Top 10 Award – My favourite products!

Top 10 Award, What the???  :-/ That’s exactly what I thought when I heard I was nominated by not one but two of my fellow bloggers to participate in a blogging game of 'Tag, Your IT'!  Well I guess I am now IT, so it’s my turn to play!!  I feel quite honoured to have received the nomination really coz its super nice to be included in something like this, especially since my blog is so new and I am still taking baby steps while I learn the ropes.   ;;)  :)  

 The rules of the Top 10 Award are:

1. You must link back to the blogger (or bloggers in my case) who nominated you.
2. You must then list your Top 10 favourite products.
3. Finally, you need to then nominate 10 other bloggers to receive this modest but impressive award.

I was nominated by the lovely Sarah at The Science of Beauty and my good friend Su from My Perfume Diaries (Thanks Chicky Babe’s, I appreciate you guys thinking of me ;) ).  Everyone simply MUST check out their blogs! Sarah from The Science of Beauty is a scientist by trade and loves anything to do with beauty.  She likes to chat about beauty products and backs it up with scientific research, which makes for a really interesting read. (*)  Su from My Perfume Diaries, on the other hand, is just another girl who can't stop talking about perfumes.  However, she has a nose like no other and a unique way with words, tempting her readers with an array of gorgeous fragrances and other beauty stuff.  Her blog is unique and unlike most blogs; it’s very entertaining and will keep you very amused. (*)

Anyway, I thought this Top 10 Award would be a fun way to embrace the Blogger community while giving me the opportunity to share the love around a bit. :x   It was no easy feat narrowing down my favourite products to only 10 and am still umming and ahhing about  my final selection, which I might add has already been changed countless times already, hehe. ;))  Well before I can change my mind again, lets get the ball rolling once and for all.   :-j               

Presenting to you…..

My Top 10 Favourite Products!

Skinstitut L-Lactic Body Wash

I love this amazing AHA body wash because it keeps my skin in tip-top condition.  I never bothered to care too much for the skin on my body, but after investing in a quality body wash I soon discovered how beneficial it was.  Infused with Lactic Acid, a chemical exfoliant, this body wash gently sloughs away dead skin cells every time I wash.   It leaves my skin smoother, softer and more radiant.  It also keeps the hair follicles clear and unclogged so that I don’t develop any nasty ingrowns or rashes from shaving.

ASAP Daily Facial Cleanser

Everyone needs a decent cleanser and this is 'the one' for me.  I have already reviewed this cleanser in detail in my Cleansing post, however in just a few words:  This is my ‘Holy Grail’ cleanser; powerful enough to remove excess dirt, oil and any impurities from my skin, but gentle and kind enough for my sensitive skin.  A deep pore cleanser that keeps my pores free of gunk and keeps those pesky blackheads at bay.

Clarisonic Pro Sonic Cleansing System

This cleansing tool is a product I have also reviewed more thoroughly in my Cleansing post.  This little gizmo is the ‘Ant’s Pants’ of all beauty gadgets and is one that I would be reluctant to ever part with.  It compliments my anti-ageing skin care regime and provides me with a multitude of benefits, including a smoother, softer, exceptionally clearer complexion, just to name a few.

Retin-A 0.5% (Tretinoin)

I recently blogged all about this product in my VitaminTherapy – Topical Vitamin A post.  My ultimate skin care savior (yes another Holy Grail, LOL :)) )that stands heads above ALL other beauty treatments I have tried in the name of anti-ageing.  It’s a fraction of the price of its OTT (over the counter) cousins and is also heaps more potent.  This is the be all and end all in the war against skin ageing and as long as I have this product on my side, it’s a war I plan to win.      

Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Hydrator Gel

A new found favourite! (Where has this moisturiser been all my life?? :P ) Reviewed in my Moisturising post recently, this gel spells perfection for my oily skin.  Finding a moisturiser that isn't so heavy it feels like its suffocating my skin or doesn’t sweat off in the heat is normally a nightmare for me.  This ultra lightweight gel is worth its weight in gold and is EVERYTHING I want in a daily moisturiser.  Oily skinned beauties rejoice!!!  \:D/

Dermalogica AGE Smart Renewal Lip Complex

This lip treatment might be expensive compared to other lip treatments but it is an investment into more youthful lips.  I adore the delectable sweet fruity scent that always tempts me to go back back for more.  It immediately nourishes my lips and leaves them soft, plump and shiny.  It has taken years off my pout and regular use ensures they stay younger and healthier.  My lips have never looked or felt better.

Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear SPF30+

I was tossing up if I should include this in my top 10 or not, since discovering recently that it in fact has a few nasties in the ingredients list :-O  However, despite the fact, I have never had any complaints since I started using it 3 years ago and in fact I have not found a better sun protection product than this. :) It is ideal for the tropical North Queensland summer, providing my skin with the highest level of sun protection in a multi-tasking formula that has good coverage (for a tinted moisturiser) and a nice colour with a matte finish. It doesn’t clog my pores and maintains adequate hydration as well.  I will always use this until something better comes along and to date I have just not found anything as good.

Styli-Style Line & Seal Eyeliner

I have a few of these because they are definitely the nicest coloured eyeliners I have personally used.  They are rich in colour and super vibrant on my waterline and the colour lasts for longer than most others do.  The pencils are incredibly soft and creamy allowing them to glide on with ease and they don’t smudge at all so they don’t wind up all over my face.  Available in a spectrum of colours, these eyeliners are extremely cheap and in my opinion much better than many other eyeliners that are twice the price.

OCC Lip Tar

These cute little tubes of highly pigmented lip colour are unique and innovative. It looks like gloss but it actually resembles something similar to paint for your lips.  I guess they are like paint in many ways, because you can mix the various shades together to create endless new hues so they are ideal if you have a creative spark.  While they might look like paint, the texture is in fact super lightweight and drenches my lips in opaque colour that stays put for hours, eventually creating a long lasting stain.  The tube might seem tiny, but believe me when I say one tube will probably last you an eternity, hehe. ;)) You need only a pin-sized amount per application…if that, haha. :)) A teeny weeny, itty bitty product that packs one enormous, almighty big punch!!

La-Tweez Pro Illuminating Tweezers

I can’t live without my tweezers, LOL. :)) These are probably the most used product in my whole beauty kit. ;) When I first saw these with the light I thought, here we go another gimmick, why on earth would you need a light?? 8-| BUT...after discovering just how much I was missing with normal tweezers I changed my opinion quick smart. :"> Not only is the light extremely helpful and makes a HUGE difference visibility wise, these tweezers also have awesome precision and can grasp onto even the finest little hairs so that nothing ever gets left behind.

So, there you have it!  That is my list for now, but we all know it will probably change again soon enough, LOL.  But, hey, that is just me and the joys of being an over obsessed product loving junkie, hehe.  ;))   

Now for the blogs I would like to nominate.  These are all blogs that I follow personally and deem worthy of a recommendation. So, if you are not already following these blogs then I encourage you to click on the link and check them out, you won’t be disappointed.  

Alice Jane in Newcastle

Beauty Bargain Queen

CrashingRed

DanniiBeauty

hauteandstylish

Lucinda's Beauty Blog

Madame B Fatale

Max The Unicorn 

MissMakeuplover1

Pink Diva Beauty

Sorry if I have tagged a blog that has already been nominated and you have participated before, if that’s the case I would love it if you could comment below and share your link so we can check out your Top 10 too. If I didn’t mention your blog, it’s certainly not because I don’t love it, of course I do, LOL :))  I just tried to pick blogs that I thought may not have already been nominated, or those who could do with a little bit of extra love. :x  Everyone please feel free to join in with this, because even if you don’t have a blog or if it's not really your thing, I would still LOVE to know what you personally like.  What are your Top 10 favourite products? Please share! xxx

All images in this blog post are generic.

Vitamin Therapy - Topical Vitamin A

After wrapping up the products relating to my simple 3-step skin care routine, in previous posts, Cleansing, Toning and Moisturising, I am moving on to reveal ‘what’s doing’ in the next vital step of my daily Serious SkinCare routine, which I will label as 'Vitamin Therapy'.  Vitamin Therapy involves incorporating topical vitamin based treatments into my skin care regime.  That’s right, we all know that vitamins, taken orally, are crucial to our inner health, but did you know they also play an integral role in promoting a healthy, youthful-looking complexion?  I have selected two of the most effective, powerful, antioxidant vitamins, based on my individual skin concerns, to compliment my Serious Skin Care program.  

I only use each product once daily, which one would imagine, to be simple & straightforward!  Yeah, right!.....Wrong! :-/  When trying to explain these things in writing, it so happens to be far more complex, than I originally conceived, eek! :-O  With that said, I am going to partition this topic into two separate blogs, to avoid publishing something that resembles a mini novel, hehe! ;)) So first of all, I will divulge my perception of topical Vitamin A and any products I use!

So, What is topical Vitamin A??

It is a scientifically proven, extremely effective anti-ageing skin care ingredient that I have developed a huge 'crush' on, over the past few years. :x  Vitamin A actually deserves a blog in its own right, which I plan to deliver further down the track.  However, considering I am talking skin care products I use, rather than ingredients, I am just including a snippet from the Beautypedia website, to provide a technical explanation, FYI!

“Retinol is the term used for the entire vitamin A molecule. Applied to skin, retinol is a beneficial cell-communicating ingredient and an antioxidant. Simply put, it helps skin cells create better, healthier skin cells and increases the amount of skin-support substances. In skin-care products it is found in the form of retinol, retinyl palmitate, and retinylaldehyde. In prescription-only skin-care products, it is in the form of retinoic acid (also called tretinoin)."

And, Why use it?

"In addition to functioning as a cell-communicating ingredient and antioxidant, retinol has been shown to increase skin's collagen production and glycosaminoglycan content, resulting in firmer skin with an improved texture and enhanced barrier function. Although it is not the only ingredient to look for in an anti-aging product, it deserves strong consideration by anyone concerned with keeping their skin in top shape through the years. You may also want to consider one of the prescription retinoids, such as tretinoin (Renova), tazarotene (Tazorac), or adapalene (Differin); the latter two are highly recommended if you are dealing with wrinkles and breakouts. Those dealing with the triple threat of wrinkles, breakouts, and sun-induced skin discolorations should consider a prescription for Tri-Luma."

Source: Anti-Aging Superstars: Ingredients with RealResults

My ‘Holy Grail’

Retin-A 0.5% (Tretinoin)

After about 12 months of using various OTC (over the counter) retinol products of different concentrations, I decided it would save me lots of $$$ if I made the switch to prescription retinoids. =D>  I naturally had to consult with my GP first, but today, over 18 months, both my skin and wallet are truly thankful. <:-P  While there are heaps of horror stories surrounding retinoids, particularly the adverse side effects, I made certain that I educated myself well, before taking the leap.  Considering I was already familiar with using other Vitamin A derivatives and my skin had progressed through the OTC retinols and was able to tolerate the highest 1% strength with no qualms, it was only natural that I rise to the next level, leading me to Retin-A and a significant  improvement to my complexion.  :D

Retin-A comes in a small, 20gm tube that lasts for months; granted I only need a tiny, pea-sized amount of product, per application, to adequately treat my whole face and neck, making it incredibly cost effective at just $29 from Priceline, compared to its less potent, OTC relatives, which average, roughly, around the $100 mark. :-O  It’s not advisable to ‘go to town’ slathering this stuff on, because it doesn’t create faster results, rather, you could suffer the consequences later, with angry, red skin that might start shedding like crazy, or worse still, cause chronic damage to your skin, deep-down beneath the top surface layers, in the dermal area.  :">  In cases of such extreme damage, which may not rear its head for a long time after, then in which case, takes lots of effort and dedication, for years in severe cases, to effectively undo that damage and encourage deep skin cell regeneration!  :-s  Therefore, in this case less is best!  ;)

Retin-A cream is thick and very white.

The thick, white cream absorbs quickly and fortunately doesn’t leave any greasy residue on my oily skin, phew. #:-S  I have sensitive skin, which becomes aggravated quite easily, yet because I weaned my skin from low strength retinol, working up through the concentrations, prior to introducing retinoids, my skin has never had so much as a hiccup. :>  I am living proof, that sensitive skin can in fact tolerate retinoids, it just requires a little diligence and lots of perseverance. :-SS  Regardless of your skin type, you need to ensure it remains sufficiently hydrated, because when using any topical Vitamin A, it can cause dryness or dehydration. Therefore, it must be teamed with a good moisturiser.  I prefer using my Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum, in conjunction with my Retin-A, because it’s so lightweight, yet any good nourishing moisturiser will be equally as effective.  It just comes down to what works best for your skin or your own personal preference.   B-)

When I entered my thirties, following years of neglect as a tween/teen, I began to notice my skin displaying evidence of sun damage and signs of premature ageing.  When my therapist introduced me to the magic of Vitamin A, I saw my skin transform, before my very eyes; it really is nothing short of an anti-ageing miracle. (*)  I wouldn’t have ever guessed it was possible to reverse such apparent skin damage, or reduce fine lines and wrinkles and slow down the ageing process.  But, mark my word, it absolutely works! ;;) 

Just a pea-size amount is all I need.

Previously, the texture of my skin, which has always been on the rough side, was starting to look dull, tired and crepey in appearance. :(  After using this cream religiously for 18 months, it is now smoother, softer and much firmer.  My enlarged pores are less obvious and they rarely clog up with gunk; so, in turn, no blackheads.  The fine lines around my eyes have back-pedalled and softened dramatically, to the point where they are only just noticeable, right up close in a magnifying mirror.  The deeper frown lines on my forehead also did a u-turn and were given their marching orders and sent packing, ROFL. =))  My skin tone is more uniform and I have finally kissed the facial redness, blotchiness and discolouration, goodbye, adios amigos!  :-h   

These days, my skin is looking, clearer & brighter with a healthy, radiant, more youthful glow. I have run into people I have not seen in years, and they are amazed at the positive difference in my appearance.  I even receive compliments about how nice my skin is looking, and I have never had anyone say anything good about my skin before, ever, LOL. :D  Retin-A is the most important and paramount anti-ageing beauty treatment for my regime and I vow to remain faithful to it for the rest of my life.  I need to keep using it permanently, forever, because my skin will only revert to its old ways if I cease using it :-S (and I am not about to let that happen, no, no, no, LOL).  I keep my skin care simple when using this cream as I don't like to layer anything with it other than moisturiser, as I don't want to risk interfering with the magic it performs.  After 18 months of daily use, I am now in maintenance mode and use it every second night to continue reaping its benefits long term.  ;)

It absorbs instantly leaving no residue.

As long as I am fully armed and loaded with the super, dynamic Retin-A treatment, my unsurpassed weapon to fight the war against premature skin ageing, I am confident that I will successfully conquer the crusade and over time, I will indeed, come out the victor. :ar! Vitamin A has to be one of the best-kept secrets of the beauty world, but we need that to change, lets shout it out to the world! \:D/  It’s a highly effective, intensive anti-ageing treatment that has completely rejuvenated my skin and is helping me maintain youthful complexion!:D

Words of Wisdom

• Use with caution!
• Use sparingly, retinoids, in particular, are capable of burning skin if overused.
• You need to introduce it gradually to begin with, allowing skin to adjust accordingly.
• Knowing how to use the product properly from the get go, will minimise most, or even all, of the side effects that coincide with the onset of using this treatment.
• You may experience a burning/stinging sensation at first as well as facial redness.  If it becomes unbearable, stop treatment for a week then start again even more gradually. 
• It is perfectly normal for skin to shed/flake show signs of dryness, which usually starts after a few days.
• Obviously, if the side effects are severe, discontinue use immediately.  Some sensitive skin sufferers simply may not be able to withstand retinoids!
• During the first month, it's common to experience breakouts and skin can look worse before it looks better
• Do not apply retinoids in conjunction with other skin peeling products, such as alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and benzoyl peroxide. Instead, alternate use on different nights.
• Vitamin A makes skin very susceptible to sun damage, always use sunscreen and cover up from the sun.
• Not to be used while pregnant or breastfeeding.
• It will take at least 3 months and up to 12 months before achieving noticeable results. You just need a bit of patience!  :-w

Other Vitamin A products I have used:

SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5%

SkinCeuticals Retinol 1.0%

Ultraceuticals Ultra A Facial Cream

Ultraceuticals Ultra A Sheer Facial Cream

Final note:

Many people shy away from products containing Vitamin A or stop using them prematurely because of the irritation/side effects or skin purging that initially accompanies the treatment. :-S  All of these side effects though, are just a temporary drawback and if you can try to stick it out, in return the honour of healthy, flawless skin will be yours.  #:-S  Have any of you used a retinoids, retinol or a skin care product containing a Vitamin A derivative before?  If so, what are your thoughts?  If not, after having read my evaluation, would you consider giving it a try?  I have personally been undertaking ongoing, extensive research on this topic, during the past three years and have come to develop a 'love affair' with it, :x :x therefore, I am more than happy to share the love. :x  If you would like to shoot me through a question, maybe need some suggestions, or just want to 'ragger' on about it with me, please, by all means, go for it in the comments section.  ;)  

All images in this blog are my own.

Information highlighted in yellow text was sourced from Beautypedia