Help Keratosis Pilaris FAST with First Aid Beauty!

If you struggle with the dreaded KP, this here? This'll help & fast! I've had KP (Keratosis Pilaris) for as long as I can remember & that's a long time. That's the tiny bumps on upper arms, thighs and cheeks (of both varieties ) Considered a variant of normal skin, it's still a nuisance. 

Perfect Facial for Pigmentation from Dermalogica at Nu Essence

A couple of weeks back I had the very real pleasure of popping by Nu Essence on South Anne's St, Dublin as a guest to trial one of their bespoke Dermalogica facials. Bespoke in that the treatment begins with a Face Mapping session that identifies not only your skin type but your skins needs and the best course of action for its care. 

My primary concern was a recent onset of pigmentation across my forehead and cheeks and within the first five minutes Julie, my Dermalogica expert for the treatment got right to the source of the problem. 'How long have you had this issue? she asked, 'About 7 months', 'What's changed in the past seven months then?, 'I started to take the pill'. 

Julie made it very clear that she wasn't a doctor but having the experience and training that she has in her field, she's well able to make some assessments with ease. Apparently the contraceptive pill (Yasmin in my case) tricks the body into believing it's pregnant and, as such, produces increased hormones, which can (and has in my case) results in an increased level of melatonin. Because of the recent sunshine, that melatonin has reacted, tried to protect the skin of my visage and resulted in the patchy pigmentation that has been plaguing me. 

Q&A session out of the way, Julie got to taking a good hard look at the skin on my face, neck and decolletage and came up with her prescription facial to meet my needs. It involved Dermalogica's Cromawhite products on the whole with Pre Cleanse, Daily Defense SPF, Serum and Intensive Moisture Balance. 

The treatment itself was two hours of pure bliss (bar the extractions, but that's a necessary evil). My skin was double cleansed at every change of products and Julie quietly and assuredly talked me through every step. 

Included in that 120 minutes, during which I noddled once or twice was a perfectly pressured neck, shoulder, arm and hand massage. I was fairly certain I'd be heading home like Monty Burns after his treatments in The Simpsons. 

To the crux of the matter though: what about the pigmentation? How about a little before and after shot, eh? Completely make up free? (be kind) 

'I bring you looove'

It's very clear to see the difference from just this treatment. Julie made it very clear that any permanent change in the appearance of my skin would take sustained treatment, using the same Dermalogica products (or just coming off/changing the shaggin' pill) but for a two hour session, I was pretty blahhdy stoked. 

There has been a marked improvement in the appearance of the pigmentation and even a chance encounter with my brother where he asked 'What's up with your head?' wasn't enough to make me as conscious of it as I was before. 

Admittedly I haven't continued the Dermalogica Cromawhite treatments but that's a lot more to do with trialling a bajillion other products than it is my 100% belief in Julie's work. 

Bespoke Dermalogica facials start at €80 (consultations are free) in Nu Essence and, if just for the massage alone, I'd urge you to treat yourself. I know I'll be doing so again. 

Tell me, what works for your pigmentation? Or even more interestingly, have you had unexpected side effects with your pill? 

Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer SPF30

Promising to 'blur the lines between skincare and make-up' I was pretty chuffed to receive a couple of deluxe samples of Dermalogica's SkinPerfect Primer last week for review. I'm a bit of a primer fiend you see, Benefit's Porefessional, Smashbox's Photo Finish and La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Mat have all featured regularly in my make up routine but Dermalogica? Dermalogica is a little different. 

Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer: €39.99

With the slight tint (provided by pearl powder and earth minerals) in this primer you could be forgiven for thinking it's more of a BB than an undercoat for foundation and truth be told I've worn it as such (and even left the house!). The velvet, soft tinted formulation has more than a little feel of silicone to it and that's what makes your foundation glide on effortlessly and stay put for the duration.  

What do the brand have to say? 

Dermalogica Skin Perfect Primer SPF30 is designed to smooth away fine lines, brighten and prime the skin. Velvety silicones create an instantly smooth surface. Neutral tint helps balance tone and enhance luminosity and radiance. Peptides and AGE Smart® actives help firm and shield against MMP and free radical damage, as sunscreens shield against sun damage.

As I say, I've only tried two (albeit deluxe) samples of Dermalogica's Primer but I'm hooked. The lavender (to my nose) scent, which might not be to everyone's taste is a first for me when it comes to primers but has added to my enjoyment of the product - I mean I'm sitting here right now, sniffing the swatch on my hand. This is definitely one on my wishlist come Pay Day this Thursday. 

What's your 'Optimus Prime'? Or do you use primer at all? Do let me know. 

Dermalogica Giveaway Winner!

Yep, another winner already. In the name of inclusion this Giveaway was run for all subscribers and readers.

This time the lucky individual to receive these Dermalogica goodies is....

Jenny Behan!

Huge congrats on the win, your package is already winging its way to you, Jenny. 

If you haven't been lucky this time or not yet (there can't be many of ye judging by the sack I lugged to the post office today) make sure you're signed up, using your method of choice, on the right. There's two doozies still to enter and many more to come - just click on the purrty pictures and get your name down. Simple. 

**Dermalogica Giveaway!!**

Happy Chinese New Year, All or Xīn Nián Kuài Lè to those in the know. Today heralds the year of the dragon but that's no excuse for scaly skin, am I right?

Keeping this in mind and clinging tentatively to the association I have a nice little Dermalogica Giveaway for you lovely lot. As one of the best known brands worldwide for skincare, they have a lotion or potion that can work miracles on any and all skin types, if you haven't tried them before then you truly are missing out.

Sandy Beach (Hi, Sandy *waves*) mentioned in the comments of the Naked 2 Giveaway that she'd love to see a Giveaway for those of you that aren't following through the normal mediums (GFC etc) but still take the time to check in regularly and subscribe by email. You know what, Sandy? You're dead right, as a little token of my appreciation for ye and in the name of inclusion the entry for this is simple.

Just send Moi an email with your contact details to cherrysuedointhedo@gmail.com and you're in the draw!

Of course this is open to all followers, new and *ahem* auld. Just be sure that you're signed up to my newsletter so you can be included. (Pssst, If you're not already, it's over there on the right where it says 'Sing up to Mah Newsletter', funnily enough  ----->).


It's open internationally & the winner will be chosen at random and announced on Monday the 6th of February. Good Luck, Everyone!