Sleeping well and easing muscle soreness and pain

I find that when I start slacking off from regular exercise, getting back into a routine again can be very difficult especially with the aches and pains associated with it. I normally tolerate it all in the hopes it will fix itself but it usually makes me very reluctant to exercise again. Apart from a muscle soothing (and zesty smelling in my case) body wash, I have come to rely on products that have become staple, comfort products pre and post exercise.

I sleep better when I'm not distracted and irritated by new aches in my lower back and using these products are great especially when feeling very little motivation to start exercising again. My exercise routine generally include Pilates and cardio classes, running and horse-riding. One huge issue that I experienced was skin rashes from horse-riding. Yeah I know, TMI.

I had no idea what chaffing was but when I started getting painful to touch marks while riding around my bikini line which developed into angry red and painful and rash-like. I knew it had something to do with my skin rubbing so I tried doing some research which was useless for weeks and definitely didn't lead me anywhere near the word "chaffing" but rather, STI's and everything and anything around those lines. 

Anyway, when I eventually came across the word "chaffing" I finally started getting answers and began looking for products. I found that the GLIDE skin protection balm for her has solved those issues. I use this before I start exercising by applying in areas of my body that tend to rub. 

Moving on to things to do after exercise, I found that using some sort of muscle soothing roll-on. I get on really well with my THIS WORKS In Transit Muscle Therapy which is amazing to rub into sore muscles. By all means, nothing near a massage but great as a temporary comfort and a cheaper and more convenient solution.

I recently purchased the the Sleep Over Kit from the range which is unfortunately limited edition so I'm not sure how long it would be around for but it contains the Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, Deep Sleep Stress Less and the Sleep Balm all of which can be purchased individually. Personally, if I like the spray and the roll on stress less better than the balm which is kind of an added bonus but still a treasure to have. 

I said I'd purchase the NUXE Reve de Miel lip balm eventually to compare against the Bite Beauty lip mask and I can say I like the latter much more. I actually can't find it at the moment so have to find my other substitutes. The NUXE lip balm is fine, moisturising and a great in general but the Bite lip mask is more heavy duty which is what I prefer.

Cleansers for teenagers

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I think the most important step in your skincare routine is cleansing. I love double cleansing and usually use the hot cloth method. I have looking into cleansers for oily skin because my brother has been getting acne breakouts. I don't really believe in foaming cleansers but I thought I'd try one. I needed to find something that would be simple and effective for my siblings to use. I heard great things from the Paula's Choice range so I thought I'd get the skin balancing oil reducing cleanser from the range.

I found that that this cleanser was a little too stripping for my skin. I think that because it's in a foam, it's more dying for my skin - when I mean drying I don't mean significantly but just enough to feel like I need to moisturise immediately to counteract the dryness. When I asked my brother what he thought of it, he said it was fine but I think his skin is oilier than mine. The cleanser effectively takes off my my makeup but leaves my eyes a little sensitive if I'm not careful when washing my face. Sensitive where my eyes actually do sting but keep in mind that my eyes are generally very sensitive so it's not unusual for a product to have that effect on me. Other than that, if someone is looking for an great cleanser, and maybe has oily skin - this could be for you. 

I think that the Kiehl's ultra facial cleanser felt like it was halfway between a milk and a foam cleanser. The cleanser did sting my eyes the same way the Paula's Choice cleanser did but didn't leave my skin feeling tight. While both Paula's cleanser is the same price as the Kiehl's, you have to pay for shipping for with Paula's because it is only available online.

I received the La Roche-Posay Effaclar foaming gel in a set with the Effaclar Duo and Effaclar Clarifying Moisturising Lotion Toner. This cleanser is my favourite out of the three cleansers. I think it's because it hasn't stung my eyes yet and it very gentle effectively cleaning my face without stripping it. 

All of the cleansers are not heavily scented which is great. I think that all these cleansers are great - you just need to consider your skin type and what is suitable for you. What cleansers do you like to use?  

Confident with your deodorant?

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I've had a love and hate relationship when it comes deodorant. Dove deodorant was a clear favourite of mine in school and still is but wasn't heavy duty enough at times. I was also not very happy with the hyper-pigmentation under my arms and thought that if I applied a more effective deodorant, I wouldn't have to apply as much product reducing the amount of build up on skin. I stupidly started testing out a heavy duty anti-perspirant which caused me to have a severe allergic reaction to the point where what ever ingredients that were inside said deodorant, actually burnt my skin. Stupidly because I disregarded the fact that my underarms are sensitive and should have started on a more moderate anti-perspirant. I should have seen the signs - the painful feeling when applying and the red rash left behind and despite the such symptoms, I still continued to use it hoping it would get better.

I started using natural deodorants while my underarms were healing and found some great ones but they still did not address my issues of keeping perspirant at bay which is important to me especially when excising. I heard great things from Michum and I felt I was ready to start using a normal deodorant again I picked one up. I was pleasantly surprised on how well it worked. It's a deodorant that you feel comfortable using when you're running after your bus in the sweltering sun where in normal circumstances you're just like, oh no I'm going to sweat bad. Sometimes when I've even forgot to apply deodorant that morning, the application the night before is sufficient enough for me to be like, I'm alright.

When I'm exercising now, I am comforted with the fact that I'm working up a healthy sweat rather than a gross smelling one. Having that comfort allows me put that extra effort in, having the confidence that you're in control of your body. Apart from that, I find that the deodorant has a pleasant clean smell that isn't ridden with an overload of the scent of talcum powder which I absolutely detest in most cream like deodorants. I do want to reiterate the Michum deodorant I am talking about is the yellow coloured one called the Mitchum pure fresh deodorant. I bought the pink coloured one thinking it would be similar but completely missed the fact that it said "powder". I really can't get passed the scent of it to the point where even my mum encouraged me to throw it out saying it smells like 'cheap perfume'. Some people might like the smell, I have a friend who actually likes the smell of talcum powdered deodorant but each to their own.

So, what what deodorant works for you?

Winter Lip Balm: Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask

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So, I am one of those people who gets really chapped lips - I mean, to the point they can actually start BLEED. I know I'm being dramatic - I mean, it's a small wound that eventually heals but it lingers around like an annoying ulcer and seriously, why wouldn't you try and fix something that can be avoided? I mean all those winter months slapping on layer upon layer of lip balm as a preventative measure, hoping to create some sort of barrier against the cold, windy and dry winter conditions.

Where I live it's not necessarily the cold but the strong winds that really affect the moisture levels of my skin, around my cuticles, my lips especially. Then suddenly, when you let you let your guard down and forget to apply a few times, BAM! winter attacks leaving you with a wound that takes a few weeks to heal. Something you feel when you eat, talk - just like a constant nagging voice and you're just like, 'why did you underestimate the importance of lips in life?'

So, I did a bit of research looking for a reasonably priced lip product that was going to give me better results. I came down to two products - the NUXE Reve de Miel Lip Balm and the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask. I wanted to buy both - the NUXE because it was cheaper and available in Australian pharmacies at comparable prices to online. The Bite Beauty lip mask on the other hand, can only be sourced online and opportunity presented where I could purchase it without paying the shipping price so I went for it and purchased it first.

So onto how the lip mask turned out. I find that this is an effective product. I'd say that I've halved the amount of times I normally apply lip balm around winter time. To me that's pretty good but you know, everyone is different. The scent of the product is understated and slightly sweet - just the way like it. The consistency of the lip mask can get hard especially when the weather is colder so sometimes it's hard to dispense the product. Despite that, it is by far the best lip product I've used so far (as a heavy duty lip balm and as it should, I mean it's a mask).

It's in a tube form which allows you to control the amount of product squeezed out and is more hygienic than in a jar form. Another interesting thing to note for all those natural conscious people, is that the Bite Beauty lip mask is made with natural, food grade and organic ingredients so if you really wanted to, you could eat it. I'm interested to know what other great lip products are around, so let me know what your favourites are!

What's in my bag?

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Since I'm so nosey when it comes to getting a sneak peak into other peoples handbags I thought I'd share what's in my handbag. I don't know, I love finding out about what women carry around with them, from those who like to lug around their life with them to those who have it all down to the most essential necessities. I think I fit somewhere in the middle - the first time I had a sleepover, I packed as if I was staying a week! Because of this, I love finding inspiration from other women and adopting some of their ideas.

I've now gotten into the habit of questioning the things that have a place in my bag. You might be looking at everything and be thinking that I'm still carrying too much. Surprisingly, it all fits into my nifty Burberry handbag which I love it because it's rather understated design and it has studs on the bottom to prevent scratching the base. It sits well on my arm and the zip runs along the length of the bag. If there was anything I wish the bag had, it would be the addition of a long cross-body strap.

Onto the contents of my bag, firstly I've been recovering from a cold and my favourite cough/dry throat lollies are the Vicks Butter Menthol VapoDrops. I like to carry around a pair of Clio stockings (I'm fussy when it comes to my stockings) because sometimes I like to slip them on when working or when it gets a little chilly especially around winter.

I also have my lovely and well loved Prada wallet which was a gift from a friend. An obvious item in my handbag would be my iPhone and it's chord along with a Kathmandu power bank. I also carry around my Chloe key-holder which I usually carry around when I'm not driving. I've really gotten into the habit of bringing a snack with me and I love The Bar Counter in salted caramel & banana health bar which is the only one I've liked from what I've tried from the range.

I carry around my Fossil card case where I store my go card for when I use the public transport in Brisbane. I also have a pen, some eyedrops, a wet wipe, my coin holder, two lip products from Revlon, the Colorburst Matte Balm in 225 (sultry) and the super lustrous lipstick in 356 (soft suede). My hands tend to get dry especially in winter so I have my Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturising Lotion which sinks into the skin and doesn't leave a residue behind (I wish it came in a more travel friendly size).

Sometimes I like to refresh my mouth and sometimes may require a toothpick which is why a Colgate wisp can be useful. I also like having a perfume atomiser handy along with mints or gum. Since it's almost always sunny here, sunglasses are great and I find earphones are good for watching videos/music and answering calls. Lastly, I have my car keys which I keep separate from my other keys because they are bulky and I have attached the Native Union KEY Lightning-to-USB Cable which is useful when I'm just going out with my wallet, phone and keys. What are your handbag essentials?