Ruby’s Beauty Essentials – Part 1

I often get asked about how I have such clear, blemish free skin. I’ll be honest, I do not have any good advice because the main reason I don’t have pimples any more (I had them pretty badly all through primary and high school) is because of the pill I take. Yep, there’s a contraceptive pill that fixes up pimply skin! What will they think of next?! But I do get the occasional breakout and so I have to actually make an effort to sort that shiznit out! Plus I have freckly skin with some weird dark spots that only my nearest and dearest know about, so here’s what I use to trick you all into thinking I have perfect skin:

I tend to flit between moisturisers depending what’s on special or what I think I need at the time. I am currently using Garnier’s Dark Sport Corrector moisturiser because I get super paranoid about some of the dark patches on my skin, especially under my eyes (which, funnily enough, is probably caused by taking the pill). I don’t know if my dark spots have especially disappeared but I like to think they look a bit lighter after  using this for about six weeks. My skin really likes it though and it’s not greasy so any dark spot correcting is just an added perk, really. I moisturise every single morning regardless of whether I am putting on makeup or not and it’s a good habit to get into.

Once I’ve moisturised I apply some All About Eyes Serum from Clinique because I am paranoid about having baggy eyes with dark circles because that ages your face so majorly! It feels so lovely and cold when applies and I’m sure my eyes look better than ever as a result. A special hint: I never pay for this stuff, they often supply it in trial sizes when they do their bonus offer’s and it lasts ages ;)

The cleanser I currently use is ASI Multivitamin Foaming Cleanser which you get through Brazilian Beauty. You’re meant to use it morning and night but I only tend to use it at night while showering. I was getting a bit pimply and decided to give this a whirl after my favourite beautician gave  another customer an amazing spiel about it. I guess it works OK, I’m no longer breaking out but maybe it was just a hormone thing? All I know it, you need more than they say to get it to foam as there’s no soap in it, but when it does foam up it goes on real nice and doesn’t sting the eyes should some creep that way.

I absolutely swear by Clinique’s Super City Block (I’ve blogged about it a few times actually). I predominantly use it as a primer which means my makeup goes on better and lasts longer. But the added bonus is that it’s a 30+ sunscreen and is designed to protect your skin from pollution and other nasties in the air. So while it makes an awesome primer, it’s great to wear even if you’re not putting makeup on to protect your face from the sun and airborne dirt. It also gives you a nice sheen which makes that tired, hungover face look immediately brighter!

To cover my unsightly dark circles and random dark patches, I use Garnier’s Anti Dark Circle roll-on, and I think this stuff is the BEST! Not only is it super effective at hiding dark circles, it’s refreshing and reduces puffiness. I’ve got both the dark and light ones which both work as well as each other, though I’d definitely use the light one if you’re quite pale. It’s best to use under makeup but I sometimes use it if I’m in a hurry and can’t put on a full face of makeup (just a dab to disguise any darkness).

I hope that helps anyone who was struggling with making their skin look bright and lovely! My next installment will be my makeup preferences which is where the real magic happens :D