Beauty tips for the pool

I've been a swimmer since I was a little girl, and I still remember having really dry skin in my legs. For years, and as I've changed my swimming routine a few times, I have come up with a beauty routine that works for me. There's nothing here scientifically proven, but it works for me, and maybe you can benefit from it. So, let's begin!

The day before

Yes, I start the day before. First of all, considering the pool contains chemicals that can harmful for your skin and hair, avoid body and face exfoliation. In my experience, after leaving the pool, my skin feels overly dry, tight, so you need as much protection as you can get. When you exfoliate, as you remove the last layer of dead cells, you leave your skin ready to absorb products, and you don't want them to be chemicals from the pool. That last layer of skin, might help you protect your skin, and therefore, you might want to consider exfoliating AFTER the pool. The same goes with hair. If possible, don't wash it the day before, and before going to sleep, apply something oily and hydrating, especially in the ends, such as shea butter, argan oil, coconut oil, olive oil... you get the idea. My favorites: Elvive Extraordinary Oil and the Organix Shea Butter Liquid Glass Serum.

30 minutes before going to the pool

As you plan going to the pool, take 30 minutes before to:

1) Eat something light, like a piece of fruit. As any other workout, eating something right before starting, might make you sick, so, just eat a little something that metabolizes fast, like a piece of fruit, that will give you energy right when you need it, and give it some time before hitting the pool.

2) Drink one or two glasses of water. As hydration is necessary, and it's better to do it before; it helps not to get cramps and to keep you hydrated.

3) Apply moisturizer to your face. Again, I insist on protecting your face and hydrating your skin before hitting the pool.  

4) And maybe re apply the hair oil (optional). You can check up your hair, yet again, if it is a little dry, focusing on the ends, and add a little extra.

Right before getting into the pool

It's very important to protect your skin and specially your hair, to get a good shower before hitting the pool. Get your hair really soaked, in order to avoid your hair absorbing all the chemicals. Since I always go to the pool for training, I always wear a cap, which also protects you from getting your hair damaged.

 After the pool

When you leave the pool, make sure you take a nice, long shower. It's important to remove all chemical residues, so that also, you don't go around your day smelling like... well like you've been in the pool. Then, do all the thorough exfoliation you want. I prefer to clean my skin with something oily, or a very gentle facial cleanser (like the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser), as it ends up being really tight. It might also be a good idea to exfoliate, with a creamy, gentle exfoliator; my picks: Pineapple Papaya Facial Scrub or the St. Ives Olive Scrub). Your skin will be prepped for absorbing the nutrients from your serum or moisturizer or both. And then, think about hydration. Put on some nurturing cream in your body, and if you have a hydrating mask (such as the Aloe Protective Restoring Mask), it will be a great idea to use it after the pool. Finish your beauty routine as usual. Last but not least, drink plenty of water during the day, as you should after every workout. 

I hope this was helpful.

Leave your comments below!!

XOXOXO

Simply Aphrodite

My Basics on makeup

Two options for starters' kit: an inexpensive one (left) and more high end products (right)

For all of you who are just starting to get interested in makeup, here are a few basic things I've learned over the years. All of them come for personal experience

What do I need?

When you're starting to use makeup, you might be clueless as to what you need.  I know it might seem scary to buy things you've never used before and you might think that it's too much, and you might be right, but there's no reason not to try. Here's my basic shopping list:

• Mascara: a must. When you wear mascara, your eyes seem more awake and it really completes your look. You can even skip eyeshadow and your eyes will still look great, just with mascara. There are many choices, and that it's up to you. As for me, I prefer waterproof mascara, because with the humidity down here, it always smears and I end up looking like a green-eyed racoon. However, it's harder to remove, so that's your choice. Also, there are many wands that can give you different effects. Some prefer more natural looking eyelashes and others prefer the false eyelashes look. Mascara is the number one item in this list, because to me, once you put it on, you look instantly better and more polished.  

• Foundation: start with a tinted moisturiser or a BB or CC cream. They cover a lot less than regular foundation, but they enhance all your best features. For beginners, I think it's way better than foundation, while you get used to wearing makeup. It's easier to apply too, as you'd not be covering, but rather hydrating your skin with a little extra. However, there are many foundation formulas. Don't be scared to explore, as there are foundations for every skin color, every skin type, every price. When choosing a foundation or a BB cream, is important that you choose the right shade, preferably in natural light and match it, when possible, to your face or neck. The right shade is the one that disappears and blends so perfectly, you can't even see it. If you end up buying a shade too dark or too light for you, or of you can't find the right match, you can always mix two different shades to get a more suitable color. 

• Powder: It can be pressed or loose, they both look great in my opinion. It depends more on the powder itself that the texture. The appropriate shade is also important in this case, although it's  less noticeable than the foundation. At first it would be best to buy translucent powder, the safest choice. In my opinion loose powder looks more natural and it doesn't look cakey, but it can be pretty messy when you want to carry it around. As for application I've seen big brushes, small brushes, but I guess it depends on the territory you want to cover. For an all-over-your-face powder, big brush and for small, more accurate approach, use a small brush. It's also important to start applying little by little, and build it up as needed.

• Blush: What you're looking for is a healthy flush, like when you work out. Although traditionally blushes are pink, there is a whole range of pinky, peachy or golden shades you could try. Personally, and because my skin is rather tanned, I prefer a more peachy glow, a coral hue or a strong pink. Try to search a color that would look natural on you.  Less is more, and your best is always your more natural self, in my opinion at least. As for the texture, if your skin is rather oily, a powder blush might be best for you, and if your skin is on the dry side, you can go for cream blush. At least, traditionally speaking. With my combination skin, I've tried cream blush and loved it, only to have to disappear 30 minutes after I've applied it. Sometimes I still use it, because it looks really natural, so take your pick. 

• Eyeshadow: My favorite makeup category! I love playing with eyeshadow and eye makeup in general. If you're a makeup newbie, go for a neutral palette, maybe with a twist, to give you something extra and include a color for your eyebrows (like the ones in the photo: The Natural Shadow Palette by NYX (left) or The Smashbox Full Exposure Palette (right)). Most of the neutral palettes come with strong dark colors that you can play with. Try applying them in the crease, blending them very well and using them with caution. When it comes to eyeshadow, it's OK to use colors and you don't have to limit yourself to certain colors. However, the neutral palette is a safe bet of a range of colors that you can wear everyday. I would  advise you not to wear glitter or too much shimmer to go to work, but rather something neutral and matte. 

• Eyeliner: You might be wary of getting too carried away with it and end up with something too done for a work day. I was too! But after trying a lot, I've found out that a very thin line very close to the lash line can make you look great, and it's an awesome complement to mascara. There are gel liners, liquid liners, kohl pencils... So many choices, so take your pick and little by little you'll see! I love gel eyeliners, because they are so creamy, they just move so nicely through your eyelid and, unlike the liquid eyeliners, you don't have to wait for them to dry, and it requires a lot less skills. If you're a beginner, you might want to try out pencils first. They're easier to apply, and you don't need a perfect line, you can smudge it at the end with a cotton swab and it will still look polished. If you want to try out liquid eyeliner, don't pull your eyelids on the side (at least, not too hard) and attempt to do one straight line. It might be a better idea to draw small lines along the lash line, like dashes and then completing the line.

• Lips: use, again something natural, either lipstick, tinted lip balm or lip gloss (my favorite). When you buy them, make sure to at least try it in your hand, as shades can look different in the package and you might be misled. I always wear lip balm first, as you should always wear something nurturing and hydrating before applying anything else, even if it is petroleum jelly. In my opinion, lipstick might look too harsh, if it's the wrong color, but out of all the makeup products, it's the easiest one to remove, without messing up the rest of your makeup. So, give it a try! See what looks good on you, mix up two colors if you think one might be too strong. Until you feel more comfortable, buy colors similar to your lips, with a little something extra, a little sparkle or hydration. As for lip glosses, as they give a softer color but they make your lips, well glossy, and it might not be what you want, and some people don't like it as you hair night stick to it. However, it's my favorite finish and colors are not nearly as strong as they seem. 

Now I have the products, now what?

Well, the application involves a lot of discovery, and you might even like studying your face. I love the time I spend putting on my makeup, mostly because is a time for me. Those 10 minutes in the morning are a great way to start the day for me. 

If you want to see videos with great tips and wonderful ideas to put your makeup on, I highly recommend these Youtube channels:

Makeup by Eman

Michelle Phan

Lisa Eldridge

Makeup Geek

Tanya Burr

Glam Guru

Among many, many others. Don't be afraid if you think it's too much. Just take one tip or two from them, and add it to your routine. I'll be posting some more on application of these items later on and making some more recommendations.

Well I hope this was helpful! 

Leave questions, suggestions and comments below

XOXO, 

Simply Aphrodite

Drugstore Makeup vs. High-End makeup

As part of my makeup for newbies series, I've been thinking about cost vs. value and when it is a good idea to splurge on something.  So:

 Should I spend a fortune when buying these items?

No, obviously not. Makeup is found in all price ranges and in the drugstore you can also buy fantastic  items. Some of my favorite drugstore brands are Revlon and Maybelline, but you can also check in your nearest drugstore. What I don't like about drugstore products, at least where I live, is that you can't always have samples and can't always get the right shade. Other than that, you can find a lot of affordable great things in the drugstore. That doesn't mean that some luxury items are not worth it or that you should only get makeup at your drugstore. Over the years, I've treated myself to some pricey items, some of them worth it, some of them not so much, not because they're bad, but because you can find items of great quality for a lot less, and to me, that's not worth the high price.

Maybe you've heard that it depends on the product you're buying, it might be a good investment or simply something you want to splurge on. Either way, it might be worth it, if it makes you feel so beautiful and happy that when you wear it, your face lights up. That is...well, priceless, and the ultimate beauty item. (Because you look your best when you're happy). This applies to clothes, or a fragrance or jewellery...But in the more practical sense I've found a few guidelines of things you should invest and  things you shouldn't. So here's my take on them:

Skin care: 

Yes and no.

Face wash and makeup remover: it doesn't have to be so fancy, especially when you can find great face washes at the drugstore that are fantastic (I love Cetaphil products). I've also read that since the product stays for such little time in your skin, you would be wasting your money. I think that might be true. You should always find something that doesn't dry your up too much and that doesn't irritate you. I used to use the Clinique Liquiq Facial Soap, and I loved it, I still do, but now I've tried some other products and I think there are some great soaps in our drugstore without having to break the bank. The same applies to face toner. Regardless of the brand or price point, find something that works for you, that does good to your skin. Also, you might want to consider natural oils to remove your makeup, like olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil... they dissolve the makeup right away and they might not irritate your skin as some other products.

Moisturizer? Well, that's something worth splurging. Why? because it stays with you all day or all night, and it can make a difference. Specially serums. Up to a few months ago, I wouldn't even look at them, thinking they were only for ladies of a certain age, but now, after informing myself, I've realized that they work on everybody's skin. Serums contain highly concentrated ingredients, that's why they are so pricey. As for moisturizer, if you have a specific issue, it might be worth to buy something that might help you, even if it is more expensive.

Body lotion: I know that this might contradict what I said about lotions earlier, but I don't think you should spend a lot on body lotion. All you need is something nourishing and hydrating. I don't know you, but I go through the lotion bottle very quickly, and I try not to spend too much in it. Every now and then I use something more luxurious like  L'Occitane's Almond Milk Concentrate, just to give myself a little boost when I'm feeling down, or if a special occasion presents itself.

Never forget sunscreen!! I'll do another post on day and night beauty routine, but my one product for the day, regardless of the weather is sunscreen.

Makeup:

Primers: I have used several primers and although I prefer more high end brands, drugstore items like the  Revlon Photoready™ Perfecting Primer is not far behind. Several other brands have amazing primers. My personal favourite: Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer Pore Minimizing. It's great, it leaves skin smooth and ready for foundation. I know a lot of you prefer to skip this step and that's alright. I use it because my skin is on the oily side and primer helps with the situation. You can always explore and see for yourself if it is worth it or not. 

Foundation: That's an item worth investing some money. I'm sure you've noticed that even in drugstore makeup, foundation is the most pricey item. Again in the drugstore you'll find very good items, but I have to say I prefer more luxurious brands. Make sure to get the right shade, one that disappear in the skin (in your face not your wrist). Texture-wise, in my experience, some of the drugstore items can be chalky and thick, and some of them might even smell like...paint! (more on that later). I bought my Lancôme Foundation Teint Idole Ultra 24H a few years ago and it's one of those items that I kept repurchasing; it quickly became one of my all time favourite items. This foundation has never disappointed me and for me, that's worth my money. 

Blush and powder: Again it depends on the product. In my opinion it would have to be something really special for me to invest my money on. Usually Maybelline and other drugstore products are great and make you look amazing! I love the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush™ and the  Revlon Photoready™ Powder, just to name a couple. Of course high end brands also have fantastic products.

Eye Shadow: I've read in a few places that people think it's something you shouldn't spend tat much money on. I completely disagree. For many years I bought cheap drugstore makeup and used it, thinking it was the same as high end brands. Dead wrong! Once I was able to afford more expensive brands like MAC, Smashbox or Clinique, I realized what I had been missing. For starters, you don't need to pick up that much product for you to see it in your eyelids, which keeps happening to me with eyeshadows like the Revlon Customeyes™ Shadow + Liner. Also, the expensive brands last longer. Once I went to a wedding and after the rain my eyeshadow was still in place. To me, they are really worth it. I love putting makeup in my eyes more than my lips, and in my opinion, there's no contest, buy high end brands.

Lipstick, lip gloss: I'm not too picky when it comes to any of these items. I'm rather self conscious about wearing too much lipstick, so I would go with tinted lip balm and that's it. I've used high end brands and I don't see much of a difference with drugstore dupes, and it's not something I would invest in, except if it is an exceptional shade. That said, there are some, lip glosses in particular, with a very bad taste. It's like solvent or something. It's just wrong!

What should I do when I decide to buy something pricey?

If you're thinking about investing in something expensive, I have to say I have never been disappointed by a pricey item, mostly by following a few rules:

-Do your research. Whenever I start hearing about a new product, I always make sure it will be worth it. There are thousands of makeup bloggers like myself, who review the latest products out there for you. So, make sure you gather several opinions before making a choice. 

-Try it on. It's the most important part, as you're always seeing all kinds of commercials that advertise the next best thing for you skin, but everyone is different and your skin might react in a different  way. When you go to department stores or other makeup stores, they might apply it on you or also give you a free sample. If you are wary about asking, don't be, that's their job. To help you. So, go over there and say you want to try that Chanel Foundation. But don't buy it yet... Leave it on for a while. Go home. Look at yourself in different mirrors, with different lights and see how much it lasts, and if after a few hours you still like it. 

- Read the label. I know it sounds obvious, but it could happen. A few months ago, in an airport in Houston, I was so excited about my favorite Clinique moisturizer being on sale that I didn't realise that  it was the lotion for dry and very dry skin, and my skin is combination!. So, double check before paying for the correct product. I know getting your money back might not be a problem, but still, isn't it better to check well before buying?

- Enjoy it! For a few years and even still now, I sometimes put too much value into some of the most expensive products I use, and I save them for special occasions. I know they're expensive, but they are meant to be used. Eventually,  they all go bad and then, you would have wasted your money. So use them and enjoy them! You deserve it!

For now that's it! I hope you like it. Share it, spread the word!!

XOXOX

Aphrodite

Cleaning up your makeup brushes

I don't know you guys, but I tend to use at least 5 to 10 brushes every time I do my makeup. And that is in the weekdays, when it only takes me 15 minutes. After a while, I realized that my brushes were starting to make me break out, and I assumed the bacteria built up in them was to blame. When I thought about it, I realized that I didn't wash them often enough and maybe not well enough. Since then, I made it my goal to wash my brushes, at least once a week (as well as rotating my makeup, but more on that later), although I use some antibacterial gel in between.

Finding the right way to wash them has been time consuming, but for me, it has been worth it. Now I don't break out as often and my brushes are very clean!!

So, let's get to it...

1. What you need

Baby Shampoo

Baby Conditioner

Baby Oil or Olive oil, or any other kind that you like

Antibacterial gel

To clean my brushes, although I've used some brush-cleaning solutions in the past, I find it that simple shampoo and baby oil do the trick, and they are more affordable. As for the conditioner, I love this one because it smells great, but if you prefer another one, that's your choice.

2. Separate your brushes

I usually separate my brushes in two groups. The first one with brushes that have been used to creamy products, and the second one with brushes I use for powder makeup. In my experience, creamy makeup, specially foundation, is really hard to remove, and therefore, it requires a different treatment compared to powder. 

3. Start with brushes with powder makeup on

I always start with the easy part. This kind of makeup removes rather easily. It's very simple, just take a small bowl or plastic container. Put a small amount of shampoo, add warm water on top, and put your brushes in, for a few seconds. I always count to 10, as recommended by The Beauty Department girls, and take them out, rinse them under cold water. 

It's also a good idea to swirl them around. It's pretty gross to look at the water, and you won't believe the amount of makeup that was there! To be honest, sometimes it takes more than ten seconds, and in that case, I'd rather take them out, rinse them, and go again. Leave them over a paper towel or put them on the edge of the sink, so that excess water falls down. (Be careful, they might fall down in the sink!). If you think they need further shampooing, do it as many rounds as needed. Maybe you've heard that you shouldn't let the metal part that holds them together to come inside the water, but to me, it's almost impossible. I try to avoid it, but it doesn't always work. The reason for this is because hairs can come off the brush, as the glue dissolves slightly in the water. In my experience, this happens with brushes of poor quality. and after squeezing them really hard.  

4. Continue with brushes that have cream makeup

Regardless of what kind of makeup they contain (foundation, blush, eyeshadow, cream liner...), they need something else. I realized, after trying to wash my foundation brush with the procedure described above, that shampoo alone was not doing it. It was too much product and I needed something else. After a few tries I realized that oil, any kind of oil, helps remove that overly creamy makeup that it's so great to apply, but can be headache to remove. I blend equal amounts of oil and shampoo, either in my hand or in the plastic container's cap. I blend it with the brush and you'll see all the makeup come out. Every brush needs a new blend, as so much makeup comes off, but in my experience is the best thing. After rinsing with water and repeating if necessary, I like to squeeze the brush to see if all the makeup is gone. Afterwards, I put the brushes in the shampoo bowl just to make sure they are squeaky clean and I can move on to the next step.

5. Condition all of your brushes

I recently visited a makeup store and asked the makeup artist there, how to make my brushes look nice again, as my fluffy brushes looked a little tousled, even after I've reshaped them. She advice me to use conditioner, and I have to say, I really like the results. They not only smell great, but they recover their original shape and, in my opinion, they are softer when they dry. Rinse the conditioner very well.

6. Let them dry

Where? That is your choice. Things to consider: if you let them dry in vertical position, water from the hairs of the brush can go to its base, and according to my research, as I mentioned before, that can eventually cause your brush to break, as the glue from the base might dissolve. I have not verified that, but I prefer to leave them horizontally in a paper towel, after using a dry towel (or paper towel as well) to remove overall excess water. You can also use a hair dryer to speed things up, or you need your brushes right away.

And we're done!!

7. Other makeup brush cleaning ideas

About makeup brush cleaners, I find them very expensive, in comparison to the products I normally use. In between applications, some brushes need to be cleaned. For example, if you use eyeliner and you want to switch colours, you could also use a makeup brush cleaner or, another favourite, antibacterial gel. However, it won't help a lot if you're trying to get off foundation or something heavier

Left: Cleaning with Antibacterial gel. Right: Cleaning with a makeup brush cleaner

Annex. Sponges!

I don't use sponges so frequently, only a new Beauty Blender dupe I found. It's the hardest one to clean!! I followed the advice of one of my favourite beauty bloggers, and put the sponge in the microwave. Still, I had to shampoo, rinse and microwave a bunch of times, and I am really not looking forward to do it again. 

If you have any other tips or tricks I didn't include, please comment below.

I hope it's useful

XOXO

Simply Aphrodite

BB and CC creams

Hey guys! For the last few months, I have become obsessed with all BB and CC creams. After reading and hearing so much about them, I couldn't resist the temptation and over the last few months I've been buying a few and trying them all on. I've bought in all price ranges and in general I've found them all lovely.

BB creams appeared first, being advertised as an all-in-one product, that helps you skip a few steps in your routine, providing  healthy and glowing skin. After reading several reviews and watching my favourite beauty and makeup gurus go on about the benefits of them, I knew I had to try them.

1. Maybelline BB Cream

So, I'll start with some drugstore products. First, the Maybelline BB Cream. An 8-in-one formula is hydrating with decent coverage and it also contains SPF 30. Perfect for everyday use. And the price is really affordable.  What I really didn't like is that it left me a little oily and I had to use matte powder.

2. The Revlon Photoready BB Cream 

The The Revlon Photoready BB Cream was unsurprisingly good. I say unsurprising as all the products from the Photoready line are fantastic (check out the REVLON PHOTOREADY AIRBRUSH Foundation, is great!). It blends, it settles, protects and hydrates without saturating the skin. It has great coverage and although, skin still looks a bit oily after hours of applying it, it last for a really long time. 

3. Smashbox Camera Ready BB cream

Moving on to more high end brands, I'm gonna continue with the Smashbox Camera Ready BB cream. I must say that my opinion could be biased as I am a HUGE fan of Smashbox products. Specially the eyeshadows, but more of that on another post. This brand is one of my favourites for makeup products and the BB cream is no exception. It is thicker, and it looks more like a foundation than a BB cream, but it still offers great finish. Skin looks luminous, and as far as I can tell, in spite of containing SPF, which can look whitish in photos, I think it looks great. 

4. MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm Compact SPF 30

The MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm Compact SPF 30 is one of my latest acquisitions and it works really well, it blends and leaves the skin prepped, primed and with some great coverage. I must also use powder after it as it doesn't remove the shine from my oily t-zone, but I must say it lasts for quite a while and it looks great. This BB cream comes in a liquid form and in a compact form, which is the one I bought, and the makeup artist there told me works better on oily, combination skin, like mine.

5. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer

The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is technically not a BB cream, it is rather a great tinted moisturiser. I bought it at Sephora, when I went with a friend of mine, and we were kindly helped by one of the makeup artists, who made the skin IQ test on us. We mentioned we were looking for something really soft, sheer and rather easy to apply. Thanks to the test (which is done on three points of your face), the color clearly resembles that of my own skin. The texture is very light and although it doesn't have that much coverage, it's very hydrating, light and it blends in to reveal a fantastic complexion. In my case, as my skin is combination, it really helps with the oily parts throughout the face. When I bought it I knew exactly what I wanted, and this was it. If you want something with more coverage, you should look for a different product, as this one is simply that, a tinted moisturiser.

6. Kielhs BB Cream - Actively Correcting and Beautifying with SPF 50 PA+++

Now, my all-time favourite BB cream. The Kielhs BB Cream - Actively Correcting and Beautifying with SPF 50 PA+++. From the moment I tried it on, I fell my skin was transformed. First of all, I love going to the Kielhs store. Everyone is always nice and helpful and they have this tests to see what would be the right products for you. I have an acne-prone skin, and as my complexion is rather on the darker side, I have a tendency of getting dark spots were blemishes used to be. This BB cream really worked on my skin. Besides covering the dark spots, it really helped making them fade away. I also have to give credit to another Kielhs wonder, the Acne Blemish Control Daily Skin-Clearing Treatment, which I used at night. Whenever I applied the BB cream, I could see that when I took it all after a long day, it had started to work, not only protecting my skin, but actually working throughout the day. I highly recommend it, to all of those with dark spots, and having a hard time finding products that work.

7.  Iris Angelica Sublime Beauty Cream SPF30

Another brand that I swear by, in almost every product is L'Occitane. For a few years now, I have been drawn to their store, their packaging, their smell... I love everything about them, so when I saw that they had a BB cream, the Iris Angelica Sublime Beauty Cream Medium SPF30, I knew I had to try it. It's a great product. I bought it in a shade that seemed to be a little too light for my skin, but it blends in great. It leaves a lovely luminous finish, and it makes your skin look healthy and glowy. Again, it doesn't have the greatest coverage, but it is a product I normally use when I'm going out during the day and I want to put on something light that leaves my skin moisturised and fresh.

8. Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Finally, I gave this post the name "BB and CC creams" mostly because of my latest addition, the Clinique CC Cream Hydrating Colour Corrector Broad Spectrum SPF 30. I haven't been using it for long, but I must say I really like it so far. It blends, it color corrects, it hydrates, and one of the things I really liked about it it's that I didn't have to use powder on top of it. It let my skin hydrated but not oily. I went out all day, and in a particularly warm and humid day, I usually see my face oily, specially on my t-zone after a few hours. Not with this product. It's fantastic!

So, there you have it! I really recommend BB creams if you're on the go and don't want to be in front of the mirror for hours, trying to get every single dar spot covered. If you feel you need a lot of coverage, you should use a foundation and concealer (I'll be writing a post about it soon). But if what you're looking for is a lightweight cream that helps you keep your skin moisturised, protected from the sun, and with a healthy glow, this is exactly what you're looking for.

Thank you for reading! Please leave your comments below if you have any suggestions or thoughts you'd like to share!

XOXO,

Simply Aphrodite

Freeman Clay Masks

Happy New Chinese Year everyone!!! I wish you all the best in the year that starts. Now let's get to it...

For a very long time I've used several Freeman products, but I've stuck to the masks for a really long time. They are affordable, they smell great, and they work wonders on my skin. I've managed to have a collection of facial masks, as many as I could find and today I want to tell you about their clay masks.

My complete Freeman face mask collection

We have Avocado and Oatmeal, Chocolate and Strawberry, Açaí, Mint and Lemon and finally, Dead Sea Minerals. My favourite is, hands down, Chocolate and Strawberry. I love the smell of chocolate so much, that I've even been tempted to taste it (I haven't...). This mask is designed for deep pore cleansing and it definitely leaves pores unclogged, and a great sensation of freshness. It also contains Shea and Cocoa Butter to moisturize your skin. Among my favourites,  the Mint and Lemon Clay Mask comes a close second. I've used it to relieve the inflammation on some blemishes and it works wonders. It doesn't do miracles, but it definitely helps. Besides, one of my favourite benefits is that it leaves my nose blackhead-free! Most clay masks help with that, by I have to say, this one removes them for days. Definitely a must-have.

The Clay Masks!

The Acai Facial Purifying Clay Mask is not far behind. As some of you may know, the Açaí is a berry that grows in the Brazilian Amazon and other places in South America, and has antioxidant properties (much like its berry sisters). This clay mask, not only contains Açaí, but also Goji, Pomegranate, Mango, Mangosteen, Cranberry, Noni and Blueberry. Sounds amazing, right? Well it is. You might think that it's purple, but it's actually light green. It smells great and it leaves your skin clean. Much like the Mint and Lemon Clay, the Avocado & Oatmeal Facial Clay Mask is brilliant when it comes to cleaning the pores and remove impurities. In the label says it purges pores and it definitely won't disappoint you. Besides, the Oatmeal helps moisturising the skin and at the end, your skin will have clean pores, and moisturise your face.

My three favourites!

Last but not least we have the Dead Sea Minerals Facial Anti-Stress Mask. This mask, pretty much like the other ones, absorbs the excess oil out of the skin, with the added bonus of Dead Sea Minerals,  which help your skin look healthy and clean. I really love the fact that it has such a great smell that really relaxes you while cleaning your skin.

I hope you guys enjoy this post and if you have any other suggestions or any other masks I should try please write it in the comments below

XOXO

Simply Aphrodite