My skin journey: the background & the intro

Clarification : This is all about my point of view, how I deal with the process and my decisions. I am in no way, shape or form telling you how to act, feel or deal with any skin problem you may be having. 

 So, while everyone is inside and we're experiencing a second lockdown and it's mandatory to be wearing a mask everywhere (in Greece, at least), why not use this time to treat my skin? That'd make a difference when the mask's finally off, now, wouldn't it?

the background

 All jokes aside, after lots of thought and mental preparation for the most part, I decided to finally treat my acne with medication (meaning pills) since nothing else seemed to be working effectively before that. I've beel dealing with acne for years, from small bumps here and there when I was younger, to severe cystic acne now that I'm older.

 For those of you who aren't familiar with the term, cystic acne is a type of localized inflamation formed when oil ducts become clogged and subsequently ruptured. These "bumps" (cysts) are formed underneath the epidermis (so you cannot pop them even if you'd want to... which you shouldn't. Keep your hands off your face!) and at least in my experience can be painful. I got cysts that I could do nothing about and several times they would swell so much, that my skin covering them would get really "thin", so it would pop when I'd wash my face and it got messy, to put it lightly. So yes, that was painful.

 During my finals in high school, it had come to a point where it'd hurt a lot because I was so inflamed. Stress is a funny thing and it can mess up your whole body. But since that was close to summertime, I couldn't be prescribed the treatment (these pills make your skin really sensitive to light, among other things, so it shouldn't be done during the summer time).

 Instead, my dermatologist prescribed me some antibiotics, along with a gel called Epiduo (with benzoyl peroxide) for my skin. At the same time, I used a liquid medicated soap called Ampitasol (with triclosan) to cleanse my face. I stopped using that shortly after summer began, as I noticed that my skin would burn after I had used that and then I'd dipped into the sea.

 During the hottest months of the year and with the help of the sea as well, my skin improved. The antibiotics did everything they could, along with the gel as well. The gel had a really nice finish on my skin, leaving it feeling smoother, as if there was a light veil on it and texture was minimized. Everything wasn't ideal, but it was for sure better than it was before.

 And then Uni rolled by. Don't get me wrong, University wasn't so stressful after all, but the exams at the end of the first semester sure were. I wasn't sleeping properly, I was under pressure because I wanted to ace my exams and everything was a little too much for me. So here I was again, just as inflamed as I was half a year ago.

 I did nothing during my first year in Uni to fix that. I didn't expect for my face to break out so much because of the exams. Then corona came in at the start of the second semester, then summer again and... here we are.

 To say that I was nervous would be an understatement as the day of my dermatologist appointment approached. I was nervous that he'd find a way around giving my the medication I was so convinced would be the only solution. I'd spent so much time worrying about the pills and the side effects and now I was so ready to get them and get this over with, it's ironic, really.

the intro

 So I needed to get some blood tests done and since those turned out good, I was ready to begin with my treatment. I need to get tested every month. I'm aware of several possible side effects, some more sure to appear than others.

 The way this goes is that because of the treatment you start to break out. A lot. Your skin is letting out everything that's basically been hiding underneath. Then, your skin gets really dry. Every drop of oil leaves your skin -that's why hydrating and moisturizing is key-. The lack of oil/moisture affects your lips (chapped lips), hair (it won't get oily/greasy as easily), eyes perhaps (dry eyes) etc. The point is that your pimples get dried out and they are gone. There could be more intense side effects like nausea, heaches, rise of cholesterole, recrudescence or appearance of signs of depression and more, which would lead to an abrupt end to the treatment. That's why it is so important to always keep in touch with your doctors and letting them in on the situation. Tests are frequent and so are doctor's appointments. 

P.S. #1 : This kind of treatment is only prescribed by a dermatologist after having tried all the other methods (gels, creams, soaps ointments, even antibiotics) and having them fail. It is not "the easy way" to "just stop breaking out". It is also likely that this treatment won't end your suffering, as it may not work for you the first time. Don't mess around with medication.

P.S. #2 : I will be dedicating a lot of articles on the subject here, on my blog and on my Instagram account as well, so make sure you follow me there.

xox, 

Eva

The easiest way to clean your makeup brushes and sponges

 ... and the most affordable as well

It's no secret that the process of cleaning your makeup equipment isn't the most fun thing in the world. What also shouldn't be a secret is that you have to do it approximately once a week. If not, bacteria gets built up between the bristles of the brushes (or on the surface/inside of the sponge) and eventually ends up on your face, resulting to irritation and break outs.

For brushes

What you need

• a makeup cleaning pad or mat

I highly recommend getting one in case you haven't. The silicone surface of these tools is made for getting between the bristles the way your hand never could and removes any type of makeup left in there. Rubbing the brush on your hand could remove some makeup but unfortunately not all of it. These tools can be found at an affordable price, so don't stress about having to splurge.

• brush cleanser

Well, technically, you could use one. Is it necessary? No. Could it be good? Yes. Why don't you try with a gentle hand soap first? Chances are that it will be equally as effective and you won't need to purchase something you don't really need.

What to do

1. Wet the brush
2. Cover it with a bit of gentle hand soap
3. Rub that on the special equipment
4. Rinse with plenty of water

he ideal way for a brush to dry is upside down (the bristles facing downwards), so the water leaves it with its natural shape. I personally have found that laying them on a kitchen paper doesn't affect their shape but it's up to you.

 

For sponges

What you need

• a mug / a bowl
• some water
• some olive oil
• a microwave

What to do

1. Fill the mug/bowl with water about half way through
2. Put the makeup sponge inside the mug
3. Put it in the microwave for 30 sec
4. Wait a minute or two before you take it out so you don't burn yourself
5. Mix a bit of olive oil with the gentle hand soap you have and cover the sponge
6. Rinse with plenty of water

Putting your sponge in the microwave really helps to sterilize it and to get rid off all the excess bacteria that isn't visible. The olive oil along with the soap dissolve the makeup left on the sponge. It works wonders! You may need to cover it up with that mixture 1-3 times before it's truly clean. Do it until nothing comes off the sponge and you're good to go!

Additionally, I want to point out that, since I'm not an expert and I don't do my makeup on a regular basis (e.g. every day), I believe in finding pretty good brushes on a bargain. I wouldn't splurge on high-end equipment, as I wouldn't get my money's worth. Maybe sometime in the future, when I decide to invest more in my kit, I will consider it, but now it's not for me. So, I would advise you to look out for good quality and a reasonable price to your liking.

 

xox,

Eva 

Nail Art : Ombre Mani

Huge trend that has blown up for quite some time that I just recently decided to try for myself? Well that has to be the ombre mani one. I think it is the rightful successor of the "each nail a different colour" scheme, right after the all-pastel-nails, all-neon-nails and all that preceded it.

So the idea behind this is that you paint each nail with a different colour (duh). You're supposed to stick to a colour of choice and then play with different hues. That creates the gradient effect of an ombre, each nail being darker (or lighter, depends on how you see it) than the one next to it.

I posted some stories about my take on it (make sure you follow me on Instagram) which was more one the mauve/berry side. These are the exact nail lacquers I used in case you're interested.

• sixteen cosmetics Long Lasting Nail Polish 60" Fast Dry {couldn't find the code, but it's the same as the 50" version #708 (11 ml) }
• AVON Gel Shine Nail Enamel - "Mauvelous" / P808 (10 ml)
• AVON Gel Shine Nail Enamel - "Very Berry" / P814 (10 ml)
• sixteen cosmetics Long Lasting Nail Polish 50" Fast Dry - #637 (11 ml)
• sixteen cosmetics Long Lasting Nail Polish 50" Fast Dry - #600 (11 ml)
• DUST&CREAM Top Coat - #001 (12 ml)

Here's some inspiration for you before you give it a go yourself, if it seems like your thing and in case you haven't already tried it out

Totally personal preference, but I think I like this trend more on short nails. But go ahead and prove me wrong, rock it with every possible length and shape combo.

August 2020 Empties

So, after-summer-decluttering is surely a thing I tend to do and once again took place as soon as I came back from my summer vacation. I found a few things I'd like to share my view on.

FACE

bioten Skin Moisture 24hour Moisturizing Gel Cream Normal/Combination Skin 50ml

Vegan & Cruelty free

I actually purchased this moisturizing cream as I have combination skin (oily with some dry areas and acne prone as well). I loved the fact that it was a gel cream and it doesn't sit on the skin, but instead it absorbs really easily. It leaves the face feeling refreshed and has a cooling effect. The only con is that I think it may be too light for me. The dryness I have on my nose is at an extent that after my skin kind of "got used to" this cream (it happens with basically every product, so I don't blame the product itself), it stopped being "effective" on that area. Also, the quantity is okay, but it is a really affordable product so I shouldn't complain. I moisturize my face religiously, so it didn't take that long for me to run out of it. Nevertheless, I would recommend it to everyone not as dry (since it is meant for normal/combination skin).

AVON TRUE nutra effects Gentle Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover 200ml

I'm going to be honest and say that I used it all over the face and I absolutely loved it. It has an oily texture that removes pretty much anything without leaving the skin feeling oily. It breaks down every mascara and liquid lipstick I've ever put on without much of an effort. Once you rinse, the only thing there's left behind is your skin feeling soft. I actually avoided using cotton pads altogether with this. Instead, I poured it in my hands and gently removed my makeup with circular motions. 

*As of 2020 Avon is cruelty free and some of their products are vegan. Seeing as I bought this a while ago and just recently ran out of it (a little bit goes a long way!), I cannot find if this is a vegan and/or cruelty free formula.

BODY

Victoria's Secret Amber Romance Fragrance Mist 250ml

I got this one along with the corresponding lotion and I definitely saw a difference between the two. The mist had a great smell, really fruity, lightweight one that I loved. In my experience, I think the smell was stronger and more longwearing in the beginning than it was as I approached the bottom of the bottle. I noticed that, during higher temperatures, it wouldn't last half as much on the skin, especially without the lotion underneath. Although, I do have to state that I generally use more lotions than mists during the summer because I find that they last more on my skin and thus I prefer them. I'd definitely keep that for the winter months to give you that summery feeling.

Victoria's Secret Amber Romance Fragrance Lotion 236ml

Truth is I'm almost out of it, there's a bit left, but I decided to review it along with the mist. As I already mentioned, I prefer this one -love it, actually-, because there's absolutely nothing bad to say about it. The smell is exquisite, it lasts a long time without being too much, but is rather subtle and lovely. I find that it made the mist pop, truly moisturized and softened the skin and was honestly my go-to for such a long time. You don't need a lot but be prepared to be using it every day. It's definitely a must try, if you're browsing through the VS lotions and mists. 

Both of them have a special, sweet smell. Apart from amber, I can distinguish sandalwood (which I love), along with vanilla and sugar. 

b.u. Heartbeat Eau de Toilette 50ml

I'm not one to have a signature perfume, so I love trying out different scents here and there, especially light ones for every day use. This one is exactly it. It's ideal for everyday, it's not an overpowering scent that will fill your nostrils or be disturbing in any way. It has a powdery vanilla scent and I found that to be my go-to every morning.

ZARA Nuit Eau de Parfum 100ml

I believe the packaging has changed in this one, but don't mind me saying that I really liked the dark vibes it had that fit the scent idealy. I rarely found myself wearing it in the morning, since it has a strong smell that drives me to using during night-outs. In my opinion it's a wintery scent, for sure, since I was never drawn to wearing this in the summer. If anything, I believe it smells like amber along with vanilla and baby powder. It has a really dark, strong, sophisticated, feminine vibe that I adored.  I was pleasantly surprised to see that it went on for hours, since it was "just a ZARA perfume". Definitely going to be looking for more surprises like this one from now on!

I should also mention that every single product in this Empties article is on the affordable side. It's a pleasant surprise finding every day products at such low prices.

The ultimate quarantine drink : Dalgona Coffee

 Quarantine diaries: Day "Honestly, who knows" :
After spending way too many hours on Instagram -as you can now see just how many those are with the setting called "Your activity", which is making me feel really attacked, to be honest- I have come across this trend quite a few times. Nothing out of the ordinary, just a new take on coffee, as you can make it look super creamy and picture-worthy.
 It first gained popularity in South Korea during the social distancing and it got its name after a Korean honeycomb toffee. Because of its newfound popularity due to social media, it's officially the "quarantine coffee".
 To be frank, it's quite similar to Frappé coffee/Greek Frappé/Frappe, another type of iced coffee that is part of the coffee culture of Greece and Cyprus.
 Why bother and try Dalgona coffee? Well, you only need 3-4 ingredients, which makes it really easy and quick to make. Also, it looks pretty and would be a shame not to snap a pic for your stories or feed. It's a win-win situation.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp instant coffee

2 tbsp sugar

2 tbsp hot water

milk

ice cubes (in case you like it iced)

Method:

In a bowl, you put the instant coffee, the sugar and the hot water. You mix these 3 ingredients either with a spoon or with a mixer, for at least 5 minutes, up until you get a thick, creamy texture. Once you get there, you pour some milk in a glass and pour the cream on top of it. You can add ice cubes, cocoa or cinnamon to your liking.

The key to the requested texture is the equal quantity of the ingredients. You can choose any type of sugar you want (white or brown or coconut) but if you put stevia powder or eliminate the sugar altogether, you won't have the same result.

Eva xox

What to do when the world is ending

*cue "If the world was ending - JP Saxe feat. Julia Michaels"*

So, to everyone who ever dared to complain that they didn't have enough time to do that thing they always put off, this one's for you.

This isn't yet another article discussing the current situation our world is in; I think you've read more than enough. This is just a small reminder of just how privileged we are to be in our houses in 2020. We can do basically anything in the comfort of our homes, with a click or two. 

And no, nothing is quite like communicating and socializing, that much is true, but there's more to just thinking about the negatives. If you find it in you, take a deep breath and try to understand that the whole world is on pause right not.

This is not your life going back. This is not your life not progressing or slowing down in any way, shape or form. This isn't a time to count how many tiles there are on your floor. This is not you procrastinating your life plans.

This is us taking a break. This is the time to focus on yourself and check on others at the same time. This is the whole planet taking a break to start anew.

It's no secret that 2020 hasn't been kind to us, just like we haven't been as well. The whole spectrum of humanity has been to hell and back and that's what truly matters. We'll make it through.

So sit back and relax 'cause this might take a while. Check up on the people you love. Regularly. Social distancing doesn't mean emotional detachment.

In the meantime, work from home, study, revise, read a book or two, discover new music that you like, write down what you're feeling and let it out, watch new movies or re-watch your all-time favourites, binge-watch all the series you want. You have time. Visit museums online, work out, meditate, try out that new recipe you found the other day, experiment and discover new hobbies like DIY-ing, sketching and drawing and singing and dancing. Practice your make-up skills, declutter your make-up, closet and desk, clean up your space, get rid off everything that doesn't feel necessary anymore. You may as well do that to your phone as well. Delete all those blurry pictures, old contacts, accounts you follow that do not help your mental health or don't lift up your spirit when you see a photo of theirs, download new music that suits your taste more and blast it. Stay up as late as you want or sleep all the hours you want, nap in between and then some more.

After all, the quarantine is just about long enough to perfect a winged eyeliner.

It's all about our way of dealing with it. We needed to take a step back and unfortunately, we had to find out the hard way. But it doesn't need to be that hard. 

And I hope we'll sometime learn to appreciate the small stuff, like seeing our beloved ones, sharing a handshake or a hug, feeling the breeze of the sea on our face and the smell of earth after it rains. It's those thing that truly count.

(You might also want to read "Interviewing the CoronaVirus", trust me, it's worth your time)

Hang on,

Eva xox