I am getting two types of vibes.
First, the current pandemic is causing individuals serious anxiety: they are worried about their future and that’s causing lots of binge eating of Ben & Jerry’s chunky monkey ice-cream. Second, some are worried about the state of the world and feel guilty at simple indulgent pleasures such as (e.g.) using a face mask.
My twopence on this issue is this: when I am anxious, the lens through which I view the world shrinks. My mind filters only the hysteria and the “worries” in my head quickly escalate. This is not necessary. Don’t go there. We must recognise that being prepared is the most effective defence against this disease. Follow the guidelines established by recognised authorities and stay safe. And importantly, you have permission to stay off social media and/or read a book.
Secondly, (in the words of the monk Dandapani)
As you lift yourself, you lift others around you.
Don’t apologise for taking care of yourself. If spending an extra 30 minutes on your face routine, makes you happy and productive or momentarily elated, then please cleanse/exfoliate/mask away.
Enjoy!
P.S. Please note that I have not used all these products, but they are either on my “to do” list or on my bathroom shelf.
Sarah Chapman or MZ Skin brightening ampoules
The benefit of doing these particular courses NOW is that during a lockdown you are exposing your skin to less sunlight and pollutants, which is great because they both rely on AHAs, which can make your skin sensitive to the sun (see this BLOG).
Sarah Chapman Radiance Recharge System
The Sarah Chapman system involves using one ampoule per day for 10 days. I have done it and I cannot recommend it enough (see this LINK).
The lactic acid exfoliates the topmost layer of the skin (the Stratum Corneum) – its essentially making the skin thinner so that the other goodies, Vitamin C, Niacinamide and Hylauronic Acid can penetrate the skin more easily. Its priced at £145 with free worldwide shipping.
MZ Skin Glow Boost Ampoules
MZ Skin rely on a twice-a-day ampoule system over five days.
It has similar ingredients – lactic acid, Vitamin C and Hylauronic Acid derivatives. In addition it has Glycolic acid, which is slightly more aggressive than Lactic acid. If you have super-sensitive skin then I would not use this product because of the Glycolic Acid.
Please buy MZ Skin products on net-a-porter and not the brand’s website. The advertised price on net-a-porter is £136 (before shipping of £25) and on MZ Skin its AED 1,000 (or £230). I know – this pricing strategy really puts me off brands too.
Face masks
I have so many overnight masks to try out, that I might need to self-isolate myself for a few months to get through them. Too soon?
Farmacy Vitamin C mask is an odd beast – it has clay, AHA, Vitamin C, aloe vera etc etc in an ingredient list so long that it makes my head hurt. Anywho, this is an equal opportunity website for all products that contain Vitamin C. Its true – I will always be pleased to see my ex- ex- partner and try anything that says Vitamin C, no questions asked.
Aurelia Probiotic is an all-natural multi-award winning brand that was founded by Claire Vero who spearheaded much of the underlying formulation and research herself. If you are thinking I’ve bought this because #supportsmallbusiness and #femalefounders, you are not wrong. But I am excited to try this product.
I am a sucker for Chanel, mainly because I have seen the effect on my mother’s skin of her using their Sublimage range. Secondly, I love Chanel’s private collection of parfums. None of this has any bearing as to why I bought this product, especially as I note that the second ingredient on the ingredient label is Alcohol. I am currently not too pleased – but with Chanel skincare there is a certainly a method to their madness. I’ll keep you posted on how I get along/
Finally, I didn’t know this but Guerlain farm and produce their honey on a UNESCO heritage site, and with this tiny little tub of 30ml, I am just paying for their exceptional quality honey. I’ll let you know if it’s worth your time or dime.
Links for the face masks
CHANEL FIRMING – ANTI-WRINKLE SKIN-RECOVERY SLEEP MASK
GUERLAIN ABEILLE ROYALE REPAIRING HONEY GEL MASK