Skin care products that I rely on to help keep my rosacea under control.

Are you on 

De-cluttering your spaces?

Feathering the Nest?

Editing your closet?

Working my way through The Humble Bungalow 

culling stuff from cupboards and drawers

Ridding ourselves of things that are no longer wanted

are out of date

&

 dusty and dull.

The bag of donations grows each day!

I tackled the skincare products and only kept the top performers.

You may not know that I have rosacea or that my skin is VERY sensitive.

I must be careful to use only the gentlest products.

No HOT water

no excessive rubbing

GENTLE but EFFECTIVE medical grade serums are worth the expense.

Here are my reliable trusted stalwarts in skincare.

Gentle cleanser and Micellar Lotion

by Avene

Rose Mask and Exfoliator

by Andalou

Pro Health Advance and Hydra Cool Serums

from IS Clinical

I use 3 drops of Pro Health Serum in the morning dabbing gently on cleansed skin

followed by Sukin Enriching Night Cream 

(it is super hydrating as my skin tends to be dry)

After cleansing at night I use 3 drops of the Hydra Cool Serum 

followed by the Sukin Enriching Night Cream

I use the Andalou CC cream every morning 

followed by La Bella Donna Mineral powder with additional sunscreen.

I use the Moroccan oil once a week as an intensive treatment.

It would be lovely to go to the spa for a facial 

but with Covid still active I am not planning a visit anytime soon.

Any skin care pampering will have to be done by me!

“Beauty is not in the face; 

beauty is a light in the heart.” 

~ Khalil Gibran ~

A January Rose bud that was blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

The rosebuds have all faded after the recent snowfall!

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

I hope that you are staying safe.

and

Taking good care of yourself.

We are living in a precarious time... self care is important

being proactive and soothing one's spirit is not being selfish.

XO

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Pop of colour ~ Rouje Lip Compact from Paris

 

Rouje

Lip Compact from Paris

01- Signature

New lipsticks for 2021

Beautiful Rouje gold case and a gold lip brush by Jane Iredale.

Some women might like to use their fingers to apply the lipstick. 

I prefer a lip brush.

We are all wearing masks these days for safety

but when I am at home or out for my walks I want to add a pop of colour.

This compact feels luxurious and with the variety of lip colours I can vary the shade depending on what I am wearing that day.

The lipsticks run true to colour.

 Are very emollient and last a long time.

This is the bold red lip.

The plum shade.

I wear very little make up so I focus on my lips.

A couple of readers emailed me asking about my skincare regime...

I use Avene 3 in 1 cleanser

Mad Hippie daily facial oil and at night Mad Hippie Vitamin A serum

I wait 10 minutes then follow up with rosehip night cream by Sukin.

I avoid the sun and use Avene BB cream with an SPF.

I hope that answers some of your questions.

If you have any more queries please leave me a comment.

Winter bloom on Jude the Obscure a David Austin Rose.

Wishing you a wonderful week.

Take time to nurture yourself...we are living in a strange time and it is easy to forget to make time for those rituals which are soothing and relaxing.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Pretty in Pink ~ rosacea and skincare.

The Pink McCartney Rose

Long time readers will know that I suffer from a skin condition called rosacea...
there is no "cure" one needs to be proactive to manage the condition and deal with the occasional flare ups.

Some of the triggers for Rosacea are stress, sunshine, hot and cold temperatures, wind, red wine, spicy foods, and certain chemicals in skincare products.

One never knows when a bout of rosacea may occur.
I try my best to manage the condition.

I use the Avene line of products for sensitive skin.

My routine:

I wash my skin in the morning 

using Anti redness lotion

warm water

with a very a light touch 

then I gently pat my skin dry.

I apply 3 drops of IS Clinical serum 

followed by Avene Hydrance Intense.

I wait a few minutes to allow the products to be absorbed

before applying Bella Donna mineral powder.

It has an SPF of 50 which I use everyday all year long.

The powder covers most of the redness.

In the evening 

I remove all the powder with a cotton pad soaked in Micellar Water.

Then I wash my face with the Avene lotion, add the 3 drops of serum and apply  Fresh Rose Deep Hydration moisturizer.

( It smells wonderful!)

I occasionally go to a medical based Spa in Oak Bay Derma Spa 

 for laser treatments which target the broken capillaries and redness.

They are super knowledgable and provide many services 

to patients like myself who have skin conditions.

They also sell IS Clinical serums and Bella Donna mineral make up.

I have read a lot about Rocasea and there are many great sites online where you can find out more about the condition.

I hope that you have found this information helpful.

To those of you who have this condition I hope that you have found some ways to cope with the redness and the inevitable flare ups.

I welcome your thoughts and ideas on what works for you...

Jude the Obscure and McCartney roses.

Thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

The Humble Bungalow ~ keeping cool in a heat wave...

We have just returned from our holidays to our beloved home and garden...
the greenhouse is full of fresh home grown tomatoes
ready to be harvested and eaten.

a bounty of tasty tomatoes

I will be making tomato salads, perhaps indulge in some tomato sandwiches,

will also plan to roast some for a pasta dish and may freeze some.

BC is immersed in a heat wave...
the temperatures are rising
and with that, my plans to work outside in the garden are shelved for a cooler day.

The blinds are closed and the windows have been opened a crack
(otherwise the cats escape!)
The overhanging eaves, a typical feature of an arts and crafts bungalow,
help to keep the sunshine out.

So I am staying inside attacking my long "to do list"...
it's only 10:30 and I have done 3 loads of laundry,
the last load of slip covers are spinning in the LG as I type.

The farmhouse sink has been bleached,
the mail opened, bills paid ready to be posted.

I plan a quick manicure
a beach walk
need to return something to the store
stop by a friends' home
start a new book.

My summertime favourites...

Eau Thermale mist by Avene to help refresh the skin

I also keep a cool bottle of water on the counter by the sink 

 take one outside with me when I garden...hydrating from the inside out!

Sunscreen

SPF 50 for my face and exposed arms and legs.

I try to wear a light Tencel long sleeved shirt for extra sun coverage.

Spritz of Roger and Gallet light rose scent to refresh throughout the day.

The new favourite Sally Hansen diamond tough polish which lasted an entire week before showing signs of wear...

the shade is called Love Bug.

I'd better get back to work...

my break is over! 

Thank you for stopping by the Humble Bungalow Blog.

What are you reading and how is your summer going?

Is it hot where you are right now?

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

August snippets...

It's been a food fest this past week as we celebrated Mr. HB's birthday.
He loves pasta so we went to one of the best Italian restaurants Zambri's.
Family, friends and food...a winning combination!

We shared a Caesar salad and I opted for the filet of beef with polenta.

I only ate half of this tasty meal but every bite was delicious!

Mr. HB ordered his favourite pasta dish.

His dessert was a lemon gelato with cookies!

I couldn't help but think of something else when this arrived at the table.

Does it remind you of something?

The morning of the eclipse I stayed inside.

I had oodles of laundry to catch up on and a new book to read...

A lovely assortment of stories from well known authors.

A little armchair travel in the City of Light.

I made a tasty pasta last night with some of our homegrown tomatoes.

We like to eat our pasta out of bowls

using a fork with the aid of a spoon 

which makes it easy twirling the spaghetti noodles.

The recipe is from Monet's Palate Cookbook:

The Artist and His Garden at Giverny.

it's definitely

one of my favourite ways to use ripe fresh tomatoes.

Rich in flavour and simple.

Dinner is served!

Graham Thomas, a David Austin rose, 

is blooming in the "work area" of the Humble Bungalow Garden. 

This area is where we have our rolling bins 

that we use for garden cuttings and grass clippings...

we also have a wood pile in that spot so a beautiful fragrant yellow rose is a wonderful way of cheering up this area.

Good news!

 We have found a garden helper.

She is a well known local landscape designer 

who is studying at Great Dixter in the UK 

and she has graciously agreed to help us out.

I have high hopes....

We may avail ourselves of her expert design services 

and have her improve two of our overgrown beds.

The limelight hydrangeas are really in their glory this month.

I have been on a boxwood kick too...

buying them and popping them in pots randomly around the garden.

The construction of one of the two houses next door to The Humble Bungalow.

We chatted with the neighbours a couple of days ago

when they were looking at flooring samples and they have been told by the contractor that the house will not be ready to occupy until February!

Its no surprise that it is taking so long as the local trades are so busy.

There is a building boom happening here in town and our neighbourhood is just one of many that are buzzing with building projects.

The real estate market here has gone berserk!

 Prices have sky rocketed and I keep thinking that it has to stop sometime soon...

It makes it very challenging for young families and couples starting out to get into a condo or a home.

I have been diligently applying this cream 3 times each day.

It has reduced the red area on my knee...

from my nasty fall on the dock.

Instead of a Toonie sized angry red patch 

there is a small dime sized spot

which I think will fade and there will be no scar.

I met up with some girlfriends for lunch today and had a lovely long walk.

The weather continues to be warm and sunny...

Summer is drawing to a close...

and soon we will be thinking about sweaters and dressing in layers 

but for now let's savour the last few weeks.

What are you reading?

Have you been shopping for Fall and Winter pieces yet?

Hope that your week is off to a great start.

XO

Skincare and make up Hostess Style ~ in response to a reader

One of the many things that I enjoy about blogging
is receiving private emails from readers.

Once in awhile, a question is posed or a specific request slips into the mail.
Often that prompts or inspires me to write a blog post.

This past weekend I was asked my opinion and recommendations on "green" skincare products. This is an area that I cannot address without a significant amount of time and research...so I will leave that to those who are much more qualified.

I bow to the experts at The Environmental Working Group.

This site is user friendly and one can look up many of the products currently on the market and read about the pros and cons of the ingredients.

If you are interested in what I have discovered that works for me
I am happy to share...keep reading.

My skin is mature, sensitive and I have rosacea.

I have discovered that skin is a reflection of genetics and general health.
Our skin says much about our lifestyle and what we eat.

Cosmetics can augment and enhance beautiful skin,
or they can cover up a problematic complexion.

I indulged in a professional Hydra Facial at the Spa and it was amazing...
a specialized machine was used to cleanse my skin,
a gentle peel was applied that unclogged pores,
emollient serums followed and when the facial was finished
my skin felt soft, supple and it glowed.
I plan to go back for another facial in a few months...
perhaps after the summer season.

Hostess Skin care Tips...

Start by choosing fresh fruits and vegetables,
drinking lots of water and eating small portions of protein.
Exercise (for me that means walking and also practising Yoga),
Aim for 8 hours of sleep
Reduce stress as much as possible
Wear sunscreen and or avoid the sun altogether.
Embrace joy and beauty everyday
Adopt the attitude of gratitude and give thanks...
Smile!

For things that you can buy pop into your local pharmacy
or the beauty counter in your department store.

I opt for a mix of high and low priced potions.

For those that do no "stay on the skin" I use a less expensive but a quality line...
there are many good ones out there you just need to experiment to see which ones work for your skin type.

My skin is prone to rosacea so I need to treat it kindly...

Gentle Avene products work for me.

Anti redness cleansing milk and mask are two in my skincare arsenal.

I avoid hot water.

The more expensive Spa line by Methode Physiodermie...

for the products that stay on and those that need to perform. 

I love the Bio-Gommage 

which exfoliates efficiently with a minimum of irritation.

I use it once a week.

My skin gets slightly pink but it doesn't stay that way for long.

The anti redness emulsion I use sparingly each morning

 followed by the Emulsion for Sensitive Skin.

Then I wait a few minutes before applying my make up.

Make up is light and takes 5 minutes.

5 products for daytime = 5 minutes

Mineral make up

Eye brow tint

eye shadow

mascara

Lipstick

SPF 20 mineral make up

use with a light hand or for more coverage it can be built up

used with a big brush it is easy to apply.

Amethyst eye shadow by La Bella Donna

an everyday colour for my hazel coloured eyes.

For evening

I simply add blush and eye liner for a bit more of a dramatic effect

and apply a darker shade of lipstick.

I have posted before about skincare and make up...

to read previous posts please scroll down on the right hand side bar to the "labels section"

click on the titles "skincare" and "make up"

I love the following quote...

The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mode but the true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives the passion that she shows. The beauty of a woman grows with the passing years. 

~ Audrey Hepburn ~

Hope that your week is off to a great start.

Hostess

XO

Chin Up!

Flaky dry skin often rears its ugly head at this time of year despite a dedicated skincare regime.
It signals to me that I need to book a Spa facial.

As I am watching my expenses a $200 facial is not currently in my budget.
So it's off to the Pharmacy to chat with the lovely gals at the cosmetic counter...
they know that I use Avene and asked if I exfoliate, and I do.
I use a Bio-Gommage by Physiodermie from the dermatologist once or twice a week.
The area that is flaky is one small patch on my chin which I find quite annoying as it is so noticeable.

My skin gets TLC and I am diligent when it comes to maintenance and swear by the Avene line from France.

The Avene serum has intensive hydrating properties and is designed for really dry skin.

It was suggested that I use the serum at bedtime and slather a layer of the moisture mask over top,

sleep with it on all night and wash it off in the morning.

The gals told me to wear these two products on the airplane when I fly off to Paris...

9 hours of moisturizing sounds like a Spa pampering treatment.

It's day 2 of using these two together and the flakiness has greatly reduced...almost gone.

I suppose that just goes to show that it's good to be open to new ways of doing things.

I had a $5 coupon, as well as the seniors discount and received a gift with purchase.

Win ~ Win 

 at a fraction of the cost of a professional facial.

I'm increasing my water consumption in hopes that I will counteract this drying trend in the future.

The aging process brings many new challenges.

Counteracting dryness ~ one of the first of many!

                                          "Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years.
                                                        We grow old by deserting our ideals.
                               Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul."

                                                                      ~ Samuel Ullman ~

The Great Cover Up...

Today I'm sharing some things I have learned...and think are worth sharing...
skincare maintenance is way up on my list of personal priorities.
I want to put my "best face forward."
Mother told me early on when I was in my teens..."make the best of what you've been given."

Establishing a daily routine of cleansing, moisturizing and never going to bed with make up on should go a long way to help your skin look and feel great. 

I learned this lesson in charm school at The Hudson's Bay when I was 13 years old. Our instructor Irene Warren, took it very seriously and passed on her knowledge to a room full of impressionable young women.

(we also learned how to walk, sit properly, and get in and out of a car wearing a mini skirt!)

It felt like we were "ladies-in-training" ....my BFF and I went for several sessions and we did have fun!

Establishing a daily routine of cleansing, moisturizing and never going to bed with make up on should go a long way to help your skin look and feel great.
Gentle weekly exfoliation and the occasional facial mask will help keep your skin look healthy.
(don't forget to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and drink plenty of water...nature's moisturizer)
Keep it simple...
it's my mantra, keep it simple.

If you have been reading my blog for awhile you may remember that I have a skin condition called rosacea...
facial flushing with red patches on the cheeks indicate a flare up.
Many factors can affect the skin and cause a reaction.

I avoid the sun whenever possible by wearing sunglasses and a hat.
Rosacea can affect the eyes and they become quite irritated and bloodshot.

Red wine and spicy foods may also exacerbate the skin..
products with harsh chemicals like alcohol are too strong.
I use gentle products from the Avene line and wear sunscreen everyday.

Let me introduce you to a fabulous mineral make up by La Bella Donna which offers great coverage.
I've been using this daily and it has an SPF of 20, it offers great coverage without looking too powdery.
I use the shade Crema as I am quite fair...it comes in a variety of shades so you should find one that suits your colouring.

You don't need a lot of powder as it blends effortlessly and it can be layered on several times if you need extra coverage. You will need to invest in a good quality brush and wash the brush every so often to keep it clean.

I love this pur mineral eye make up.

It goes on smoothly and stays on from morning until I take it off at night.

This shade is Lavender Mourite.

I use an eyelash curler and Maybelline mascara and if I go out in the evening I'll line my eyes with kohl.

Lipstick for daytime is a quick sweep with Revlon's Lip Butter in Pink Truffle 

and for evening Red Velvet.

L'Occitane's Almond Milk is a light emollient body lotion.

Soft scent and super moisturizing after my morning shower.

I love to wear scent and wear a slightly musky fragrance in the winter...

Mitsouko.

In the spring and summer I wear Voyage d' Hermes.

Speaking of Spring...

"Springtime in Paris"

three little words.

Wishing, Hoping, Dreaming...

Spring feels like it is just around the corner...

Are you loyal to a product?

Care to share or rave about it's performance?

Do you have any skincare tips to share?

I'm off to meet with the travel agent tomorrow...

!!!!!