If you’re like me, you have probably been spending a lot of time outdoors lately.

Since I’m working from home, I’ve been sitting outside lots and getting in some sun.  Heck, even when it’s shady outside I’ve been sitting out and I can’t even tell you how many dog walks I’ve been on (Ziggy has been LOVING me lately).

I live in a condo and there is currently a couple new buildings going up around me.  Because of that and the wind lately, I’ve been finding that my face has been looking kinda dull and just feeling blah.  I talk about a lot of products that protect your skin about environmental pollution, but lately I’ve been experiencing it first hand since every time I come inside I feel like I have a layer of soot and dirt on my skin.

Because of that, I’ve been trying to be more on the ball with applying products that will help nourish my skin while I sleep. My skin has been getting lots of sun and exposure to gross stuff, so applying products that will kickstart it when I get my slumber is imperative.

Thankfully, Estee Lauder sent me some goodies lately to help protect and regenerate my skin at night, one of which is one of my favourite serums.  Estee Lauder is known for their skincare and if you’ve ever tried it, you’ll know how fabulous it is.  So, if you’re like me and in the need of a little TLC while you get your beauty sleep, then keep reading…

Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm

Your skincare routine starts with a good cleanser, and the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm (C$53) is the perfect way to prep your skin for the rest of your products.

This micro-purifying and micro-revitalizing lightweight balm melts into a silky cleansing oil that you massage on your skin to remove makeup and impurities, including pollution. It transforms into a milky emulsion that rinses easily for a clean feel.  It also helps to purify deep within your skin’s surface, leaving you with healthy, cleansed skin.

Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II

I’ve already gone through three jars of Estee Lauder’s iconic Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II (C$125/50 ml) since it’s so amazing.

This night-time serum is designed to give you youthful-looking skin that instantly adds radiance and hydration. Perfect for all skin types and tones, it is your best friend in significantly reducing the look of key signs of aging. The formula includes the brand’s exclusive ChronoluxCB Technology, as well as antioxidants and hyaluronic acid. With regular use, your skin will feel smoother, hydrated, and stronger, and will look younger, radiant, and more toned.

Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate

If your skin is in need of some TLC fast, then take a look at their Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate (C$100).

This treatment rescues and resets the look of skin fast, as well as provides 24-hour moisture thanks to concentrated hyaluronic acid in a multi-molecular weight complex.  Apply this after the Advanced Night Repair serum to soothe the look of irritation in just one hour, as well as restore your skin to a more poreless, refined texture.

You probably won’t need to apply this every night to your skin, just when you feel like you need it or when you want an added boost. I love incorporating these products into my routine once or twice a week just give it a little reset for the week.

Revitalizing Supreme+ Night Intensive Restorative Creme

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Like a lot of people, I have created a TikTok account during this pandemic.

Prior to COVID I just didn’t get the app and thought it was for teenagers. At almost 32 years old, I just wasn’t cool enough to have an account. Then I downloaded it and saw that it wasn’t just dance moves that teenagers posted.

My TikTok account is actually my dog’s account (follow @ziggy_apupofcolour) and although it’s super fun to create funny dog videos, I’ve been really enjoying just scrolling and seeing what other people post. Seriously, you can learn so many cool things through watching the app. Now one of the things I’ve learned is this hack that will make your skin look filtered IRL.  This trend kinda goes against every makeup rule I have ever read in that you actually apply your setting powder before your primer and foundation.

Okay, what?!

So here’s the order: moisturize first, then apply your setting powder, then setting spray, primer, foundation, rest of your makeup.

Everyone was raving about this, so since I got in the new Avon Magix Dust Finishing Powder (C$24), I thought I would give it a try.  This setting powder is actually new from Avon and is available in two shades (Translucent Fair-Light and Translucent Medium-Deep). It’s a weightless mineral powder that has a 100 per cent naturally derived formula. It’s a pure mineral powder with ultra fine tourmaline, powder ruby, and rose quartz.  It helps to set makeup, diffuses light, visibly blurs pores, controls shine, and gives your skin a silky feel and a soft matte finish. The formula also has antioxidant green tea extract to enhance and smooth skin.

So after you do your skincare routine, then apply your setting powder to your face, followed by setting spray (I used Make Up For Ever’s Mist & Fix Hydrating Setting Spray). Afterwards, apply your primer (I used Charlotte Tilbury Wonder Glow Face Primer), then foundation (I used NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation), then rest of your makeup.  What you’re left with is flawless filtered-looking skin. Seriously, you will look so glowy and natural when you do this technique. I find that sometimes when I apply my foundation I can still see it sitting on the surface of my skin, but this really helped to absorb the product and make it look like I literally woke up like that.

Now, in doing this technique I was a little confused on if I go ahead and apply my powder again after my concealer to set and bake it. I didn’t bake it when I tried this out initially, but I did apply some powder afterwards and found that it didn’t affect the end result. For my setting spray, I actually used one with SPF to get some added sun protection and my makeup literally lasted me all day. There was no wear or fading.

I think it’s safe to say that I’m officially sold on this trend and if you give it a try, I would love to know what you think. I know it goes against everything we are taught, but hey, it worked like a charm and I’ll definitely be doing my makeup like this again for now on.

Have you tried the TikTok filtered makeup trend?

Please note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.

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When I first laid my eyes on Avon’s new Rouge Powder Matte Lipsticks (C$22), I knew I would love them.

Available in six shades, these lipsticks gives you a powdery matte finish that is soft on the lips and super flattering. The shade range are pinks and reds and they apply weightlessly with a blurred effect.  Once applied, they have a second-skin feel and are very comfortable and long wearing. Unlike other matte lipsticks, these are not drying and you don’t even really feel them once applied.

Avon sent me three shades to try out and I couldn’t wait to swatch them. These are actually part of their The Face Shop collab, which I’ve really enjoyed so far and have really liked the range of products they have released with the brand.

These definitely have a more powdery look to them, but I like that as I find it usually makes your lips look larger.  My favourite from the range is definitely the mauve shade, Beige Powder, but truthfully, they were all so pretty and will be a well-worn lipstick this summer. Just slap on some mascara, bronzer, and one of these for the perfect summery look.

If you are looking for a new lipstick and love the matte lip effect, then I would give these a try. They don’t have the staying power of a liquid lipstick, but they are way more comfortable to wear over a period of time.

Will you pick up any of Avon’s new Rouge Powder Matte Lipsticks?

Please note, products provided by PR. All opinions are my own.

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