a good hair mask. Not only do these work well but they are practical and come in a variety of scents and hair needs. I have multiple more in my collection so I will be well off for a while.

I find I can get 4-6 uses out of each pouch. Keep in mind my hair is above my shoulders. They're easy to use, not oily or sticky, I love them. The reason they have 4 stars is because I personally find straight up coconut oil to be a super beneficial hair mask and that is my #1 favourite. These are still a great alternative if you don't want to melt coconut oil to make your own.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

$18 (4ml)

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Prior to trying Inika Organic's long lash vegan mascara this way my absolute favourite. I would even say they may be equal first in terms of how they make my lashes look. I am trying to be good and only have 1 mascara at a time but I would definitely repurchase this in the 4ml size. It lasted me quite a while and my lashes looked so fluffy and natural, yet I could get them to look dramatic if I wanted to. I love the size of the brush, I love the formula, I love everything about it

I even love the packaging and wand so much that I think I will repurpose it to be an eyebrow and eye lash oil serum or just keep the wand to act as a spoolie.

Organic Care Coco Repair Shampoo

$6 (larger bottle)

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Can you tell I don't keep a theme to these posts, I'm always all over the place because I literally pick things out of a box as I go. Anywho, this is the only shampoo brand I've used ever since I can remember. I have always used natural/organic hair care in my life so I can't really compare it to anything. I like it and I find it cleans my hair, although I don't have oily or problematic hair. It gets the job done and I will continue to use it. My favourite range of theirs is the dry nourish range though.

The Body Shop Fuji Green Tea Hand Cream

$7

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

This is an exciting product for me as I've never used up, let alone owned a hand cream before. It was a joy to use this every night before bed or even throughout the day because it didn't leave any weird residue. It sunk in nicely and my hands were not slippery at all. I enjoyed the smaller size and scent, I am considering repurchasing it in the future.

Natural Instinct Hydrating Facial Wipes

$7.99

⭐

I rarely dislike a product that is good for your skin but I just didn't find these wipes to be "moist" enough to remove makeup. They also dried up pretty quickly so I wasn't able to use them all.

I appreciate that they are also biodegradable but they didn't work for makeup removal. I guess in the future I could maybe use them as hand wipes? But for now, its a no from me.

Keratin Complex

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I purchased this when I was in Italy so I have no idea where to find it or if it even exists anymore. I did enjoy this spray as it left my hair feeling nice but I can't repurchase it.

Grants of Australia Mild Mint with Aloe Vera toothpaste x2

$2.60

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

My favourite SAFE toothpaste. It feels like a "traditional" chemical toothpaste in the sense it feels and tastes minty but it does not irritate my teeth whatsoever. It is also an affordable green switch that anyone can make.

Derma E Overnight Peel

sample

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I have dry skin, texture and scarring so I love peels. I don't know how to describe what this product did but it somehow make my overall appearance nicer. I would repurchase once I work through a few other skincare products.

ARCONA Cranberry Toner

sample but usually $55

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Ahhh, I hate to love this because the full size is so pricey for a step I usually skip. It is refreshing, hydrating, gentle and just magical liquid in a bottle. I don't know if I would purchase this but I indulged in it while I had it. It also smells amazing. I will have to think very deeply about repurchasing it but I really did love it. P.S. Repurposing the bottle to use for traveling. Reduce, reuse recycle!

Blissoma Tone Intense Hydration Tonique

sample

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Another toner I loved? I never used toner before, I never saw the purpose of it but I actually enjoyed this one too. It is in a spray bottle which I love a little more than the previous one because it's convenient. It is also cheaper at $32. It worked quite similar to the ARCONA one and since this one is marketed for dry skin it worked wonders for me. I am also repurposing this bottle for travel and may repurchase.

Eye of Horus bio Lash Lift mascara

$38

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

If you have sensitive or easily irritated eyes then this is the mascara for you. It gives off a very natural appearance to your lashes but I also found the wand to be a little difficult to work with at times as it can gather excess product. If you remember to wipe the excess off then it is completely fine.

Tilk - Love me hand cream and regenerate me facial cream

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

First off the hand cream. Since I am a newly converted hand cream user this was another one I enjoyed. Similarly to the body shop one it didn't leave a strange film behind and I actually found it to be a tad more hydrating. It helped with dry skin and I don't know what they're called but you know when your nails peel on the edges and if you rip it off they bleed? Those things. It helped prevent those but even soften it enough for me to cut off easily. It was a great one to use at night time as it comes in a little pot.

The regenerate facial cream left my skin feeling hydrated and soft. It didn't irritate my skin in any way nor did it break me out. I found it had an almost mousse like consistency but very airy. I did enjoy it and now I'm excited to try out their other products they sent to me.

Both of these products are vegan, natural and travel friendly, which is awesome!

Nourish London firming facial oil

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

I am a big fan of facial oils, in fact I have a drawer full of them and have no idea when I'll get to using them all. Thankfully I find I go through them at a pretty good pace as they pair well with my dry skin. I've tried many oils in the past and currently, this one sunk in nicely, didn't break me out (which some can) and had a thin consistency. If you're familiar with facial oils you can tell when it is a good one and when it isn't. My preference is a thin consistency that sinks in well, typically with oils you don't want your skin to feel or look oily. Two to three drops is plenty. 

This is another bottle I can repurpose and keep for travel. It is a good small size for me to transfer my larger bottled oil into.

Sukin sensitive Facial Moisturiser

$5.49

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Finally, the last item. I know these posts can get long so I will write a little about this and then I'm done. I used to be a fan of cream moisturisers and this is a great one but I've gone completely oil based. It is light and gentle like it states, sits nicely under makeup, affordable and natural.

If you made it this far then I am very impressed! What is something you have used up recently?

This product is not new to The Daily Catchup. It has featured in a few blogposts and many photos on my Instagram in the past, so it was only right to give it a blogpost all to itself. I am referring to the Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening serum.

When you hear the words skin-brightening, I don't know about you, but personally it sounds like music to my ears. For someone with quite a bit of redness and scarring I love the sound of brighter skin and need all the help I can get to achieve it. Before I go on and on about my love for this product I will include some information from the Antipodes website.

ABOUT:
"A water-based serum which helps to correct dull, blemished or uneven skin. The revolutionary antioxidant Vinanza Grape & Kiwi helps minimise the appearance of facial redness. Exfoliating enzymes from the superfruit kiwifruit and soothing Vinanza Oxifend from pinot noir grapes leave skin gloriously glowing. Meanwhile, mamaku black fern and Reishi mushroom of immortality boost healthy cell renewal for true, fresh-faced beauty."

INGREDIENTS:
This serums is 100% natural, with 74% of it's ingredients from organic cultivation. As mentioned above the ingredients within this serum are waiwera artesian water, vinanza grape and kiwi fruit and vinanza oxifend. It's fragrances are green apple and cardamon pod.

BEFORE & AFTER:
The above photos were taken on the 13th of December 2017 and my after (bottom) photos were taken on the 28th of January 2018.

THOUGHTS:
There aren't many skincare products that amaze me after one use. However, this is actually one of those products for me.

You can tell by my photos, especially my left cheeks in the before and after how much this product really helps reduce acne marks. For the amount of time I  used it I wasn't able to make a dramatic change to my scars that have been around for years but it did improve any newer marks left by my pimples. Whenever I use this serum people that see me with bare skin ask me if I have applied makeup because it's looking a lot clearer than usual and I feel the same way.

I would also have to agree that it brightens and tones the skin. I am someone with pretty dry skin but after using this serum I didn't have any dry flaky spots which was amazing!! I don't have too much to say about this serum because for me personally, the before and after photos speak 1000 words. Yes I still have a pretty bad break out situation on my right cheek (thanks hormones) but all the spots from my before photo have completely gone. Acne marks usually last forever on me, so to have a product speed up the process and take away some of my redness I will forever be grateful for.

I have also used this serum in the past so I was without it for a little while. Which made me realise the drastic shift of my skin when I am using it and when I am not. Out of all the skincare I have ever used or owned, this is by far my favourite because it really boosts my confidence and I can go out without makeup on. It just makes my skin look so healthy, brighter and generally in a much better state than usual.

For anyone that is interested, I used the serum once a day at night and am about halfway through the bottle. I apply the serum generously over my cheeks and jaw line as they are my problem areas and use the left over on my forehead, nose and chin. I also really enjoy the dropper applicator as it keeps it hygienic and I can adjust how much or how little product I want to apply.

If your skin is similar to mine or you have any marks on your face you want to fade then I highly, highly, recommend this serum by Antipodes. It is a little pricey but I would happily buy multiple bottles because it really does wonders to my skin.

Happy New Year fellow beauty lovers! I was going to wait before doing another skin update but I decided to start the blogging new year with my skin. Especially because this year, one of my major focuses is to clear my skin and get my hormonal acne/scarring under control.

As per usual I will attach images of the current state of my skin, the products I am implementing, diet etc. So let's get into it!

Supplements
These are pretty similar to my last update, just with a few tweaks by my naturopath.

• Vitamin A
• Zinc - liquid zinc because my body cannot tolerate tablets for some reason
• Evening Primrose oil to help balance my hormones
• Herbal mix from Naturopath
• Fish oil - a new addition to my supplement mix. This helps with removal of dead skin cells

Diet/Exercise
I am focusing on a more plant based diet and making an effort to eat a lot more vegetables. I've also consciously been drinking more water.

In terms of exercise, I am currently at the beach so I am going swimming. I also do yoga and strength workouts occasionally at home.

Skincare
My favourite part of these posts - the products I'm using. Reading back on prior Skin Diaries helps me realise what works and what doesn't, so I hope it is also helpful for all of you reading.

Since I have gone away for the month these skincare products are also my "must haves".

To cleanse and remove makeup I am using Dr Bronner's liquid castile soap in peppermint. This really deep cleans my skin, especially after a day of layering sunscreen. I only leave it on my skin for roughly 30 seconds to ensure it doesn't dry it out. In the mornings and evenings I am also using good quality Manuka honey, I leave it on for 10-20 minutes at a time.

I only brought one mask away with me and that is a detox clay mask. Since I've skipped out on an exfoliator, doing this mask twice a week is necessary. It is the Teami Green Tea Detox Mask. It has lot's of benefits including pulling out toxins from inflamed skin, helps repair sun damaged skin and naturally heals skin.

Now for serums and facial oils, the best part of skincare in my opinion. I am using the Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening Serum* again. This features in one of my most popular blogposts here, I also have a post dedicated to it coming soon! Basically, I've introduced this product back into my routine as it helps diminish my scarring.

The facial oil/my moisturiser is by Zum Face and it is their Nourishing Facial Oil. It is a very light oil that sinks into the skin quite quickly but actually does leave a glow and hydrated appearance. I am able to wear it under makeup without it affecting anything.

As toner, I occasionally use watered down apple cider vinegar. I am pretty slack with this step but I thought I'd mention it anyway.

Makeup
I actually have another post coming including all the makeup I travel with, which is the makeup I am currently using so keep an eye out for that!

Current state of my skin to kick off 2018:

*Photos were taken yesterday, mid way through my period. As you can see one cheek is looking a lot clearer than the other. Does it ever happen to you that only one side of your face breaks out at a time then swaps? I change my pillow cases regularly so i've eliminated that. I assume it is related to my hormones and ovaries??

That brings me to the end of my first skin diaries of 2018, I can't wait to see the future improvements and let me know what skincare you are loving lately!

Previous skin diaries to compare products and skin photos.

Disclaimer: Products marked with * were sent to me. All opinions are 100% honest and based off my own experience and I have tested each of these products as if I had purchased them all myself. Thank you to Antipodes for sending me the product to share with you all.

I am horrible with committing to monthly beauty favourites because I tend to stick to products for longer periods of time and don't switch things up monthly. So I am here today to share my current beauty favourites with you all.

Lip balm

Eco Lips Mongo Kiss - Vanilla Honey
Dry lips? Desperately need moisture back into your lips? Look no further than this JUMBO (literally) lip balm! It's certified organic so you know its made with 100% safe ingredients. Also, it comes in a variety of scents, but I love vanilla honey most. I use it every night before bed and its so so moisturising.

Face Mask

Sukin Purifying Facial Masque
I am a massive lover of clay masks however having to mix them with water or the dreaded drying feeling afterwards tends to put me off. In winter I need to steer clear of those clay masks and have replaced them with this one by Sukin. I've actually been using it since January and still have quite a bit left. It really helps to clear out my skin and leaves it feeling soft. Unlike your typical clay masks it's not drying whatsoever.

(I wrote this before it turned into Spring but I still use it!!)

Face wash

Nourish London Kale 3D Cleanse
First of all kale is one of my favourite vegetables, so when it is in a cleanser I already love it. The face wash claims to lift impurities and detoxify skin. I enjoy using it as a second cleanse in my routine as I find it removes any left over makeup or even sunscreen residue.

It is not drying whatsoever and the colour changing aspect makes it a lot of fun to use.

Eyeshadow

Too Faced Natural Eyes
If you follow me on Instagram you would know Tartelette in Bloom was my obsession but I hit pan on a few shades so I'm trying not to use it as much 😂 Instead I have gone back to one of my first favourites - Natural Eyes by Too Faced. On the daily I mix nudie and heaven all over my eyelid and in the crease. It is the perfect shade and blends easily. This is a great "first" eye shadow palette because I feel like it has everything you will ever need.

Mascara

Urban Decay Perversion
Since going cruelty free no mascara I tried gave me what I was after. I was in mecca one day and near the registers were mini items so of course I gave in. My lashes are pretty long and I am after length over volume. This mascara can make my lashes look fake if I pack it on or I can apply it lightly, brush it out with a comb and my lashes look super natural. The brush can get a little messy because it is larger than what I'm used to but I'd definitely purchase the full size!

Brushes/Tools

A while ago I did a post dedicated to the new ecoTools brushes and yes I still adore them. I use the big powder brush daily for powder, bronzer and blush. It is so soft and I just want it on my face all day long. Their eye brushes are just as good, if not better than their OG ones back in the day. They make blending eyeshadow a dream and don't irritate my eyes (a common issue I have if the brush bristles are too harsh).

Last but not least is their sponge. This sponge converted me from applying foundation with a brush to a sponge. I used to despise sponges because they absorbed the coverage I needed to cover my scarring but not this one. It is honestly magical in the way it applies my foundation. It doesn't even soak up liquidy foundations that you think it would. I need to go purchase 10 of these because I'm too lazy to wash the one I have but at the same time I want to use it every time I apply makeup.

Comment your faves below or let me know over on the gram!

First things first, sorry for being absent from my blog once again. Life has been throwing a lot at me this year and I really had to figure out my priorities, which unfortunately meant blogging and Instagram got a little neglected.

If you are a regular reader of my skin diaries you would know I've been suffering from hormonal acne for years (8 to be exact) and it is still a constant battle. If you'd like to catch up, here are all my previous skin diaries. A quick summary of my health situation so this can all make sense, after all health and the appearance of your skin is connected. 8 years ago I started experiencing a lot of hormonal issues such as pain, nausea and of course, bad skin. This has continued up until present day. Fast forwarding to July last year (I may have mentioned this in previous skin diaries so I'm sorry if it's repetitive) a cyst was found on my right ovary. I knew because my period literally went missing for a few months, I had terrible pain and my skin was a nightmare. The solution was the pill and it was all and well while I was on it. The cyst went, I gained some weight, my boobs went up three sizes and most importantly my skin cleared completely. I decided to get off it because I'm someone who hates medication and I did not want to rely on a pill to balance my hormones. Assuming the cyst was a one off thing I got off the pill and focused on natural alternatives. Like cutting out dairy and sugar etc.

In January this year my weight literally dropped off. I think I lost a total of 12kg and I was already on the skinny side so it was not good. I didn't reach out to doctors at the time, instead I saw a naturopath but I didn't really openly admit my weight loss. It really affected my mood and I had no idea why the weight went away (so did my boobs, back to an A cup for me). Additionally, my skin broke out like crazy, it was like I went backwards. I went to a doctor and asked for a hormone blood test, I was rejected and told "I'm too young to have any hormonal issues that need checking" so that was that. The naturopath helped me to start balancing my hormones but as you'd notice in previous skin diaries it wasn't as big of a success as i'd hoped. I know natural alternatives take a while but deep down I knew something was wrong with my hormones. Around June/July when I noticed I was really struggling to put weight back on (my weight just kept dropping despite me ensuring I was eating around 2,300 calories) I went to the doctors because my wrists began to hurt. I was advised to take calcium & vitamin D tablets as well as alter my diet. Altering my diet helped me gain weight, roughly 2kg within a month, which was a lot better than it going down. I then saw another doctor because my naturopath wanted me to check my thyroid. I ended up getting a blood test and found my thyroid was hyperactive. That somewhat explained why my weight was dropping however when I had a one month check up my thyroid was back to normal and the doctor wanted me to have more tests because there wasn't much of an improvement with my weight, periods being regular or my skin. He had a feeling there was something off with my reproductive system. He requested an ultra sound as a check up because I had a cyst in the past, so I went to do that. During my ultra sound I discovered I had another cyst (which made total sense because my skin was badly breaking out at the time) as well as being told I have a mild case of polycystic ovary syndrome. The doctor had to clarify through a blood test but when I found out that this was most likely the issue I had all these years I was so relieved but also disheartened. I knew my hormones were imbalanced and I knew the symptoms weren't for nothing so I was glad to finally have a name to what was going on with my body. However, another curve ball. For some reason my blood test results didn't line up with my symptoms or what was seen on my ovaries so I'll need to go to the hospital to do further tests to see if it is polycystic ovaries or some other issue. Although I most likely do have the condition.

Anyway, that's an update on my health this year. It was necessary to explain because it is why my skin is the way it is as well as the reason for my absence. Of course the pill is the immediate response to the condition however it can't actually ever be cured so I thought, what's the point of a "bandaid" fix when I can try to eliminate or at least lessen the symptoms naturally. I've seen a dietitian but wasn't happy so now I will try a nutritionist where my naturopath was located. I will include that experience in my next update. Hopefully now that I pretty much know the cause of my acne I can achieve clearer skin.

I don't really have much of a skin "update" for you all but I do have the reason behind it all so I thought it was important to dedicate a post to. Like I said above I will update on the diet in the next skin diaries but for skin care and beauty this is what I'm using.

Skincare

• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil - the same as my other skin diaries! Although I do want to purchase the face halo and remove makeup with that.
• Nourish Skincare Kale 3D cleanse - I love kale, when I saw it was in a cleanser I immediately knew I'd love it. It is a colour changing cleanser (goes from silver to green when you mix it with water and use on your face) that is super gentle. It lifts impurities and detoxifies the skin. I prefer it over the previous cleanser I was using and am trying to use it 2x daily. I am guilty of only washing my face once a day, in the mornings I like to use warm water but I see more improvements when I use this cleanser twice.
• Nourish Skincare Radiance Firming Facial oil - I replaced rosehip oil and my sukin moisturiser with this oil. It is very lightweight and doesn't clog my pores. I've really enjoyed using it especially in the mornings under mineral makeup because it helps hydrate my skin. I did purchase another facial oil to use after this one so I look forward to seeing which one I prefer. I'll definitely update in my next post.
• Tea tree oil - I've been using this to spot treat any cystic acne I get and it works wonders but new pimples love to pop up so its a constant battle lol. 

Makeup

I have made the conscious effort to use more natural ingredient makeup on a daily basis. I have a natural/organic cosmetics series coming soon including reviews and favourites so I won't go into detail but I'll list a few i've been using.

• Lily Lolo Mineral Foundation spf 15
• Physician's Formula Organicwear CC Cream
• Scout Cosmetics Organic Healthy Glow Fluid Foundation

Here are some photos of where my skin is at lately + comparison from last skin diaries:

July (previous skin diaries) - Pictures were taken roughly a week or so before my period. Possibly closer to ovulation time which is always when my skin is at it's worst.

(These photos were taken indoors and the next images were taken outdoors in natural sunlight. Natural outdoor lighting does make my skin appear "clearer" whereas indoor lighting tends to make it look worse, so keep that in mind. I will try to remember to attach some indoor lighting photos again for a more accurate comparison.)

20th September - Taken a few days prior to my period (I forgot to take photos at ovulation time when my skin completely broke out). A couple of hormonal breakouts along jaw, cheek and temple although at this point mostly were starting to clear up.

6th October: my 11 day period finally ended and this is how my skin is looking.

In my next update I will discuss my diet in more detail, especially the changes I've made over the past two or so months. I just want to have an appointment with the nutritionist to get more advice so I have more to share with you all. Have a lovely day/night!

Hey everyone, I am finally getting up the 5th blogpost in my Skin Diaries series. This one is probably the most exciting as it is the first one that I will include what the naturopath I saw had to say as well as something that terrifies me, but I think will be very helpful. I have decided to include photos of my skin in these blogposts so we can all track my progress and see if products are working or if there are any changes.

I was going to delay attaching photos as much as possible but I think I will post them first up to get it out of the way. These photos were taken in natural day light and it is when my skin is at it's worst - my time of the month. You will notice that front on my skin isn't actually that bad, I have a few blemishes that always come up around period time but for the rest of the month don't really hang around. Prior to getting my period my skin was pretty clear and I was having a good run, it just always goes downhill when it's time.

When I turn my head and show my cheeks that is where things get worse. Here is where all my scarring is as well as a mixture of blemishes again thanks to my hormones. At the moment I am not worried about fading scars as much because I can't use my dermaroller while I have active acne. So once I sort out my pimples, these posts will be dedicated to scarring.

I left my forehead out as that is the clearest part of my skin. I barely ever get any pimples there so I didn't see a need to include a photo of it. If you don't know the cause of my acne or anything about my journey then please go back and read my other Skin Diaries or even the first one which is where I go into detail on my story.

I think the layout for this Skin Diaries will be different to previous ones as I want to include as much as possible that the naturopath has told me. I will break it up into Naturopath (which will now include supplements, diet and fitness), Skincare and Beauty.

Naturopath

Overview

Obviously what the naturopath and I have discussed won't be 100% suited to your situation so if you are interested in the natural route or anything I mention please consult with your own health practitioner. In terms of my situation my naturopath and I have been working on my gut health (since the beginning of May) as she believes that could be a cause and building on from that we are also working on my hormones and trying to regulate them which will then aid in the acne department too. She has also altered my diet which I will go into detail later.

Vitamins/Supplements

When I first saw my naturopath she didn't want to prescribe me anything immediately as she wanted to ease my body into it. I started out taking a nettle tea and was directed to have two to three cups a day. Here is a website I have found to list the benefits of this tea.

After my second or third session is when I was prescribed natural "medication". I take three capsules a day to aid in digestion (this is moreso for my gut health) as well as a probiotic 1x daily, which has now become a powdered version once daily (this is to again help my gut as I suffered from a lot of illnesses). I am not 100% sure if these supplements will directly aid in my skin as it is mainly to improve my overall health and help me gain weight (another thing I am struggling with lately).

One supplement that I am taking which is better linked to my skin is liquid zinc. I take 6 drops four times a day (if you want to have zinc please don't go by my dosage as I had to build up to this and some people don't need or can't tolerate zinc!! Speak to a professional first!). I initially took this as a zinc drink but am not able to apply it topically to my skin. I haven't done this yet but from now on I am going to do this and see if it helps. The naturopath made it clear that none of what I am doing will work within a week or even a month. It is going to be a longer process than the "pills" doctors prescribe as you are actually fixing your body/hormones this way not just patching it up with a "bandaid". In saying this I have been taking the zinc for a month and I did find my skin didn't break out as much prior to my period but like I mentioned above, I have broken out pretty badly now that it is period time.

Diet

Again my diet is suited to my own concerns (skin/weight/etc.) and has been constructed to suit myself. I don't eat meat so we came up with alternative ways for me to still get protein, omega and healthy fatty acids. I also don't have sugar so there was no need to cut that out of my diet. If you love sugar and are thinking of ways to alter your diet to better your skin then I do recommend you cut back greatly on your intake.

My diet pretty much consists of fish 3x a week, eggs, half my plate being veggies for every lunch/dinner (greens are best to improve skin!) as well as oats + an assortment of seeds/nuts with coconut milk for breakfast. If any of you are interested in what meals I make/eat in a week I can do a proper post going into detail. This is just a rough overview of the main suggestions the naturopath gave me.

Fitness

Between my last Skin Diaries and this one I did go to the gym and started weight training. Mainly to help me gain muscle (increase my weight) but exercise can also benefit your skin. I have since stopped the gym and do weight training occasionally at home. If I am not doing that I try to get myself to do yoga or meditation to relax/destress and also get some exercise into my life.

Skincare and Beauty

Skincare

I've cut back a lot again this time. In my last one I think I introduced more into my routine but have decided against that method once again. I now use one cleanser - Natural Instinct Replenishing Cream Cleanser (suggested by the naturopath). This cleanser is very gentle and doesn't strip or irritate my dry skin at all. It is pretty basic and very affordable but it works well. I still use the exact same cleansing oil to remove my makeup and pair my cleansing with either my Foreo or Clarisonic.

I ran out of my Sukin exfoliator and haven't purchased another yet. I know exfoliating is essential but I've been substituting it by using a cleansing device just to give my skin a break. I will probably purchase a proper exfoliator eventually.

Moisturisers are still my Sukin and The Body Shop ones. As well as my beloved Rosehip oil. I don't do as many face masks unless my skin feels congested or overly dry and I will use whichever mask is appropriate. I can do a face mask collection soon to show you the ones I own plus their purposes/benefits.

In terms of makeup I have only been using mineral/powder foundation. I actually used one up entirely - Nude by Nature - and have repurchased. It is a very quick application that covers but lets my skin breathe. I have a review here on the powder foundations I own and use so you can find out my thoughts by reading that!

That is all I have to share for this Skin Diaries. I am seeing my naturopath again at the end of July, she wanted me to have two periods before seeing her again to just take all the supplements and implement everything I was instructed. We will then review my progress and see where to go from there. Hopefully in my next update we will be able to see some sort of improvement with my skin especially now that I have included photos. If you are going to leave a comment please be mindful of what you say about my skin because it is a big insecurity of mine and took a lot for me to actually  post this with the photos. I hope that by attaching the photos I can better help others and if there is improvement it will make me happier to actually be able to track and see it.

Thank you for reading and have a lovely week ahead.

Happy Sunday everyone. This week I am reviewing two new and improved Foreo facial cleansing devices. Mother's Day is coming up and if you are still stuck on ideas this post may convince you that a Foreo device is what she needs!

Think Clarisonic but simplified. It is made completely with silicone so you never have to mess around with purchasing new brush heads, has a variety of settings and there are different sizes to suit your skin concerns or needs.

Before raging on about all the other positives to this water-proof device I will include a little more info on the two I have.

Foreo LUNA mini 2

$179 + two years warranty

Just wanted to quickly add that the Shaver Shop Au currently have a deal that if you purchase the LUNA mini 2 it comes with the LUNA play for $179!! One for your mum and a bonus for you 😉

About:
"An enhanced T-Sonic™ face brush with eight adjustable intensities for a fully customisable cleansing experience. The updated 3-zone face brush is optimised for all skin types and comes in five new colours."

Benefits:

• Bigger brush compared to the Luna mini which allows you to cleanse a larger area of skin
• Eight settings that you can customise yourself based off your own preferences and requirements
• Pulsates on the skin to ensure all impurities are removed and leaves your skin feeling 100% cleansed
• Comes with a rechargeable USB
• 1 charge lasts 5 months
• Completely waterproof and you never have to spend more money to replace brush heads
• Feels like a very relaxing facial massage while cleansing your skin? BONUS!!
• Makes you want to clean your face
• Doesn't take up too much room if you wanted to take it on holidays with you
• Sleek, compact and not bulky
• Has the brush head on the front and back 
• Takes 1 hour to fully charge!!

Foreo LUNA play

$59

*NEW*

About:

"LUNA play packs a punch in a tiny macaron sized device. Though small in size the LUNA play is a fun and affordable introduction to the amazing skincare benefits that comes from T-Sonic™ cleansing."

Benefits:

• Small size allows you to get into all the harder to reach areas - between the brows, around the nose and under the ear lobes which was a massive plus for me
• You can have a more concentrated deep cleanse
• Affordable, especially if you want majority of the benefits without paying $100+
• Again waterproof and you don't need to replace the brush head - can you tell I love this aspect?!
• Great for travel
• I personally love the size of this one, it isn't too difficult to hold despite its petite size

The only downfall with the LUNA play (which isn't really a big deal) is that you don't get a variety of settings with it. This is perfect as an introductory device but if you want maximum benefits you'll obviously have to pay a little more.

If you really want to pamper your mum this Mother's Day I highly suggest you take up the Shaver Shop Au on their current deal! Cleansing your face is essential for all ages and having a device that does it for you makes life so much easier. Foreo make things even better since there are not extra costs (brush heads) with their devices making them the better option when selecting a facial brush.

I am already a lover of using a cleansing brush daily since I feel like it gives me a deep clean but I also wanted to mention that these brushes do not irritate my acne or sensitive skin. The silicone brush heads are very gentle on the skin, again making them a perfect option for all skin types, including mature.

P.S. My mum and my brother have stolen these off me because it feels so relaxing on the face. 

Disclaimer - These brushes were sent to me for the purpose of this review however all opinions are 100% honest and based off my own experience. I only work with companies I would personally support or purchase from myself. For more information click here - disclaimer

Trash Talks are one of my favourite posts to write up because I always feel so accomplished looking at all the junk I have accumulated. It actually helps prove to myself that I do go through products I own and they're not just sitting around collecting dust in my collection.

Anyway, I have decided to write these blogposts up a little differently than my previous ones. If you're a follower of mine via Instagram you will be well aware that I am cruelty free. I do have non cruelty free products that were purchased before making the switch so I am phasing them out slowly, hence why some may appear throughout my Trash Talks. I will only be reviewing the CF products I've used up and briefly list the non CF products last (without a review since I don't recommend them!)

Right now as I write this post I am literally sit cross legged on my bathroom floor sorting through my trash because tonight is bin night and I really need to recycle/throw this rubbish out 😂 So let's begin!

True Essentials Cleansing Micellar Makeup Remover

✔ ✔

I had to force myself to use this product up. Not because it didn't do its job but because it made my skin, especially my eyes burn whenever I used it. It is paraben, fragrance and alcohol free, contains no animal derived ingredients and is neutral pH so I wish it didn't burn my skin!! I have no idea what ingredient disagreed with my skin but if you look through the ingredients and they aren't an issue for you I do recommend this.

You can purchase this from Coles.

Andalou Naturals Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

This one is a repeat offender since its probably in all of my Trash Talks. Without a doubt this is one of my favourite face masks. I have a full review here so again I won't go too much into it but I will be repurchasing this!

They changed the packaging on this, that is why mine is green and the new one is orange.

Keeko Teeth Whitening Pen

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Full review & results post here if you're interested in more info for this product. But I really enjoyed using it and would repurchase.

Eleos Skincare Extra Virgin Olive Oil Soap

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Random thing to use up but I did use up a bar of soap. I am the type of person that has reactions to soap (yes my body skin is very sensitive, its frustrating) and this didn't irritate me at all! It doesn't lather as much as other soaps which is mostly due to it being 100% natural. It's gentle, fragrance free and not drying whatsoever. If you're after a new soap you should try this one out.

Body Crystal Botanica Crystal Roll-On Deodorant

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Another odd thing to include but I honestly go through so many of these and deodorant is an essential. I've been using this deodorant for years and I'm talking the past 10 years. I don't know what I can say about a deodorant other than it smells good and it works.

It's 100% natural and alcohol free. I find the roll-on application very easy to use and the main reason why I go back to it. Already repurchased and have unlimited backups. If you want to get into natural deodorants (which are SO much safer than Rexona etc.) then you should definitely check this one out. There are different scents and also a spray form if you prefer that.

Face of Australia Face Base Primer

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

To break up the skincare and body care I thought I better include some makeup to keep you all reading interested. I really enjoyed this primer and it was my go-to on a daily basis. It didn't irritate my skin or break me out and it helped add extra hydration prior to makeup application. 

My skin is on the dryer side so foundation tends to last no matter the primer but this was a good basic, daily use kind of primer. I do want to try out other primers but will most likely go back to this one because I feel like it is a staple in my collection.

Red Seal Natural SLS free

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Toothpaste. Another essential in everyone's life. 

Toothpastes like Colgate leave my teeth feeling very sensitive plus they aren't good for you, I think I should just do entire blogposts about why things aren't actually safe or good for our bodies hey? So this is what I have used to years. It is mineral based, paraben free and has no added fluoride.

The only downfall is that it doesn't leave my breath smelling overly minty. This is an issue for me personally since I repeatedly had tonsillitis which made my breath smell horrible (gross I know and probably TMI). I've already got multiple back ups and go through many tubes since my whole family also uses this toothpaste.

Kiss my Face Deep Cleansing Mask

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

I love face masks and enjoy doing them regularly. In saying that this mask wasn't a stand out. It worked well and did what it was intended to do. However, I prefer stronger masks such as the Aztec one which makes your face pulsate since it actually feels like it is doing a deep cleanse.

I feel like this would be a GREAT mask for those of you with oilier acne-prone skin types because it helps remove oils and bacteria from the skin plus has tea tree oil in it which aids in reducing acne. If I ever lack face masks, which I don't think will be for a while since I have a drawer full, I would probably repurchase this. I did enjoy using it but it isn't one I can't live without.

Sneaky Squirrel Body Scurb

✔ ✔ ✔

If you love the scent of jaffa lollies then you will adore this body scrub! It works amazingly with removing dead skin or even old fake tan while leaving your skin moisturised. My only issue with this and the reason why it only receives a 3/5 is that it has coconut oil in it and I am allergic.

If you suffer from acne, cellulite, stretch marks or dry skin then this is a great scrub to use.

Iluka Gentle Foaming Cleanser

✔ ✔

Gel cleansers are not fantastic for dry skin, hence why this only got a 2/5 rating. I did like this face wash but it left my dry skin feeling tight after each use. If you have normal or oily skin then I 100% recommend you try this out because it is a good face wash. Other than leaving my face tight it did cleanse well and didn't break me out.

Its at times like these that I wish I didn't have a dry skin type because this is a good product!
*This product is no longer available.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Ultra Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

I LOOOOOVEEE this cleansing oil. It has been in all my Trash Talks and a few of my blog posts throughout my blog. Visit my product directory page here to check out all the posts where I feature it because I don't want to repeat myself 100 times.

This isn't pictured in the image because it leaked everywhere and I didn't want oil on my background 😂

Life-Flo Pure Rosehip Seed Oil

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Another product that is always in my Trash Talks without fail. It also features in my Skin Diaries. Click here to read more about this product.

Australis Primer The Original

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Similar to the Face of Australia primer mentioned above I pretty much feel the same way about this one. It is another staple and I repurchased it.

Antipodes Skin-Brightening Serum

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

I have a full review raving about this product here! Fun fact, its my most viewed post to date too.

Niacinamide B3 Cream

✔ ✔ ✔

To be completely honest I used this one up such a long time ago that I can't really remember how it performed. I remember researching the best serums to treat acne scarring and vitamin B came up. I think I need to repurchase this and try it again then review it properly. 

I do know that it didn't break me out at least!

Hurraw! Moon Balm

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Purchased this because of Shaaanxo. Forever grateful to Shaaanxo. This lip balm is amazing! Again this features in my other Trash Talks.

Lush Angels on Bare Skin

✔ ✔ ✔

When it comes to skincare I like the products I use to be fuss free. Unfortunately this one was a little too fidgety for me, you need to mix it with water to actually create the paste to exfoliate your skin. This one was only a sample size and although I did enjoy it I just am not up for creating my own paste every time I use it. In saying that I won't repurchase it but if Lush ever make it into a paste already then I would repurchase straight way.

Antipodes Grace Gentle Cleanser

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Full review here. To sum it up, I enjoyed using this but for my current skin issues I am using another face wash so won't purchase this any time soon. Possibly would in the future.

Lush Skin's Shangri La

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

Why do good things have to be so expensive? This is a rich, creamy and full of goodness moisturiser. I really do want to purchase the full size but the price prevents me from doing so. One day this will be mine and I will love it forever, I already know.

It is a dream for dry, sensitive skin.

Kiko VOLUMeyes+ active mascara

✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

I WISH Kiko was available in Australia! This mascara was so good and I've been holding onto it for the past uhh, few years (I know thats gross) but I just love it so much and know I will never get my hands on it again. I love the triangular wand, I love the bristles and I love the way it makes my lashes look. It is my favourite mascara and it was difficult to finally depart with it. If I could I would repurchase 10 tubes!!

Non cruelty free products I've used up:

• Maybelline Fit Me powder in 220
• Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
• John Frieda Sheer Blonde Tone-Correcting Shampoo
• Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless
• Maybelline Fit Me concealer in 20
• Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara

This update has no good news unfortunately. The battle with my hormonal acne is at its peak and feels like a never ending cycle of new under the skin pimples coming and going. I think the medication has 100% left my system so its all starting to go back to how it was prior to finally having it clear but I'm not going to give up. I have booked an appointment with a naturopath to sort out my hormonal issues which will hopefully result in clearer skin.

 

Anyway, this is what has changed since my last update.
P.S. not many topical skincare items are "clearing" my skin simply because the root cause is my hormonal imbalance. I do find they are helping with current acne but not stopping any new pimples from forming. If you suffer from acne due to diet, congestion or an oil imbalance etc then these products would work a lot better at preventing future acne for you!

Vitamins

Nothing new here, I am still taking the same multivitamins, maca root and vitamin E since my last update. I haven't noticed any to help with my acne but my skin is less dry and my period is regular at least!

Diet

Again not much difference with my diet. I do drink (roughly) 1.5L of water a day, still avoid sugar and am vegetarian.

Skincare

This category has changed slightly. In my last update I was using more products and this time around I have cut back.

• Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Face Wash for Acne: I use this face wash nearly twice a day every day. If my skin is feeling a little on the dry side I only use this once a day. Tea tree has amazing benefits for existing acne and I used to use this back when I was suffering this badly from breakouts. It does help to dry up any existing pimples but again doesn't prevent future ones.
  
  This face wash leaves my skin feeling very cleansed but doesn't strip it completely leaving it like the Zahara desert.
• Sukin Sensitive Facial Moisturiser: same as my last update. This hasn't broken my out and doesn't irritate my skin at all. It also works well under makeup and isn't greasy or oily feeling.
• Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Ultra Gentle Facial Cleansing Oil & Life Flo Health Pure Rosehip Seed Oil: I've used these since the beginning so read any prior skin diaries to hear my thoughts
• The Body Shop Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream: This product has been newly added to my routine. Since I am using a tea tree cleanser and have dry skin I wanted a richer moisturiser to compensate. I only use this on the nights I feel like my skin is excessively dry and so far I am loving it! Again it doesn't irritate my skin nor does it clog my pores. The lovely lady at The Body Shop recommended this for me and its been working wonders, if you have dry skin you need this!!

In terms of face masks I have tried a couple that were sent out to me and have loved them all since I am big on pampering myself and doing masks. But in saying that the two products I've been sticking to and focusing on are by The Harvest Garden. 

I use the Herbal Facial Tea in conjunction with their Kaolin and Activated Charcoal Facial Masque. I first steam my (clean) face for 10 minutes using the facial tea to really open my pores and allow the mask to clear my skin properly. The reason I've been using this mask over my Aztec secret indian healing clay and other clay masks is because I find this one to be very gentle on my skin. The Aztec mask can be a little painful as it literally makes your skin pulsate and since my acne is the deep-under-the-skin-painful type I want something thats soothing and gentle. Also clay masks tend to draw out toxins but also bring a lot more acne to the surface. This is a good and bad thing as its drawing all the crap out but my chin, jaw and cheeks are already covered and I don't really want to bring more out.

The Kaolin and Activated Charcoal mask doesn't dry out my skin and only a very thin layer is needed so it doesn't feel tight or dry. I love that I am able to mix it with water or apple cider vinegar depending on my skin and preferences that day.

Beauty

My favourite category (other than skincare products)! 

Obviously no makeup will disguise the bumps on my face and I don't want to cake on the coverage with foundation that isn't natural so I've been reaching for my Inika Organic BB Cream. This product allows me to adjust the coverage I need depending on the day and I don't use primer (just moisturiser) and it lasts all day. I've also cut down the days I wear makeup to 3 days a week just to let my skin breathe.

Also if you regularly read my blogposts you will know I tried out dermarolling. I have an entire post dedicated to it here if you're interested or missed it. I have only been able to try it out once due to my skin not cooperating and you aren't able to use it when you have active pimples. Hopefully in my next Skin Diaries i'll be able to provide an update on that for you all.

Thats pretty much it for the fourth instalment of my Skin Diaries. At the moment it does feel like a battle I cannot win but i'm not letting it get me down. I am looking forward to what the naturopath has to say and hopefully I will be on the road to recovery soon!! 

If anyone else reading this is in the same boat and struggling with acne I just want you to know that you definitely aren't the only one and your skin doesn't define who you are. I know that it can bring you down and I even have my bad days (pretty often) where I feel like crap but pimples can't stick around forever right?!

Previous Skin Diaries

#1 - A background on my skin and what I plan to do

#2 - Update on taking the natural route

#3 - Dealing & overcoming congestion