Myleene Blogs

Suicide

2017-11-23T11:17:00.003-08:00

A quick note before you begin reading. I apologise if my grammar is incorrect or if my thoughts are all over the place. I don't read back what I have written when I write things such as this. I hope you can understand my reasoning for this. Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts.

Sometimes feeling suicidal is the better option in my mind. It gives me a belief I can release myself from this pain that i’m experiencing emotionally. But when I am in a head space where I want to live and get through it but I fall back into that dark space, it’s almost like I am trapped knowing I have no choice but to face the fear head on. That’s a really scary place to be in to me, more scary than when I feel suicidal. Reason why? Because the idea of suicide gives me some type of hope that I will be free of the pain. But if when im already in this deep dark space I have to somehow muster up the courage to then get myself through it? That’s the harder option. & it’s not easy to take the harder option clearly. It is at this stage where you really learn how to cope. You won’t realise it until after, but somehow you will get through it without even knowing

It’s easier said than done, though. How do I ride out this moment? I know how ive acted before is the wrong way to behave, so now i am facing new situations and learning new ways to handle them. It’s not easy by any means. I don’t know how any of this stuff works. They say to focus on the positive and i’m trying to do this for example. There are amazing things happening in my life, that I cant deny. But for some reason I can’t shake that deep rooted pain that I feel. I also cant help but think this will only become worse as certain situations develop further, and the sheet thought of this is just so hard to come to terms with. Life ( in the emotional sense ) has been so cruel to me so far and im still a baby really. I honestly don’t know if this will ever end. It’s like a form of emotional torture & without the potential of ending my life, I have no choice at all but to endure the pain. A cruel reality.

If anyone was wondering why suicide doesn’t seem a plausible option in my head at this current moment, it is because since my last suicide attempt there are people I do not want to let down. I owe that to them. I also don’t want to let myself down - my authentic self. This depressed version of me is not my authentic self at all. So id be denying Tia a chance of the wonderful opportunities that may lie ahead if I allow this demon to entirely consume me. My brothers and sisters. They’re young and innocent. I dont want them to ever have to hear the explanation that their big sister ended her life. I dont want them to have to grow up with that chip on their shoulder when their lives have barely even begun themselves. This keeps me pushing on, as much as I personally don’t want to. Overall I don’t enjoy the experience of life. There are times when I am so very happy. That true laughter that makes your stomach hurt. That feeling of pure love from people around you. But despite these moments, the negativity seems to occur more frequently than these moments. So for that reason, it’s almost as if the bad outweighs the good so what the heck is the point?

A lot of people don’t understand. To them, they see the negative experience that triggers these thinking patterns and fail to see beyond that. For example, a break up. Break ups are not pleasant. Some might say “everyone goes through it, youll be fine”. But the difference is, this negative experience which may be small to some triggers a chain of thought in the minds of those like me that reinforces deep, DEEP pain within. People who cannot see past the surface layer often make me feel worse. They minimise the feelings you are experiencing. This is one of the most difficult things I have found about this illness, people minimise things. “Your relationship ended and now you want to die?” We’re drama queens to these people. I think this is a huge problem. I have called suicide hotlines before and had them minimise my issues like this. Family have done it. It may be unintentional but imagine if I hadn’t pulled myself out of that moment all alone, I would have taken my life all because problems that were important to me were presented to me as unimportant by those I need help from the most.

This is unedited, raw emotion I am typing. I am experiencing this in my mind right this second. I don’t even have to think about what to say next, it’s literally just spilling out of my mind. I said to myself I should write, not only for me but for record. It might help another. Some people may not relate to all I have said but maybe elements. It’s also important for me to say that another thing that keeps me going is that I know I can truly help someone.

- Tia

My Subscribers Roast Me

2017-11-06T15:48:00.001-08:00

Boat Party On The River Thames! GRWM | Tia Danielle

2017-09-07T04:57:00.001-07:00

The Future Of Design In The Cosmetic Industry

2017-07-31T10:40:00.000-07:00

This blog post is apart of Design Blogger Competition organized by CGTrader. Click to find out more.

The beauty industry is at its peak, with more freelance MUAs than ever before, with YouTube and Instagram being a full-time career for some makeup artists – it’s truly amazing in comparison to what it used to be. With that however, comes competition between brands to step up their formulas and become innovative with new releases. So, what is the future of makeup? Well, I think it has a lot to do with combining technology, science and cosmetics, to help women (and equally men) who may struggle with makeup or simply want to save time. Soon, nobody will spend hours applying their foundation and filling in their eyebrows, or swatching shades on their arms at the makeup counters to find that perfect match. Instead, almost the same way as labour saving devices, brands will create ‘shortcuts’ to help us look and feel beautiful even quicker! Now it might sound crazy initially, but let me give you a few examples that show this is the direction we are heading in.

First I want to speak about the world of custom foundations. The first ‘custom foundation’ that I actually stumbled across was Lancome’s Le Teint Particulier. For this, you create a sort of profile/record of your skin type e.g. is it dry, oily or combination. Then, you can actually choose the level of coverage that you want your foundation to be (light, medium or full). I think this is a really good idea as for example, brands such as Maybelline have a range of skin tones that they cater to in their ‘Fit Me’ line (which is actually one of my personal favourites), but the level of coverage isn’t adjustable. This means that someone who likes a particularly full coverage foundation has to settle for whatever product caters to their skin tone, so I think Lancome have done a good job at tackling this.

Next, you select three areas on your skin that will be scanned by a small handheld device to match your skin tone. It can detect up to 20000 shades which is insane!!! It can also help you identify your undertone which can be useful to know in general – I really struggled to find foundations that match me until I discovered I have a warm undertone. This means that Lancome are also providing you with information you can essentially take away and apply to what you look for in general products beyond that point. The pigments of the foundation are mixed up before your eyes, before being poured into a personalised bottle with your name and a serial number on it, so you can easily have the foundation remade without going through the entire process again. The price point is 80 USD which is reaaaally pricey for a foundation, BUT it does look like a really interesting and pioneering process.

So when I thought it couldn’t get much better than this, I discovered some companies have taken this idea a step forward and through a similar process to the above, discovered the way to find the perfect foundation match through an app.

The ‘Matchco’ app allows you to scan your face, similar to the process outlined above, just using your phone camera instead. You first calibrate your phone camera against some white paper, and then scan other areas of your skin as requested. The foundation is 49 USD which is still pricey but nonetheless a cheaper alternative to the Lancome option… However, you don’t get the option to create a profile for your skin, and no power over the level of coverage which is the catch in the reduction of price. From researching, the Matchco foundation actually appears to be a light coverage formula, which makes $49 seem even more steep as this usually isn’t preference over a BB cream.

So although it’s not the most common thing as of right now, I genuinely think custom foundations are in the near future of cosmetics. Consumers want more choice and brands need to keep up, point blank. No7 provides a cheaper, UK alternative for Matchco this if anyone UK based is interested in trying something like this out. Watch this space.

Spray on, stick on and press on makeup is slowly creeping its way into the cosmetic industry. You can now purchase spray on primers from popular brands such as smashbox, or even buy eyeliner and eyebrow stamps. On that note, there is definitely room for improvement when it comes to some of these ‘innovative’ products. From various Youtube videos and posts I’ve seen about these types of products overall, the general consensus seems to be that they’re a good idea, but they don’t quite work just yet. Just for an example, a press on eyeliner sounds like a good idea for those who really struggle with creating a perfect wing, but it’s not necessarily helpful if it’s then difficult to press that on your eye and angle it correctly, connect it to the rest of the eyeliner… you see where I’m going here. It’s fixing one problem by creating another. I’ve even seen videos of peel off eyeshadows and stamp on eyebrows too, and it’s not so easy to take a ‘one size fits all’ approach to anything, makeup in particular – eyebrows in particular.

It’s not all bad though. This is something that excites me a lot more than it should - spray on nail polish. Every time I paint my nails it is just a serious fail, I always always ALWAYS smudge my nails, have some nails looking patchy and whatever else you can think of. It’s just an overall mess. So when I heard about this it was a product that actually really appealed to me. Nails inc. London have a product called Paint Can, which is basically involves you spraying a colour on your nails from a can that looks like a can of spray paint, leaving it to dry for no more than a few minutes (which sounds more appealing than an hour to me), and then washing your hands with warm, soapy water to remove the excess colour from your fingers. I think the amount of time this could save is insane, for me in particular and it blows my mind this isn’t as popular as I think it deserves to be yet. That being said, I do think Paint Can will become mainstream in the future and is so creative when it comes to design and beauty.

In the future, I really hope brands work on these designs because they truly are innovative, maybe introducing various colours, shapes and sizes, as well as improving the way these mechanisms work. Eyeshadow stencils and spray on primers have proved to be largely successful, so it’s a step in the right direction. Baby steps!

So throughout the few products and processes I’ve outlined in this post, I hope I have opened some peoples eyes to the fact that the future of design is truly integrated into areas that some may not have even considered, such as cosmetics. I do think some of these ideas are insanely creative and I would love to see them become more mainstream as I think they would be beneficial to many. But with that being said, it’s clear that some products, particularly the ‘press ons’, have a few more stairs to climb before they will be recognised as truly effective products.

I have really enjoyed sharing my thoughts with you on this topic today and I think it’s interesting to look into makeup beyond just simple product reviews and demos. Thank you so much for reading this post! Check out my YouTube channel by clicking the link here and be sure to subscribe! Also, you can see some detailed makeup and product shots often by following my Instagram account @MyleeneBlogs or click here. Until Next Time!

Have you read my 'about' page?

2017-07-14T05:17:00.000-07:00

Hey my loves! I have made updates to my 'about' page. If you haven't read it already, click 'about' at the bar at the top, or click HERE.

Follow MyleeneBlogs on instagram: HERE

Acne/Scarring Foundation + Concealer Coverage Routine

2017-07-14T04:56:00.000-07:00

I don’t think having acne or scarring should stop anyone from wearing makeup. I have suffered from hormonal acne since I was about 12 and have been on medication to keep it under control ever since. This only keeps it controlled and hasn’t cured it, so on a day to day basis I can occasionally find myself trying to cover up stubborn acne or previous scarring. These are just a few ways I’ve learnt over the years to help me keep my acne covered!

This is an example of my skin badly broken out in January. I would avoid wearing makeup while it's red/sore and inflamed as in the photo, but by being delicate with your skin for a day or two you will be fine to cover this up, as long as there's no open wound.

Primer

I always prime my face as it creates a necessary barrier between the foundation and my skin. It also helps your makeup last longer and depending on what exact primer you use can blur, or minimise the appearance of pores. In general, those with acne have enlarged pores and usually oily skin. In this case a primer is exactly what you need, and going in straight with foundation is an absolute no-no as it will just break down quicker and cause your skin to worsen overall.

Colour Correct

I’ve spoken about colour correction before, because it’s such a major step for those with acne. Some days my face is extra broken out and just more red than usual, and without using a green concealer or any other method of colour correction on my face a red tint is visible through the foundation, and takes away from the ‘airbrushed’ effect I’m trying to achieve. I apply a small amount of CC concealer on any areas that are particularly red, then pat this in with my beauty blender. Don’t worry if there is a green tint on these areas afterwards, it’s not supposed to completely blend out as it neutralises the red tones. The green won’t show up through your foundation.

Conceal

Before I go in with my foundation, I give myself a bit of extra coverage by using my concealer over the areas that I covered in green and anywhere else on my skin that seems patchy from scarring (so would have been missed by the green). I then pat this in with my beauty blender once again, and it gives me an even pre-base to my foundation, to make sure it doesn’t look patchy and uneven once applied.

Foundation

I pat my beauty blender all over my face to make sure I’m working with a flat surface. Next, I go in with an anti-oil foundation, medium to full coverage depending on the occasion. I start with a small amount, patting it in with the beauty blender again. Once I’ve done that I work on my eyebrows and eyeshadow, before going over any areas that need a little more coverage with more foundation. The reason I don’t go in with a second layer immediately is because it gives the foundation a little time to settle into the skin, and it makes areas that need more coverage more apparent. Avoid dewy formulas because as I mentioned, if you have acne prone skin it’s probably oily too, and dewy will just make you look extra extra EXTRA greasy which is the opposite of what we’re trying to achieve.

Set It!

I have never stepped out my house without setting my foundation with a powder. When you have oily skin, it can make the world of difference at making your foundation stay on for longer. The reason it’s key to set with a powder is because making the skin matte makes it appear flat and smooth, and this gives the illusion of airbrushed skin rather than bumps and acne. Sometimes, I use a powdered foundation to give me an extra layer of coverage, but I only generally do this when my skin is extra broken out. Usually, I use a loose translucent powder all over my face on a fluffy powder brush to set the foundation. I use a hell of a lot, and it can sometimes look a bit chalky and dry (that’s where the next step comes in). Alternatively, you can go in with a small eyeshadow brush and press some powder foundation over spots that need extra coverage, rather than the whole face. I emphasise the word ‘press’ rather than rub, because this will move around work you’ve done underneath.

Setting Spray

I use an oil free, temperature control setting spray after I have powdered my face to make sure the work I’ve put into my makeup isn’t broken down by oils as quickly throughout the day, and to remove the dry look that setting your face can give. After this, I highlight once the spray has dried, but I would opt for no highlight if I have spots around my cheekbones because putting shimmer over them will make them more prominent.

Other Tips

- Carry blotting sheets throughout the day. Sometimes I feel my face getting extra oily but I’m not able to go and touch up with some powder. Keeping some blotting sheets in my pocket can help me stay oil-free until I get an opportunity to retouch, keeping my makeup looking fresh and matte.

- I recommend using a beauty blender not a brush to apply foundation. Using a brush can irritate acne by rubbing, and micro exfoliate the skin causing skin flakes to pop up in your foundation, which isn’t a cute look!

- Avoid touching your face. Touching can spread bacteria and cause more acne as I’m sure most people know, and it can also rub off your foundation leaving you looking streaky.

I hope everyone enjoyed this post! If you are interested in some of the specific products I use, I have a link to my favourites here. I also am open to any questions, or check out my Instagram @MyleeneBlogs for product updates.

KKW Beauty Review | Has Kim Kardashian Brought Creme Contour Back?

2017-07-05T13:40:00.002-07:00

If you’re big in the makeup community and don’t live under a rock, you’ll know that Kim Kardashian recently launched her cosmetic line ‘KKW Beauty’, which proved to be a huge success. So, the product that made Kim $14 million in 10 minutes? Crème contour and highlight sticks.

I had a lot of opinions on these when I initially saw them. I thought after all the negative backlash younger sister Kylie Jenner had received off her half-assed trial and error products, Kim was to be very careful with whatever she releases that it’s of a good standard. I do think Kim seems to be somewhat of a perfectionist and I do feel I’d rather invest money into her makeup line than Kylies (I may be proved wrong in the future). HOWEVER, I’m pretty sure these contour sticks were like $48 which is like insane to me. Like I would just love to know what this crème contour stick is gonna do for me to warrant that price point sis.

It’s also important to note the demographic for the buyers of KKW Beauty and Kylie Cosmetics differ, with Kim reaching more of an older audience whilst Kylie the younger generation. At first, I was really confused as to why Kim chose a crème contour as her initial product to release and it took me a moment to really internalise why. Kylie became a hot topic for her lip injections, and she launched lip kits initially. Kim, arguably brought contouring into mainstream makeup (although she didn’t invent it), so I see why contouring could be a good starting point for her cosmetic line. For me however, crème contour has never been an interest and I just have always tended to avoid it, so I didn’t want to waste my time paying $48 + shipping to the UK for something I’m not going to use.

Watching some product reviews from influencers, it was evident to me that there were a lot of mixed opinions on the crème contour and highlight sticks. First, the amount of product you get is once again INSANE, there’s near enough nothing in there and that shit would be a nub by the end of the week for a pro makeup artist or makeup lover. That makes $48 seem even more absurd IMO. The formula seemed to have good reviews, and the shade range also caters to darker skin tones which I liked. Youtuber Jackie Aina noted how she usually struggles to find contour shades deep enough for her, and Kimmy seemed to hit the nail on the head there. However, when she was applying the contour it snapped and broke. Like girl. I know I’ve said this 100 times already but let me say it again. $48. FOURY EIGHT DOLLARS. For like an inch of product that snaps out the packaging. I mean, I have no idea what it is with the Kardashians and their extortionate prices for average ass products.

So, to the question in the title. The fact that this product sold out so quickly made me think maybe crème contour is on its way back into the mainstream beauty community again. So, I began using my NYX Wonderstick for a few days, aside from my plain old bronzers and concealers that I use day to day. I have to say, I do all of a sudden like the way it makes my makeup look, which I didn’t before. I don’t know if this is some kind of ‘Kim Kardashian Effect’ but it definitely worked for me better than previously. Maybe this is just a matter of my skills improving, I really don’t know. What I do know is that even if Kim has brought back crème contouring, there are gonna be a million dupes out there that don’t cost that much money. I don’t think I’d use crème contour day to day as it just takes me way longer, and it takes a while for me to do my makeup as it is. Also, as for the crème highlight side of thing let’s not even go there. I don’t really like crème shimmer anything so I’ll stick to my pressed powder highlighters tyvm.

I’m honestly intrigued to see what Kim does next with KKW Beauty after its initial success. As I said, she seems to be a perfectionist by nature and I think as an initial product it’s not ALL bad, but improvements could be made for sure. However, Kylie Cosmetics continues to use trial and error with their products and I just really do not trust their quality. Her lip products are great but everything else just seems hyped up and unnecessarily expensive IMO. Anyway, I thought this was an interesting topic to talk about. I’d love to hear you guys opinions too!

Follow my Instagram @MyleeneBlogs and other social media by clicking the icons on the right. Until next time! <3

July Goals

2017-06-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

Hey my loves! I thought I would create a list of things I want to accomplish by the end of July in the hopes that it can inspire some others to think about their own goals and what they want to do with their time! I have officially finished my a-levels so I have lots of free time on my hands before I go to university in September, so I want to use it wisely! xo

If you haven’t already, check out my Instagram by clicking Instagram icon on the right, or searching for @MyleeneBlogs

Post At Least Twice A Week On My Blog

When I started a blog, one of the most important things to me was creating lots of content and doing it consistently. I used to post once a week, sometimes more, but this was what was manageable for me at the time as I was studying. When exam season hit I could barely keep myself awake for the most-part, so all my hobbies and things I enjoyed were put to the back of my list while I endured the hell which was a-levels. Now that they’re done, I want to throw all of my creative visions into the works and use the free time that I have to make sure I post as much as possible, a minimum of twice a week.

Get Back In The Gym

Pretty much along the same lines, exam season was really difficult for me as it is for most students. However, I am extremely susceptible to stress and I got sick for an extended period of time. I was on antibiotics more than 3 times in the space of a month and it really got me down. Before that, the gym was my ‘happy place’ as it not only helps with physical strength but mental health too, so I really felt down about being too sick to go. Since exams have finished I have gotten back in the gym, but it’s clear that my progress has declined a little bit. So, my goal for July is to get back to where I was before and continue to push my fitness forward from there 😊

Read A Book

When I was a little girl I was literally obsessed with reading, and for someone who really struggles to fall asleep these days it helps me massively. When I reached 12/13 I only really read when I was obliged to for school work, but now that I’m older I really want to rekindle my love for books. It’s also way easier these days as I can literally read from iBook’s on my phone, so I can read wherever and whenever I want, not just in bed. I’d love to hear anyone’s recommendations!

Wake Up Early

My final goal for July is to wake up early. I want to be up and about by 9am every day, which is completely reasonable (in my opinion lol). I just generally feel really low when I lay in bed till midday. The way I begin the day is really important to me and sets the tone for the rest of the day, and it just overall makes me feel productive when I wake up nice and early.

So, there’s my 4 goals for July, I hope you guys enjoyed this post! It’s a more personal one but more beauty related stuff is in the works and will be out soon, especially once some new products arrive from the US!!!! <3

Lots of love,

Tia xoxo

7 Step, 20 Minute Makeup

2017-04-10T15:12:00.001-07:00

There are so many ways you can do a simple makeup look that takes no time at all, while looking like you spent ages on your makeup. Some of my favourite ways to cut time from my makeup routine is to scrap eyeshadow and liner and wear just mascara. Also, using a CC cream can combine colour correction and foundation steps, saving time. By adding highlight and a bold lip, you can give off the illusion of glamorous everyday makeup, when in reality it took minimal time and effort to achieve. This is often the makeup look I opt for when I’m in a rush, have work or have sixth form. Add a nude lipstick for a subtle look, or go for a statement red lip to throw the whole look together. This will take maximum 20 minutes to recreate. Prepare the skin by cleansing, moisturising and priming.

Step 1: Colour Correction

As I have acne prone skin and hyper-pigmentation, it is necessary for me to apply a green tinted concealer or CC cream to even out my complexion before I apply my foundation. I like to use ‘NYX Above & Beyond’ or ‘L’oreal Nude Magique’. If your skin is relatively clear there is no need for step 1. [2 Minutes]

Step 2: Foundation

Using a damp beauty blender, I tap my foundation into the skin. I like to use ‘Maybelline Fit Me’ in 220 for daily makeup as it is buildable. If you have veins or darkness visible above the eye take the remaining foundation from your beauty blender over this area to cover it (as you won’t be using eyeshadow). [4 Minutes]

Step 3: Concealer

Create a triangle under the eyes using a cream concealer. Blend with your beauty blender downwards and outwards until no harsh lines are visible and the transition is seamless. [3 Minutes]

Step 4: Set

Set your face with a loose or pressed powder, this is dependent on what you prefer. To build your coverage further, use a coloured foundation powder instead of a translucent powder. Try to press this into your skin rather than drag the brush as this could move the work you have done underneath and cause your makeup to separate and look cakey. I like 'Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder' for this. Also, don’t forget to set the undereye area to prevent concealer creasing. Apply bronzer to the cheeks and forehead for definition. [3 Minutes]

Step 5: Brows

Fill in any sparse areas of the eyebrows. I use the 'NYX Micro Brow Pencil' in the shade brunette. A harsh eyebrow will make the look less flattering so focus on filling the area in rather than creating a ‘Instagram’ brow. I also add mascara to my lashes – fake lashes aren’t necessary for this makeup look. [5 Minutes]

Step 6: Highlight

Highlight the inner corners of the eye, the brow bone and the cheekbones. To make the look even more dramatic, highlight the cupids bow. This will help you look more awake, your eyebrows lifted and all in all make you glow. [2 Minutes]

Step 7: Lips

Choose between a nude or bold lip. To make the makeup more natural or suitable for school, use a tinted lip balm apply vaseline to the lips to make them glossy or bigger. [1 Minute]

By step 7 your makeup should be complete. Use some setting spray to hold everything together, particularly if you’re going to be wearing it all day!

Thank you for reading! - Tia xo

The Psychology of Studying

2017-02-12T14:48:00.001-08:00

Being a GCSE, A-Level or university student is stressful, draining, exhausting… the list is endless. When you have multiple exams to prepare for, you feel as though you have so much information to memorise that it’s almost impossible. There are however ways to make this period a little easier.
When teachers are trained, many of these psychological points are embedded in what they are taught. For instance, they may include a video in the lecture, or get you to role play as a form of multi-modal learning. Below are just 5 of hundreds of points that are derived from psychological studies and theories that can help you learn and revise information more effectively.

Appropriate Surroundings – It’s best to revise in a clean space. It sounds silly but it’s almost as if the mess that is around me is cluttering my mind too, which means I struggle to concentrate. It can also lead to procrastination - my desk is used for studying and doing my makeup so if all of my products are spread all over the table, half way through an essay I will literally find myself applying a lipstick (true story haha). Also, Neverrrrrr revise lying in your bed because it’s psychologically associated with sleep, so it will become difficult to concentrate here. If you do end up revising in bed, it may then become difficult to sleep which will have a knock-on effect on your studying and defeats the point of you doing the work in the first place. If you can’t study at home, opt for comfortable surroundings that are associated with studying – basically a library or a cushty office. In the summer it’s nice to revise outside in the sunshine, and coffee shops are also nice and chilled, with most having free wi-fi.

Compress Information – Try and minimise the amount of information you are trying to learn by breaking it down into key points. Believe me when I say I know this is easier said than done. A good starting point is to use acronyms, make little songs or rhymes etc. I also find it so useful to draw a picture to represent the information i’m trying to learn as this makes it easier to recall when it comes to it. I have a little rose gold notebook where I draw (awfully) a visual representation of all of my topics. Mind maps and diagrams can also be useful for a combination of text and images, whilst the information can still flow in some sort of order. I like to use a cue card per topic as it’s so small it literally restricts the amount of information you can write. If you’re writing in a notebook, nothings stopping you from just carrying on writing. Not all of these methods of compression will work for everyone as we all learn in different ways, but by using at least one can make a huge difference.

Connect Your Knowledge – Every new piece of information you learn you should try and link with information that already exists in your memory. For example, when I studied self-fulfilling prophecies, I tried to apply this to kids in my secondary school who were labelled as trouble makers. By contextualising information, it contributes to existing schema (a mental framework), and it’s more likely to be remembered. I can’t really explain any further than this otherwise it becomes too scientific and complex, but basically it’s worth going past surface-level when it comes to learning information. Think of examples where this can be applied. These examples can also be useful in the exam as well, so it really does pay to apply.

Multi-modal Learning – This involves exploring concepts that you learn using different platforms. So, you could read, write, watch a Youtube video, listen to a podcast etc. when studying the Holocaust (for example). This will allow the information to be processed in multiple brain areas which means it is more likely to be remembered. This is a pretty standard method but it really does help solidify information in your long-term memory and it’s often taken for granted.

Environment – Research has demonstrated that your immediate environment can impact memory. When I was in school I read something that said ‘’if you use the same pen in the exam that you used to study with, you are more likely to remember the material.’’ I am still not sure if that is just straight up BS, but I do know that by remembering what you wore when you learnt something will act as a cue for that information. The more that you apply knowledge to your immediate environment, the better students are said to perform. There is an actual phenomena known as context-dependent forgetting which claims that if we learn information in one space (the classroom) and recall it in another (the exam hall), we are more likely to experience retrieval failure (basically forget things) because of the mismatched environments. Now this i’m pretty sure is not BS. The same can also be said about scents (smelling strawberry whilst learning and taking the exam) and taste (chewing gum for example). If you think of innovative ways to use context effects, it can make your revision more interesting and effective. You can also use it in more simplistic ways such as spraying the same perfume on yourself whilst in class and on the day of the exam.

I hope that these 5 tips help you to maximise your revision, considering exams are fast approaching. There are so many more tips and tricks for revision that are derived from psychology and a second post will be on its way. All of these I genuinely use to help me study more effectively so I have no doubt that they will work for anyone out there struggling, whether it be to concentrate, remember or learn.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream | Review | Cairo, Morocco & Copenhagen

2017-02-05T02:00:00.004-08:00

NYX soft matte lip creams are affordable, pigmented and for the most part really comfortable to wear. They smell really good too, almost like

cakes. Some shades definitely fade faster than others, but they’re overall one of my favourite brands of affordable lip products. Strangely, most of the ones I have felt almost empty when I first got them, and I know other people experience this as well. You cannot see how much product is left as the tube is coloured itself (if that makes sense) - the colour can sometimes swatch a little different to the colour of the lipstick tube. Some of my first ever lip products were from NYX though, and they’re good for experimenting with colours on your skin tone before investing into higher end products.

The shade Cairo is a true nude shade. With one application on the lips, the pigment of my lip colour shows through. With a second layer this improves somewhat. With a third layer, the colour is more opaque but 3 layers of a lip cream is never going to look good. My lips look slightly cakey with this shade on, and it washes me out so much. I sometimes use a darker lip pencil (Cork by MAC) with this and blend them together to deepen the colour slightly, but all in all it is just too much hassle. If you have a similar skin tone to me, I would avoid Cairo and opt for a slightly darker nude shade.

The next shade I have is Morocco. If you go to my about page, this is the shade that I’m wearing in those pictures. I think this is the perfect red shade for a 'honey' skin tone, it isn’t too bright but it isn’t too deep either. I always get complements when I wear this and when it runs out I will definitely repurchase it. You only need one layer of this to last most of the day and it looks smooth - not flaky or dry - it feels really comfortable to wear. If you combine this with a bold, golden coloured cupids bow highlight, your lips will look amazing and bigger!

Copenhagen is another soft matte lip cream shade that I brought (If you hadn’t realised they’re all named after places!) This is a deep plum/purple shade, which gives off vampire vibes. This is very flattering for deeper skin tones but if you’re fair, it could make you look slightly pale so try it before you buy it. This shade flakes and bunches up sometimes when you apply it and can end up patchy if you’re not careful with application. When it starts to fade it becomes a deep pink colour, which doesn't look to obvious. When I used Vixen by Kylie Cosmetics, there was a huge contrast between the pink and the dark shade. You could combine this Copenhagen with a smokey eye for a glam look.

These lip creams are cute to have in my collection, they’re some of my first ever makeup products and they are amazing for those beginning with lipsticks who don’t want to spend a lot of money. Most boots stores carry NYX or you can buy these online from boots.com for £5.50. If you’re considering it, i'd say give them a try – it won’t break the bank and the shade range is amazing.

Thank You For Reading! XO

Anastasia Beverly Hills Moonchild Glow Kit | Review

2017-01-23T12:31:00.001-08:00

So guys, ABH have brought their products to the UK finally! Their website had been live for 5 minutes and I jumped at the opportunity to get this Glow Kit because I have wanted it forever, I just didn’t want to pay the customs charges. There are 6 shades and
they all look really unique and colourful and I didn’t have anything like these in my collection. The shades and shade names can be seen in my images.

After swatching these, my favourite colour is pink heart, followed closely by lucky clover. They look really pretty when the light hits them and are stunning for highlighting cheeks, the inner corners and lips. Blue moon is a really pigmented shade when you finger swatch, in comparison to blue ice which doesn’t show up much at all. Purple horseshoe also isn’t as intense as it looks in the pan when swatched – it isn’t as purple as it appears to be. Go to my instagram @Myleeneblogs for arm swatches!

The packaging for this is amazing, it reflects rainbow light which you can see in some of these images. I think that fits amazingly with the palette.

I’ve worn most of the shades in here already and when I wore pink heart I received so many compliments on it. There is a downside though… after a few hours of wear the shimmer wore off, leaving me with a coloured stripe across my face which looked awful (this happened with every shade). Other highlighters I have do sometimes wear off throughout the day, but because they match my skin tone more (e.g. a champagne shade) it’s less noticeable. I have no idea if it’s because of my mattifying foundation or setting spray that this wears so badly, but I am yet to find a highlighter that remains intense all day. However, if you carry it around in your makeup bag and top up your highlight throughout the day it will look as good as new.

Based on my initial thoughts, I would recommend the Moonchild Glow Kit. It’s £39 and I got free shipping since it was the site launch. These will probably sell out fast though, so go to Anastasia Beverly Hills UK and get yours quickly if you want it! I will leave a link to the site here.

Thanks So Much For Reading! XO

Kylie Cosmetics Entire Holiday Collection | First Impressions

2017-01-18T01:31:00.001-08:00

First is the white ‘Kyliner’ Kit in the shade snow. It is described as a ‘crisp matte white’ and I have to agree. The kit consists of a Kylie synthetic angled brush, and a pencil liner also in the shade snow for the water line. I like the formulation of this a LOT, it’s so creamy and super easy to apply on the lid. I don’t usually like gel liners but this has shown me that the right formula can make all the difference. That being said, I doubt I will ever use a white liner - I would definitely purchase the black one though! Overall I am impressed by this.

So for the Matte Lip Kit ornaments… I like the packaging, it’s really pretty. I wore the shade ‘Merry’ on Christmas day and my lips were peeling and bleeding by the end of the day – it was seriously bad. This is my own fault as I applied way too much because the colour applied quite patchy. I have applied other matte shades in the collection since, using less product, and they have lasted really well. Nonetheless, Merry was very flattering on my skin tone and matched my outfit. The staying power was also up to par. As for Vixen, I am wearing this on my lips currently and the shade looks almost black in some lighting. It does suit me somewhat, but it wore off towards the inner area of my lip after only an hour of wear and the contrast between my lip colour (which is now stained pink) and the lipstick is just awful. I don’t really think the Lip Kits from the holiday collection are worth the money at all. I will continue to play around with them but for now they’re not doing much for me.

Next is the individual lip ornaments. Initially when I was going to buy something from the holiday collection all I wanted was naughty gloss. The shade is unreal, but it started bleeding outside of my lips reallllly badly. I am honestly slightly afraid to try this again in case I look like a hot mess. It is also too thick for my liking; my lips feel really sticky and heavy and I just overall can’t really tolerate it on my lips. Dancer is one of Kylies metallic shades. It is comfortable on the lips but as it isn’t transfer proof it doesn't last long. It’s described on Kylie’s website as a ‘shimmering ruby wine’. Finally, Jolly gloss is a deep colour similar to vixen. I am hesitant to try this considering the negative experience I had with naughty gloss and the Vixen matte lip kit, but I have never worn a dark gloss so it will be interesting to see how it looks. I have seen people top Vixen with this as well.

The Mini mattes are so small and cute! There are 6 shades in the kit; Moon, Ginger and Kristen (which aren’t exclusive to this collection) as well as Angel, Love Bite and Vixen. I think the minis are such a good idea for getting a variety of shades to try out, and they are easy to travel with. I love these so much and this is definitely one of the favourites out of the collection for me.

I was sooooooo excited for this honestly. But I am really disappointed. It’s the 4-Piece Full Size Holiday Kit which contains two Glosses (Noel & Cupid) and two mattes (Angel & Blitzen). The glosses once again I was so excited to try, the shades looked unreal. In real life though, they’re not opaque enough, they’re thick and sticky and the shades are unflattering on me. I have tried applying Cupid (gloss) over Angel (matte) & that looked stunning, but alone they don’t look the best. I mean, a rose gold gloss? That sounds like the key to so many girl’s hearts. On a brighter note, the matte shade Angel is my favourite shade from this entire collection. Kylie describes it as a Mauvey pink and it goes with so many looks, its stunning, it’s unreal, its everything. Also, I have it in the full size and the mini size so I pretty much have a lifetime supply. Finally, Blitzen is a deep plum colour with a slight pink undertone. It applies slightly darker than it looks in the packaging, but I am a fan of this as it feels really comfortable and smooth on my lips.

So now the Kyshadow Holiday Palette. This has not had a good run so far unfortunately. People are stressing that the colour story is just odd and you can’t really make many looks with the shades. Also, the colour pay off isn’t amazing for most of them, with the exception of one. Frosty is by miles the most pigmented shade in here – it’s a beautiful silver colour that looks just as pretty swatched as it does in the pan. I’m not going to talk about this too much as I will review the palette in depth very soon ;)

The crème shadows. Well. They won’t pick up well with any of my brushes and my nails are too long to use my fingers to apply them. I tried to apply the shade ‘yellow gold’ with a brush and the lack of pigment was frustrating. When I applied with my finger (which is difficult with these nails), the colour pay off was much better. I will post swatches on my Instagram soon. As I can’t try them or apply them properly I don’t really know what to say about these until these acrylics come off, which is frustrating considering Kylie has long nails herself. Well, she probably doesn’t have to do her own make-up 99% of the time. Anyway, there are three shades; Yellow Gold, Golden Plum and Camo.

All that’s left to talk about is the make-up bag. It’s really good quality, a decent size and it has pretty finishing details. Kylie is printed on the back with the lips logo on the front, and the zip is a little K for Kylie which is cute!

To end, the packaging for this collection is stunning, there are some really ‘different’ shades throughout the products, and it was nice to finally try something from Kylie cosmetics. This stuff is limited edition and I think it is now sold out, but for anyone that does have it I will be doing a more in depth review on some of the products at some stage. I know I was a little negative about many of the products but this is just my initial impressions and once I use things more, my opinion could potentially change!

*** Also, I am late posting this week because I am so busy! I’m moving house and preparing for progress check exams and I have had no time to edit my pictures and finalise this post. I will be pre-writing though so that next week I get a post up on time despite all the chaos.

Thanks so much for reading! XO

Holy Grail Skin Care – Philosophy Purity 3-in-1 Cleanser

2017-01-09T12:55:00.002-08:00

The Philosophy ‘Purity Made Simple’ 3-in-1 cleanser is literally the best thing that has ever happened to my skin. I received a sample size of this about a month ago (30ml), and I am still only halfway

through that because it is like everlasting. It’s a thick yellow liquid and you only need the smallest amount in the palm of your hand. Splash a small bit of water on it and then massage it onto clean skin. It smells so good – honestly it reminds me of a sweet I used to eat when I was younger and it just takes me back every time I use it hah! I leave it on whilst I brush my teeth just so it can melt off any makeup or any residue on my skin. Then I wash it off with warm water and let my face air dry.

Okay so you know that tight, slightly ‘dry’ feeling on your face after using a harsh cleanser? This leaves my skin feeling the complete opposite. My skin looks matte but is not dry at all, it feels smooth and soft. If you go in with a nice thick moisturiser after this your skin will just be on another level. I like to use the Elemis Pro-Radiance Illuminating flash balm. This is the perfect combo before make-up application as well as for those natural days. My skin looks brighter and any blemishes are less visible.

This cleanser is on the pricier side, with my bottle costing £18 for 240ml, but it will literally last you an eternity so it’s worth the investment. I have tried to revert back to old cleansers but nothing compares to the Purity cleanser, and I always find myself coming back to it. It also has very good reviews online so I’m not alone with my thoughts! This is also a 3-in-1 product, so you can also remove makeup and tone using this, which makes it even more worth the money.

Having sensitive skin or in my case acne, it’s really important I find a product that’s going to remove all the gunk from my face whilst being as gentle as possible, leaving my skin far from irritated. The Purity cleanser does all of this and more, and that’s why it’s part of my holy grail skin care. I don’t think I could live without this! It’s not often I have nothing negative to say about a product but once you try it, the results speak for themselves.

Thanks so much for reading! X

Review: The Blushed Nudes by Maybelline

2017-01-03T12:02:00.000-08:00

The blushed nudes palette is always all over my Pinterest feed and that’s probably because it looks really pretty (and its pink sooo). Me and this palette met when I needed an extra product to qualify for an offer and thought why not? I love Maybelline and their products make up the core of my collection as you can see in my Makeup Essentials post, so I had high hopes for these shades and was excited to try them.

I am a fan of matte shades as opposed to shimmers so in hindsight this palette was a horrible choice for me. There is only one matte shade which is the ‘pinky purple’ (second to last on the top row) and the rest all have shimmer, some more-so than others (not really sure if this is a pigmentation issue or its supposed to be like that). When I started swatching, the top layer of shimmer was removed from some of the shades and they now swatch near enough matte, with some specs of glitter that are still prominent enough to make me dislike them. Some of the shades I do like, such as the 1 matte shade that I mentioned earlier, as well as the rose gold shimmer shade which would be a really pretty lid colour. As for the rest of the shades, some are mediocre and then some just seriously have no pigment. There’s also loads of kick back when you pick up product with a brush which is a huge con.

I do think there are stunning nude shades in here, I just wish there were more mattes so that I didn’t have to mix and match with shades from my other palettes (I hate putting shimmers in & above my crease). You can make a really pretty rose gold or champagne look with this, and the packaging is really cute. It also comes with a small double ended brush.

One thing I noticed is that the shades are laid out differently for almost everyone, and some peoples pans appear deeper set in the packaging than mine. As you can see from the pictures, mine almost looks flat. On the back of the packaging it describes how the shades are laid out in their order to make trios, duos and quads for set looks, but if the layout is different for some people then I don’t see how that makes sense… Also, there are no shade names, something which would have been cute for a palette like this.

To round off my thoughts on this palette, for beginners this will take a lot of work and could easily turn into one big mess. Arguably though, you get what you pay for at £9.99. The shades lack pigment and many are similar in colour, so you can’t get much definition. Overall, I wouldn’t repurchase this and would recommend you pass on it. The ‘hype’ surrounding it most likely comes from the fact that it looks nice and is a good idea – just not very well executed. I will continue to try and experiment and create different looks using this since I have it, but once I hit pan that’s pretty much it.

Five Ways To Cope With Anxiety

2017-01-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

Drawing – Try taking some time out of your day to draw in an adult colouring book. If this doesn’t appeal to you, do something efficient like plan what you’re going to do tomorrow. ‘’When you’re colouring, you’re not really thinking about anything else. In that moment - when you’re sitting down with a traditional piece of paper and some pens, no apps, no noise - you almost go back to being a kid again. Colouring provides a bit of escapism.’’ – Tiddy Rowan

Journaling – This is something that helped with my anxiety massively. Whenever I feel an episode coming on I will write every single emotion I feel down rather than act on my feelings in that moment. This also applies to when I’m angry, upset or stressed out, not just anxious. If you have the time to journal daily, you can also just write about what you did that day and what you want to improve in your life etc. and this will help manage your anxiety long term. I recommend the happiness planner or the ‘I’m doing my best’ inner truth journal.

Listen To Music – go somewhere where you’re alone and listen to music. Try to listen to something uplifting and upbeat rather than something lyrical and complex that will have you even more in your feelings. This should distract your mind from the issues that you’re feeling anxious about and at least relieve you of the uncomfortable feelings for a short time.

Talk To Someone – It is really difficult to find someone who will understand your anxiety and the right things to say when you’re worrying, but if you have even one person who you can talk to in these moments it can help so much. I like to call my close friends who know how to hear me out and then distract my mind by reminding me of positive things/events I have coming up or anything I should look forward to.

Study - depending on what the source of my anxiety is, studying helps me take my mind off my worries. If studying is what’s causing stress or anxiety though, it’s best to avoid this. However, if I’m worried about an argument or stresses at home, going to a quiet place like a library with my textbooks helps me zone out whilst being productive. If you’re not studying at the moment, try reading a book to help you escape.

Lush: Mask Of Magnaminty Review

2016-12-27T05:13:00.000-08:00

I was given the lush mask of magnaminty to sample when my skin was going through a bad time this year
and omg. I literally fell in love with it. It smells like mint chocolate chip ice cream and the peppermint is so cooling on the skin. I fell in love with it so quickly that I went and brought a huge tub in the self-preserving version (which contains more honey, so it is a little thicker and more wet).

I use mask of magnaminty after I have cleansed, usually around once a week, leaving it on for about 15 minutes. You can use it up to 3 times a week, but I usually don’t have the time, so once a week suits me fine. It doesn’t make your skin feel tight and dry when you wash it off, it feels hydrating instead. It is important as with any mask however to moisturise afterwards.

I like to store mine in the fridge so that it’s extra cold when I use it. You can also leave it on a blemish overnight to help reduce inflammation, but be careful with leaving it on any spots that are sore as when you wash it off in the morning it will be dry and is likely to irritate that soreness even more. The huge tub was not necessary for me because I doubt I will make it through all of it before it expires. However, the value for money in comparison to other lush products is really really good. Most of the people who recommend this mask have acne, acne scars or oily skin, so it seems to be a best-selling product for troublesome skin.

A good tip is to remove the product from the tub with a spoon and then apply it to the skin afterwards, preventing the spread of bacteria from your fingers. If you have problematic skin this is particularly important. Also, try to apply the mask in circular motions rather than dragging, to make sure that product is applied evenly and massaged into the skin. Try to be gentle when you are washing it off and hold a flannel over the skin for 5 seconds before wiping, allowing the mask to melt slightly.

Overall, this is my favourite lush product that I have tried for acne. My oiliness decreases slightly after use but mask of magnaminty generally helps me with minimising my pores and preventing acne. I hope you found this post helpful and if you are considering trying this then why not!

Mac Ruby Woo Review - Worth The Hype?

2016-12-26T12:16:00.002-08:00

Mac Lipsticks have always been in high demand, but Ruby Woo is a particularly popular colour. I have a few of their lipsticks in different textures like satin and matte. Ruby Woo is a retro matte which is the 'most matte' in my collection. It is available for £15.50 from the MAC website.

The shade itself is a dark red but it also has cool blue undertones to it. However, the retro matte texture is so dry it feels like I’m dragging on my lips to apply it, and it takes a lot of effort to build up the pigment. The formula is really drying once the product is on the lips and it’s not comfortable to wear at all. I prefer a lipstick that you forget you’re wearing – impossible with Ruby Woo. Even the swatches appear ‘dry’.

Once it’s on your lips good luck getting it off because that shit will leave your lips stained for days. On the upside, that does mean the pigment lasts throughout the day even when you eat and drink, as well as no transfer, but in my opinion the dryness just doesn’t make it worth it. On a scale of 1-10, Ruby Woo would receive a definite 4. A good dupe is ‘creeper’ ultra-matte liquid lipstick by colourpop, which is cheaper and would probably be more comfortable considering it's a liquid lip product.

My Makeup Essentials

2016-12-21T13:55:00.003-08:00

There are certain makeup steps and products that bring my whole look together. I thought I would share my makeup must haves that I include in every routine, I hope you enjoy this and leave me a comment if you do!

Under eye concealer - even if my under eyes aren’t dark or I’ve had a decent night’s sleep, without concealing my under eyes I look weird. If this isn’t something you currently do, try it. I recommend MaybellineFit Me or NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer.

Foundation - unless you have beautiful and flawless skin naturally (if you do I’m jealous), wearing a full face of makeup without foundation probably won’t look right. If you dislike foundation though, try a BB OR CC cream for a softer look.

Green concealer - having acne, when I discovered green concealer for covering my redness I just couldn’t let it go. I will upload a more in-depth post on colour correction – comment if you want me to.

Primer - when I was a newbie to makeup I thought primer was unnecessary. Now, I will never put ANY makeup on my face without a primer. It helps everything blend perfectly whilst creating a barrier between the makeup and your skin to prevent oiliness or your pores clogging.

Beauty Blender - a makeup sponge such as a beauty blender (or the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge for a dupe) is so essential. I cannot imagine doing my makeup without one, it takes away excess makeup so you don’t look cakey as well as allowing you to achieve a seamless blend when highlighting, contouring, and concealing.

Acid For Acne - Glycolic Acid

2016-12-16T14:32:00.000-08:00

What is glycolic acid?

Glycolic acid is a natural substance (derived from sugar cane) that when used in skincare can offer rejuvenating benefits. It’s often used in chemical peels, but a lower percentage of glycolic acid can be used in daily skincare products such as cleansers.

Consistent use is said to increase collagen production, which in basic terms is what keeps the skin tissue firm and beautiful. It minimalizes pores and firms the skin as well as reduces the appearance of acne scars, making them flatter and less visible.

The Science

Glycolic acid belongs to a group of chemical compounds called AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids). It’s the most commonly used AHA when it comes to cosmetics, simply because It has the smallest molecular size, so it can penetrate even the deepest layers of your skin and remove blockages within the pores. This is particularly suitable for those who suffer from cystic acne as this is caused by deep pore blockages. The acid basically breaks down the top layer of skin, dissolving any sebum that could cause spots or blemishes. This is a form of chemical exfoliation, rather than traditional manual exfoliation that can often cause irritation to the skin, making it appear red and sore (don’t do this!!). As glycolic acid allows the debris on your skin to break down in a non-abrasive way, it’s also suitable for those with sensitive skin types.

Risks

Considering AHAs are actually acids, there are a few risks to consider when using products that contain Glycolic acid or one of its’ counterparts:

· Over-use can cause irritation and redness, as well as making your skin extreeeeemely dry.

· Depending on the concentration of glycolic acid you’re using, risks may vary. Using a 20% or more concentration may just be too harsh on your skin and instead of solving your acne problem it will just open the door for more than it can fix.

· Using glycolic acid increases photosensitivity so it’s best not to go in daylight whilst you’re slathered in it. It is widely recommended to use any glycolic acid treatment at night and wash it off in the morning, just to be extra safe.

My Experience

Earlier this year I was suffering potentially one of the worst acne breakouts I’ve ever had after finishing a round of antibiotics for my skin. My self-esteem was a literal zero and I was sick of wasting my time and money on products that claim to have a magic acne fix. So, I began researching into other ways to clean up my skin, but rather than a quick fix I wanted something long term. That’s when I came across acids like glycolic acid and salicylic acid. I purchased a few items that were really affordable and which had good reviews such as the Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme (the word extreme really sold me), Soap & Glory Dr. Spot Gel and a moisturiser containing salicylic acid.

The ‘Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads Extreme’ have a 5% concentration of glycolic acid and are also soaked in salicylic acid, lactic acid, and hyaluronic acid. The pads are comfortable to use on the skin and there is a lot of product soaked into each pad so you can apply it to any areas where you suffer with acne such as the chest, shoulder and back also. They cost around £15 and I got mine from boots for £8 on offer, so keep your eyes open.

At the time, I was in desperate need to clear my skin and I without a doubt went overboard with my skincare routine. I would begin with an exfoliating cleanser using a wash flannel followed by my moisturiser in the morning. At night, I would cleanse, tone, use my glycolic acid pads, moisturise, then use my Dr. Spot. My skin was so irritated by the time I went to bed I would have to sit on my hands to stop myself from itching my face – it was literally unbearable. The fact that I did that to myself just shows why my skin was getting worse and worse rather than improving. My skin was also becoming extremely dry – a large contrast to my generally oily skin.

When I switched out my abrasive cleanser for a gentle soap, learned that daily chemical exfoliation is a nono and chilled out on the spot gel (as well as stopped picking), my skin gradually began to improve. Today I would rate my skin as 90% better than it was at that moment, and I owe this to my (regulated) use of acids in my skincare. I now use my pads once a week, and cleanse with a gentle foam wash. I also use the salicylic acid moisturiser twice daily, and the Dr. Spot when I deem necessary (not much recently). Its clear acids are still incorporated into my daily skincare routine and my acne is now barely as bad as it was – there’s no need to overdo it. Overall though, I recommend trying glycolic acid for your skin, acne or not.