Skin Types? Skincare Routines?♡

I thought I'd write a post on skin types and skincare routines.

Just a little help out there for people just starting out in a skincare routine, or even to help those maybe not sure on the whole routine.

 

Now we should all have a skincare routine, from an early age, whether it is just washing our faces, to a full blown 45 minute routine! It helps nourish and replenish our skin, removes dead skin cells, and even helps slow down aging!

 

First of all though, you need to determine your skin type.
 

Which one best describes your skin below?

 

NORMAL: Your skin feels smooth and firm when you touch it, and your pores are usually very small to medium in size. You don't get patches of skin which are too dry or too oily, and only get spots occasionally.

 

DRY: Your skin feels quite tight, feels flaky, rough and can be quite bumpy in certain areas. Spots are usually rare with someone with dry skin.

 

OILY: Your skin starts out looking good in the morning (after washing), but after only a few hours (maybe even less) is shiny, at the same time, your skin feels wet to touch. The pores on your face are usually large and more noticeable, which in turn means you get spots more often.

 

COMBINATION: When you have combination skin, you tend to have a mixture of the above skin types, usually you will have an oily T-zone, dry cheeks, and everywhere else your skin is normal.

 

SENSITIVE: Sensitive skin means you burn more easily, you have bad reactions to a lot of cosmetics, your skin suffers when the weather changes, and when you get spots they are hard to treat, because your too sensitive to most spot treatments.

 

Now once you determine your skin type, you can then go about starting a skincare routine that is best for you.

Your best friends skin routine may be good for her, but no good for yourself, so always look into products for your skin type, not anybody else's.

 

The general rule is: Cleanse, tone and moisturize. Exfoliate in replace of your cleanser once a week, and use a face mask once a week or less.

Cleansing 

If you have oily skin, foaming cleansers seem to work best, as they can be drying, which helps to keep oil at bay longer, although this works, you don't want to use anything too harsh, as using it every day can end up causing more problems.

For all other skin types, non foaming seems to be best, find a hydrating one for dry skin types, and a sensitive one which doesn't have perfumes, acids and dyes for sensitive skin.

Toning

Toning your skin after cleansing restores your skins PH levels, that were removed during cleansing, but it is especially important to find the right toner for you, as toning with the wrong product can seriously dry your skin out.

If you suffer from oily skin, your more tempted to go for toners with harsher chemicals in, that will dry up oil, but you should stay away from toners with alcohol, witch hazel and menthols in, as they aren't particularly good for any skin type, even if they claim to be. Choose a toner which is a has repairing properties, can help reduce pores, and also communicate with your skin to help teach your pores to handle oil better, and your oily skin will thank you for it!

Dry and sensitive skin needs a toner which is well formulated, has no harsh chemicals in, that can ease flaking, smooth skin out, and help ease redness.

Now combination skin can be tricky! As toners can help one part of your skin, but trouble another part, for example, you could dry out your oily T-zone, but in return make your dry cheeks oily. Find a toner that is alcohol free, with ingredients that help normalise skin. You will also notice enlarged pores become smaller too with the right toner.

Moisturising 

Moisturizers help hydrate skin, and create a barrier between your skin and the harsh elements of the world.
Again, using the wrong one can enhance your skin concerns.

If your skin is dry, then you need a heavy duty moisturizer, that will hydrate and sooth dry skin. Oil based moisturizers work best, and sometimes applying 2 layers works wonders.

Normal skin doesn't need anything particularly magical, as your skin is already fine, so use a simple moisturizer which is water based.

Oily and combination skin works best with oil free and water based moisturizers, look out for ones that say oil free, and acne-prone. Do not apply lots of moisturizer with oily skin, a thin layer will suffice.

Sensitive skin needs special moisturizer, I'd suggest using one with no harsh ingredients, or one that is organic, you know that way it is full of natural good stuff, and will be kind to skin.

 

Now these 3 steps (cleanse, tone and moisturize), should be done twice a day, morning and night, and will protect you for the day ahead, and clean and replenish the day away while you sleep.

 

Now as mentioned near the start I mentioned exfoliating. This helps removed dead skin cells and encourage skin to renew. This should be done once a week, in replace of your cleanser.

If your skin is oily or combination, use an exfoliator scrub, these usually have some form of grain in which when rubbed against the skin help unclog pores and remove any oil or dirt from your skin.

Dry skin works better with chemical exfoliators, now this sounds harsh, but if you use one with natural chemicals from fruit then it will be least harsh and will help tighten skin and remove dry patches.

Sensitive skin works best with enzyme exfoliators, these have no harsh bits in, and require no scrubbing, much gentler on your skin.

 

I also mentioned face masks, these help draw out any impurities and should be done once a week or less.

Face masks seem to work better for dry skin, you can use peel off, cream, and warm oil masks for dry skin.

Oily skin works better with a clay mask, as it absorbs excess oil in the process.

Sensitive skin works better with natural face masks, no harsh nastiness and all things good.

and if you have normal skin, then congratulations, you can use nearly all face masks!

 

If you are using a skincare routine, and you do not notice your skin getting better, then try something new until it does, it's a case of trial and error until you find something that works, then once you do find it, stick to it.

If you use a product that causes any form of irritation, then stop using it immediately and find a new product once your skin has settled down.

 

A few other skin tips.

 

DO NOT EVER pick spots, squeeze them, or force them out, this will hurt a lot more, look a hell of a lot worse, and can end up leaving you with a nasty scar! I know temptation will be high, but please don't do it, your skin wont forgive you.

 

Resist touching your face, again this can be hard, but this is what spreads germs and bacteria, and is a major cause for spots. If you must touch your face make sure you wash your hands, or use a hand gel beforehand.

 

I hope I helped you with this post on all things skincare, and I hope you find an amazing skin routine that works for you.

Your skin will look and feel better, and you will also notice make up applies easier too.

 

What's your skin type? (Mines oily - boo)

and

Do you have a skin routine in place?

 

LoveTaraBabii♡



Who Is LoveTaraBabii?♡

Who is LoveTaraBabii?!

I am!

But who am I?

Let's do a post so you can all find out!

 

Well first of all I am Tara, simple as that, I am 24 years old, although I did actually forget how old I was the other day! I turn 25 at the end of the month on the 28th of October.

I was born and raised in Bolton, a part of Greater Manchester in the UK. I have however lived in 3 other towns also, Eccles - also a part of Manchester, Wilpshire - a town near Blackburn, and currently I am living in Radcliffe - which technically a part of Greater Manchester, but most people know it as being a part of Bury.

I have a 2 year old daughter named Isabelle, and a 6 year old Step-daughter called Skye.

I am in a relationship with a guy called Alan, who I was on and off with for over a year and a half, before we got together properly over 2 years ago.

 

I found a load of questions online, that I thought I would answer, in some hope that you get to know a little bit about who I am.

 

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
I believe I was originally meant to be called Jade, until my Mum heard a supermodel on TV called Tara and really liked it, so a supermodel off the TV, but nothing of meaning, no.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
The other day, can't remember why though!

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Sometimes, it changes far too much!

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Ham.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
See my introduction.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
If I'm honest, probably not!

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
Quite a bit, yeah.

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes, I wish I didn't though! They are constantly swollen, full of scarring and craters due to multiple episodes of tonsillitis.

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Not even if you paid me!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Kelloggs crunchy nut.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
No.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?
Top half no, bottom half yeah - Stay away from my legs if you ever get in to a fight with me.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Chocolate.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Hair.

15. RED OR PINK?
Pink.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My fat, and lack of motivation to do anything about it!

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
I wouldn't particularly say I miss anybody.

18. WHAT MADE YOU START BLOGGING?

I wanted my own space on the internet, where I could waffle on about what I want, share my thoughts and findings, and hopefully spread what wisdom I have.

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
None, I am wearing pink, white and blue fluffy bed socks though!

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? 
 Tiger stick.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The TV programme 'Release the hounds' - Disgusting!

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Black.

23. FAVOURITE SMELLS?
Jean Paul Gaultier - Le Male, petrol, the smoke after you blow out a candle.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My Step-Grandma.

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
Beach house.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Football.

27. HAIR COLOR?
Natural - light brown. Currently, dyed black/blue.

28. EYE COLOR?
They change, between blue, green and grey, all different shades.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
Not yet.

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
Chinese.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Happy endings.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
Brave.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
White.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Winter.

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Chocolate cake/gateaux.

37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Cardio.

38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
Television.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
Nothing at the minute, I am however reading up on mental illnesses though.

40. DO YOU HAVE ANY PETS?

A Bengal cat called Socks, and 2 fish named Angel and goldie (The kids named them both)

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Rain against the window.

43. FACEBOOK OR TWITTER?
Facebook.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Turkey.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
P!#£%ng people off!

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Bolton, UK.

47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Radcliffe, UK.

48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
Brick coloured?

49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
I don't own one :( I can't even drive in dreams ha!

50. WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN 5 YEARS?

Hopefully engaged, with a nice job seen as both girls will be in school, even doing blogging for a living would be amazing!

So there you have it!

Yes it's a very random, and if I'm honest not a brilliant post, but I do enjoying doing things like this, my facebook 'notes' are full of them haha! I just needed to put a post up to show I'm not neglecting my blog, but I'm in the process of educating myself on mental illnesses, to share my information with you to raise awareness. I'm also testing products out for product reviews. Finally I'm waiting for my October Glossybox to be delivered to do a post on that too this week - Should be here in the next few days, it got dispatched today! Not to mention running a family!

 

I'll be back!

With better posts!

I pinky promise!

 

LoveTaraBabii♡



My Hair Story♡

Now I commented on a post the other day on hair colours, and I realised, throughout the years I have changed my hair colour,

a lot!

 

So I thought I'd share it with you!

Best I can anyway!

 

My Natural Hair:

Now this was taken when I was 16, all natural, I was a light brown but had random natural blonde highlights from the sun, you can't tell from the picture but my hair was actually nearly down to my bum. I had straightened my hair in this picture but I will include a picture below of my natural hair.

Haaa!! Please excuse the awfulness that is this picture! I was 14/15 on holiday abroad somewhere! You get a better idea of how long my hair was, as it still carries on below the picture! My natural hair is curly, yet the top layer is more straight as you can see from this picture.

 

Now after moving in with my Dad and turning 17, I first had my hair done properly, as I wasn't allowed it cut or dyed how I wanted when I lived with my Mum, so safe to say after she kicked me out, I took advantage!

I went and had it all cut off to my shoulder blades, and shaped around my face, and added blonde highlights, I stayed like this for a year or so before changing again!

 

I then decided to go a chocolate brown colour, and have a side fringe/bangs cut in, and add layers, and this is basically a cut I have stuck with until present day! Shame I can't stick with a colour!

 

I then went red! Quite a bright red too! This picture doesn't do it justice as it was dark outside. Had neglected my cut though so you can't really see my side bangs as much here as they were pretty long!

 

I wasn't happy with just red, so I dyed my bottom layers black!

Apologies for the blurry picture but you can see my hair, this was taken freshly dyed hence why my hair was wet.

 

I then attempted to go brunette again, but because I still had the red underneath, it fought through so I always looked like I had brown hair with red tones.

 

I then tried to go dark brown! Yet again after a while the red fought through and started winning the battle! By this point though I fell pregnant, so I didn't want to risk dying my hair and it going completely wrong.

 

To rid the red tones I went black/blue, it's a black colour but shines navy blue in the light. This was done after I gave birth to my daughter, I was 23 at the time, even though I look about 17! This was took on my birthday night out, with a hat I'd stolen!

 

I then decided to go blonde! This was a tricky process as I went from the black/blue above, to blonde, meaning I had to have my hair stripped, a base colour of brown on, then highlighted blonde throughout. I did have it done at a hairdressers, but it wasn't blonde enough, so I started using purple shampoo's and conditioners to get it to the colour in the picture above.

 

Haa I apologise for this photo but it's the only one I have! This was took just as my friend dropped me! Safe to say we was very drunk! We also fell down the stairs that night, deciding to sit on each other and slide down the stairs, resulting in us just falling down and ending up with me getting carpet burn on my face! I'll include a picture of that too just for the laughs!





Haa see!! Please ignore the utter neglect of my eyebrows! Shocking!

Anyway, I went purple! Now this wasn't the only time I went purple, but it's the only time I seem to have pictures of it, and as you can see, not the best!

 

My most daring colour to date! Bright pink!! I did this for summer, and I absolutely loved it! The only problem being, it was a nightmare to keep up with! My hair was going downhill and I couldn't risk bleaching it anymore!

 

Finally I went:

Back to black/blue!

This is my current colour, although this is a picture from when I originally was black/blue, but my hair is exactly the same.

 

Now that is my hair story, although I do have to add that I have been various colours in between these too, but only brunette and purple, bog standard colours in my eyes, I just don't have pictures of them all, and even if I did, I think this post is long enough never mind adding them all, just for the odd week where I went a standard colour to tide me over until I went to the colour I desired!

No wonder my hair hates me these days :(

 

Hope you enjoyed looking through my hair story!

 

Have any of you been a numerous range of colours?

Or do you stick with the same tones?

 

Let me know!

 

LoveTaraBabii♡ 







Something That Makes Me Happy!!♡

This will be a short post, as I have already done a post today, but I just wanted to share something that cheers me up!

 

Now if any of you have read my previous post on living with mental health, you will know, that I suffer with mental health problems including depression (if you haven't read it, here's the link), and today I've been having a pretty crappy day!

 

Now I've always known that music can cheer me up, but this one song recently has never failed me.

 

Taylor Swift - Shake It Off

 

 

 

Yeah it makes me feel good, but I reckon it cheers a fair few others up too!

 

The whole song/video is made about how society makes us feel like we have to behave a certain way, and there's something wrong with us if we don't behave how we are supposed to.

The video shows Taylor in certain situations where she clearly doesn't fit in, but hey, does she let that bother her? Hell no! She does what she feels makes her happy, and definitely looks like she's having the most fun out of them all, and it's contagious!

There has been many a days I have been feeling crappy, and I've turned this song on, turned it up full blast, and after about 30 seconds I've been shaking it off around the living room like some form of lunatic!

 

So thank you Taylor for cheering my sorry arse up when needed, and creating such a happy, upbeat song to brighten not only mine, but other peoples day!

 

What do you guys think of this song?

Does it have the same effect on you as it does me?

Let me know in the comments below!

 

LoveTaraBabii♡ 

Review | Avon Clearskin Emergency Spot Treatment♡

I had to write a review on this as it is AMAZING!

 

Avon Clearskin Clear Emergency Instant Spot Treamtent

Photo Credit: Avon UK Site

Now if I'm honest, I only bought this because it was on sale in one of the sale catalogues, that came with my usual book at the time. You see, I have a major Avon addiction and my Avon rep doesn't help, as she frequently has sales on her Facebook page also. So I bought this, just because it was on sale, and generally just because I could. Well I used it once after I first got it, then it got put in my skincare box, not to be seen again, until recently.
I started coming out in one of those MASSIVE spots, you know the ones, they feel like a golf ball under the skin, but you can only see a red lump and nothing more, so I decided to pull out this emergency spot treatment.

To use, you are meant to use 3 times a day at the first sign of a spot, or even on a spot that is already there, well I only used it once a day, before bed, and noticed a massive difference the morning after. The morning after I woke up and gave the 'up and coming' spot a good poke (I know, naughty me, but it's something that can't be helped and I bet you do it too!), and it had reduced in size by about half! It was an amazing discovery! I've never known anything like it before, and through my teen years I definitely gave a lot of products a go! I washed my face and did my usual skincare routine that morning, and put on some more of this spot treatment, and went about my day. That night, I again, gave it a good poke (tut tut), and again it had reduced by about half and was nearly gone, so I did my nightly skincare routine and put on some more (this was the only day I applied it twice), and off to bed I went. Well the morning after, I woke up, and it had basically gone (yes I gave it another good poke). I was absolutely gob smacked! This monstrous spot, that was ready to make it's appearance, and be one of those spots that gives you a bright yellow head the size of a 5p, hadn't broken through or erupted, it had just vanished!

Now can you see why I had to share this little gem with you?!

This product is, as I said, to be used 3 times a day, until the spot has gone, and a little goes a long way, I used a blob the size of a grain of rice and that was it.
I'm currently in the process of using it again, as I have 2 spots on my jawline, and again, I'm using a blob the size of a grain of rice, and it is spreading from just under my ear to my chin.

You get 15ml but it will last a while (skin type depending), and the RRP is £4.50 ($6.99), although I don't think I have ever seen it at the full price, it usually has some money off.
It is actually on sale now for £2.70, and if your from the UK you can buy here. If you are from any of the 50 US states you can buy here, and again it is on sale for $3.99.

Avon do a whole range of products to try, and I will be testing more Avon products out and reviewing them, thanks to help of my Avon representative, so keep an eye out for them.

Check their website out here:
UK Site
US Site


If you do suffer from spot breakouts, or have acne, I would highly recommend this product to try, as believe me, I tried a lot when I was younger, but none of them worked like this.

Have you ever tried this treatment?
Would you try it?
Let me know in the comments below!

LoveTaraBabii♡