no make-up

I was looking on the Daily Mail website earlier (I know I shouldn't) and I came across a post on Annalynne McCord from 90210 make-up free. I always find it funny when newspapers and magazines do stories on make-up free celebrities as they go to the gym or board an early flight, like it's such a shock they aren't wearing a full face of make-up. But the more I think about it I get a bit mad. What kind of message is that sending out? Should women ALWAYS wear make-up? They put the make-up free picture next to a picture from an event (where their make-up has been done professionally) to compare them. Papers and magazines also pick and choose the message they want to send out, sometimes they celebrate the fact that the celebs are bare-skinned and sometimes they point out all their flaws in excruciating detail. I think it's pretty obvious which one is more common.

This is the picture AnnaLynne posted on Twitter. I contemplated doing this post without pictures, I'm not sure if it makes me a hypocrite or not.. 

'To all my girls (and boys) who have ever been embarrassed by their skin! I salute you! I'm not perfect--and that's okay with me!'

I wish the make-up free pictures were the norm, I wish young girls were used to seeing the celebrities they admire like this. I think men and women now have such a skewed vision of what is normal and what is beautiful. Last night I was meeting my friend on Skype for a long catch up. She has been my best friend for my whole life and yet, before going on Skype I put a bit of tinted moisturiser on and a tiny amount of concealer under my eyes. Why? Was it because I felt self-conscious in front of the camera? People say they want to look their best and I completely agree, as I wear make-up everyday. I wish 'our best' was ourselves though, our natural beauty. I am thinking of skipping make-up for a whole week... anyone want to join me?!


On that note I will leave you with a quote from DVF:


“The most important relationship in your life is the relationship you have with yourself. Because no matter what happens, you will always be with yourself.” ― Diane Von Furstenberg

Sarah xoxo 

skin

 I've become a bit skincare obsessed recently. I want to look after my skin and hopefully it'll clear up a bit (getting spots at 23 is a bit annoying). So here are a few things I am trying this month.

Vichy Normaderm Hydrating Care: These Normaderm products are new from Vichy, which is a company I've never tried before. It is suitable for oily, imperfection-prone skin- which sounds like me (my skin isn't really oily but definitely prone to imperfections). It promises to transform 6 conditions- blemishes, pores, shine, oily skin, marks and uneven complexion. The ingredients include LHA, Salicylic acid and Glycolic acid to reduce the appearance of imperfections. I'm really excited about this moisturiser and I'm really intrigued by the ingredients. If they fade the marks left behind by spots and help prevent them I will be really impressed.

One pump of product is enough for the entire face and neck. The consistency is really nice and it sinks into the skin quickly and provides a great base for make-up. When I purchased this in boots the purifying gel wash came free so I will be using them together. £12 for 50ml from Boots.


Green Tea: I'm trying to drink more green tea, which contains antioxidants and it is claimed to help with many things like headaches and depression. There are many health claims, including great skin so I'm hoping it will help with mine.

Water: This is an obvious one but I'm trying to drink my 2 litres-a-day! Also, my friend has amazing skin and when I asked her what her secret was she said that she always makes sure she splashes her face with cold water when she gets out of the shower/washing her face. No fancy products just cold water and any moisturiser she has to hand. So I'm trying that this month too and I must say it feels invigorating and it brightens my skin up!

What are your skincare secrets? Have you found anything that you swear by? I'd love to read your suggestions in the comments below :)