Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Drugstore ~ Skincare and Make Up

 


When I was in Paris I made a pilgrimage to the "Pharmacie."
(easily identifiable by the large neon Green Cross)
Many seasoned travellers suggested the local Paris Pharmacies as a must see.
I was surprised by the popularity of these local shops.
Some actually had a line up out front !
I visited several Pharmacies in different arrondissements.
Some were larger and had more skincare products.
Citypharma at 26 rue du Four in the heart of Saint Germain des Pres has the reputation of being the BEST.

I stayed in the 6th arrondissement so this was closest.
(It did not disappoint)

The pharmacy is often crowded as it is very popular with locals and tourists.
Shelves are loaded with jars and bottles of serious skincare products.
Staff are happy to consult with patrons and are readily available to give advice.


The Pharmasave on Oak Bay Avenue 
has a wide variety of reasonably priced products with trained staff on hand to help.

One needn't spend a fortune to get good quality skincare products...

For example
Andalou Natural Products...
the company make product lines to suit most skin care needs.
I have enjoyed using the Andalou Rose products in the past.

Recently I have switched up to the Age Defying series.


I like the rich formulas...my skin soaks up the moisture.


I like to keep my skincare regime very simple.

Wash, tone and moisturize.
An intensive moisturizing enzyme facial mask is used once a week.

I have added a serum which helps particularly in the winter.


Derma-E Vitamin enriched serum is my favourite.
Rosehips and Grape Seed Oils 
Vitamin A and E

(4 drops morning and night ~ this bottle lasts a few months)

I wait 10 minutes before doing my make up 
to allow the oil to sink in and be absorbed.


My make-up routine is minimal 
5 minutes tops.
Minimal coverage and a light touch work best for my older skin.


Drugstore Make up products...

Andalou Age Defying BB cream
Burts Bees Aglow blush
Physicians Formula eyebrow tint
Annabelle eye shadow
Maybelline Great Lash Mascara
Eucerin Aquaphor Lip Repair
Miss Pupa Lip Gloss

While writing this post I have been sipping tea and nibbling some dark chocolate.


Afternoon Tea and dark chocolate
my afternoon ritual.

One of life's little luxuries!


Found a pretty vintage silver cake server this afternoon.
I met up with a friend who came over from the mainland for a visit.
We walked along The Avenue popped into the shops and had a lovely long lunch.

Joanne surprised me with a blue tote bag and a book AND she treated me to lunch.
We always have a lovely time chatting.
Thank you Joanne!

“Joy is the best makeup. 
But a little lipstick is a close runner-up.” 

~ Anne Lamott ~


Well I must close for now and get dinner started.
Thank you for taking the time to stop by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

Until next time...

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Friday, May 12, 2023

Current Topics ~ What is on my radar and mindful walking.



Greetings from The Humble Bungalow Garden.
The Muguet des Bois are blooming...
SO FRAGRANT!!!!

I invited a couple of friends over to dig up some lily of the valley plants.
We have so many :-))
Gardeners like to share their plants with other like minded enthusiasts.


The Auriculas are blooming and they are so charming...
I have several plants and could repot some of them as they have multiplied over these past couple of years.

I see many new varieties in the UK which are so tempting...
not that many are here in the garden centres 
unless they are already in private gardens!

Haven't actually seen many of these auriculars locally at all this year.

I am not moaning here on the blog about my health but I am being proactive...
I've been online researching arthritis...
there is a lot of information to sift through.
Basically I know now that I need to keep moving...
take pain medication and get some physiotherapy.

I've got my appointment lined up and will see the specialist in June.
My walks are around 3 km and am getting 5,000-6,000 steps in during the day.
That number may not be totally accurate because the step total is from my IPhone
I don't have it on me the entire day.
I suppose I could buy a watch that counts the steps...
but does it really matter?

Two 3km walks might be the way to walk now...
a rest in between seems sensible and will help with the pain.
I'm taking Advil and it helps.

In other news I have switched up my skincare routine a wee bit...
I don't tend to spend a LOT on products.

Skin care basics need not break the budget.


Andalou make a sensitive line which works well for my everyday skin regime.
These lotions and potions are very affordable and free of nasty ingredients.


I love using the CC cream as it goes on easily and has SPF
it evens out skin tone and adds a dewy healthy glow.

The Great Lash is an iconic mascara and is often on sale...
The Burts Bees glow stick is a creamy blusher that I use on my cheeks and lips.

It takes me about 5 minutes to do my daytime make-up.


I tried an organic glow stick
 which developed a rough grainy texture
which I did not like at ALL :-((
(I returned it)

Burt's Bees All Aglow is lovely...
it is creamy and very easy to apply.
The shade gives me a soft natural looking blush.


~ Simple make up ~

My favourite red lippy from Miss Pupa of Milan.

Fresh haircut...
(in a bob style)

My thinning hair needed a makeover so my hairdresser gave it a blunt cut.
I can wear it wavy or flat iron it...I like the versatility of the style.
It will be easy to maintain.


Saw this gorgeous iris at Government House on one of my walks this week.

I love to wander about in the local gardens here...
so many great flowers and plantings that inspire.

The weather forecast is for hotter temperatures...
unseasonably hot, or so we are told.
I have swapped out my winter clothes for the spring and summer cottons and linens.

I found a few things that were no longer useful.
Dropped a bag off to the local charity shop, 
had a good browse and came home empty handed.

I replaced a white linen top that I donated with a fresh new one from Marshalls.
It is a simple basic...


Under $30...
will wear it a LOT.
I DO love a bargain.

Well I must close for now and get some stuff done here...
hope that you are enjoying your weekend so far.


Happy Mother's Day!
I will think of my dear MOM...she was one of a kind.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, March 12, 2023

March ~ ing onward into Spring.

 


This Andalou cream has been my "go to" night cream for the past few months...
a little goes a long way. You may be able to see that the jar is still half full.


Can you see the grey pearl stud beside the diamond stud that I wear most days?
My husband gave me a pair for my birthday the year Mom passed away. 

I haven't worn these pearls as often since Covid hit
(need to wear masks)
I almost lost an earring taking my mask off.
I already had a pearl fiasco losing that strand at the beach...
must take more care not to lose things!!


My new FUN skirt from a thrift shop.
Knife pleats in a black grey print.

I will dress this up with a black rayon sweater and a camisole.
Dress it down very casual with a tee and my denim jacket.

I am already thinking of fun things to pair it with...
it is made by Zara, the only thing I own from the company.


Finally got a copy from the library...it had been on the Holds for a LONG time.
I read it in two days...another stunning mystery from Louise Penny.


Birthday flowers and vase from a friend.

I have such lovely friends...
so thoughtful 
the range of unexpected gifts was amazing.

Soaps, tea, a beautiful hand knit dishcloth, books, an apron, 
flowers, and some sourdough starter!


Thank you for ALL those kind email messages and birthday greetings 
from the Blog and Instagram... feeling very grateful.


My first attempt at a sourdough boule.


Was delicious with the homemade chicken soup!


Dinner out at Zambri's


Dessert

Brunch and dinner out with the family rounded out the weeklong celebrations.
They spoiled me too :-))
Thank you ALL 

Murchies teas and a gift card at a favourite restaurant.
Vintage silk hand rolled scarf and a Wedgewood clam shaped white porcelain plate.


We zipped off to the garden centre to buy two flats of these cheerful tete a tete's.
On sale half price.

We planted them out in front of the deer fence 
to fill in the gaps from the ones we planted last year.
Such a pretty pop of colour and they bloom earlier than our daffodils.

The Oscars are on TV tonight...are you going to watch them?
I like to see the fashions...and the jewels.

Making a pot roast, potatoes, carrots and a lemon torte for dessert.
Comfort Food for a cold rainy Sunday.

Hope that you are keeping healthy and staying sane with all the crazy stuff that is happening in our world.


Vintage Bread tray
might come in handy?


Crocuses blooming out front in The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Thank you for popping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Hearts...Valentines and a confession.


 ~ HEART ~
inside a horse barn near the village of Auvillar France



~ HEARTS ~ 

I've been on the hunt for a new make up bag for several months.
The cloth pouch with a zipper I was using for the past few years was not easy to use.
All the contents were jumbled together
 Plus I always seemed to need the item in the very bottom of the pouch!

I found this at Walmart
I was buying another item in the store and just happened upon it.
Can you see the HEARTS?


The top compartment has a place for brushes and pencils.


Top left, is a zippered are where I have some sharp scissors and tweezers. 
In the bottom on the right hand side ~
Andalou CC cream, Burt's Bees cream blush, Marcelle eye make up, 
mascara underneath and a magnifying mirror.

Much better for storage and travel.
I think I paid under $15 for the bag...well worth it.


~ HEART ~
Cracker 
Cafe Des Beaux Arts
Quai Malaquais
Paris France


Found a HEART shaped rock on the beach at Browning.
I was hunting for sea glass and this caught my eye.


While this doesn't really qualify as a HEART item, it lifts my HEART.

I use a basic everyday lotion from the drugstore,
 then decant it into a glass jar with a pump for ease of use.
Looking at a plastic bottle with a bunch of text all over it looks rather unsightly.
I prefer a simple sleek container that I can leave out on display.
I use lotion after my bath or shower and it helps to keep my skin soft and supple.

This shea butter lotion is a drugstore brand and has a light scent of orchid.
It is very reasonably priced and works well
the ingredients are recognizable and it is free of any nasty chemical additives.


I received pearls from my husband on a Valentines Day about 25 years ago.

Last summer I fell at the beach and sprained my wrist very badly.
 When I got home I noticed that my beloved pearl necklace was missing.

I was devastated...
as I was in terrible pain I had to dash off to the pharmacy
 to buy some Voltaren, Aleve and a wrist brace.

For the next few days I kept returning to the same beach to hunt for the pearls.
(perhaps they returned to the ocean with the tide)

I decided to replace the pearls and thought perhaps my husband would not notice.
I went to the jeweler who sold him the pearls way back in the day 
purchased this Akoya strand 
almost the same as the original strand...
(except for the price)
I have been wearing them almost daily, for the past few months.

Well dear reader, 
guess what?

He found out that they were not the original pearls, 
so I had to confess...


I don't expect that we will exchange Valentine's Day gifts this year...
but perhaps we will dine out close to Valentines and celebrate.

What do you have planned for your Valentine?
Something special from the HEART.


~ Happy Valentine's Day ~

Take care and thank you for stopping by The Humble Bungalow Blog.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

~ In The Pink ~ trying new things

 


Greetings from The Humble Bungalow!

I've made a conscious decision to try new things...
get out of my "comfort zone"
take a wee risk
do something different...

Walk a different route
try a new cafe
read a book in a genre that I usually dismiss as "not my style"
wear a new shade of nail polish
shop in a new food store
try a new tea
explore an area of town that is "new to me"
visit a beach off the beaten track
try a new lipstick
a flavour of ice cream
OR
chocolate?

~ so many options to consider when trying new things ~


~ Refreshing ~

Drinking lots of water (fluids) help to keep your skin supple.
Aim for 6-8 glasses a day.
(Partake in a Pear flavour.)

If you aren't a fan of plain water 
try slicing fruits or lemons in a big jug of water and letting the flavours steep.
Add lots of ice and enjoy.


Have you ever heard the saying...

Pink Skies at Night
Sailors Delight
Pink Skies in the Morning
 Sailors Take Warning

We used to heed this advice when we were cruising on our boat.


Trying to keep my hands in better shape...
starting with a manicure
using
hand lotion and nail polish.

Cruelty Free Polish
~ Pink Cloud ~
My current favourite shade for a home manicure.


Extended Summer weather...
holding its own with warm sunshine and sunny skies.

Wearing sunglasses and a hat to minimize the risk of sun damage...
skin cancer and macular degeneration are risks from too much sun.


I enjoyed a much needed pedicure 
and chose a bold shade Snow White.

I usually opt for a rich jewel tone but I am trying new things
just because...
 

The facial that I had in August at The Boathouse Spa at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel was amazing...my skin looked dewy and smooth for weeks after the service.

Babor European products are new to me.
So in the spirit of trying new things
 I popped by the Spa to buy a couple of their products cleansing line.
Enzyme Cleanser and Rose Toner.

Hopefully they will live up to the numerous positive ratings by clients.


Pinky red Skies over Salt Spring Island as seen from our cottage on Pender.
There is a feeling of Fall in the air... 
a cool fresh crispness that is hard to describe
you need to feel it!


Lovely Fall beach walk on Bricky Bay

My gentle walks along the seashore soothe and calm.
Searching for sea glass is a very meditative habit.

Trying to mix up my walks to get me more motivated.
When the weather cools I tend to want to cocoon inside and stay cozy...
I recently purchased a pre-worn soft velour jacket by the company 32 Degrees.
It is so warm and because it is black, it is dressier and more versatile.
Trying to buy fewer garments to be more mindful of waste 
when I need something in my wardrobe 
I will try to seek out second hand and vintage options.


My Sea Glass collection now fills about 7 large sealer jars.
I'll need to find some more vintage jars to take to the cottage
 as I brought home yet another jarful.

What do YOU collect?


~ Pink Grapefruit Cleaner ~
works like a charm in the kitchen and has a delicious fruity fragrance.
Used as a pre wash stain remover it rarely fails...
saving garments by laundering clothing one stain at a time.
Before I discovered the powerful stain removing properties of this Method cleaner
I threw out stained clothes.

I also wear protective linen aprons when cooking 
to protect my clothes from food splatters.
These are beautifully made and are available from Trica's shop Rough Linen.

I have bought 3 aprons and use them every day.


~ David Austin Roses ~

Almost finished blooming in The Humble Bungalow Garden.


The Andalou CC cream that I swear by...
Must be on my 6th tube by now, is not expensive and it lasts a long time.
Evens out my complexion and is hydrating.
(I give it 5 stars out of 5)
Will not be trying a new CC cream as this one is a winner!


These pretty Colchiums are harbingers of Fall...
these are bent over trying to seek more light.

Perhaps we need to relocate this clump
 buy 
more bulbs as they bloom a long time?


Are you open to trying New Things?

I look forward to hearing from you.

~ Be Well and Be Kind ~