Beauty Blast #7
A month or so ago, I fell over one night. Only God knows whether I tripped over my shoelace or my personality.
I was out one night. Laughing. The next thing I remember, I was in bed eating McDonald's (double cheeseburger combo with a splash of mayo and diet coke - hold the ice) with a sharp pain on my chin. A few moments later, I let out the gayest scream I could muster when I saw my chin all slashed up.
Just look at the mess I created.
Now, people talk about damaged skin barriers in the industry like all the time. I’ve probably written about it once or twice on a previous Blast, but I’ve never actually done physical harm like this to my face for as long as I can remember.
I was all messed up. Bruised. Ashamed. Sick from the double cheeseburger with mayo splattered around my lips and blood on my pillow. I was spamming the social piranhas I was out with the night before, asking if anyone had seen my dignity or left side of my chin. *Crickets*.
So, obviously, I put on my skincare aficionado cap, and as any true beauty enthusiast would do, I turned to the magic hiding in my bathroom draws for a slow but guaranteed fix.
As always, let’s fucking blast.
The first step to healing a wound that’s likely to scar if you don’t get your arse onto it is to strip your skincare back completely. I stopped using every single product until the gash had fully scabbed. Once the scab was looking manky, I had the displeasure of picking it off (I’m teasing, I loved every minute of picking it off). And that’s when I was faced with the beast that was this huge red mark that reminded me of a not so cute love bite. I also had one of those on my neck (random but kind of into it).
Murad Invisiscar Resurfacing Treatment $84.00
After washing my face with cold water and padding it down with a clean towel, I’d apply this god level scarring treatment. I’ve used Invisiscar once before when my skin reacted to a skincare product a few years ago (we won’t go there). Apply ½ a pea-size amount on the affected area, it stings for three seconds (not tingles but stings), and after four weeks of constant use, you’re guaranteed to see results. I’ve always seen results. Only apply it to areas where you’re struggling with scarring for whatever reason (drunk falls or PIH). This works, Saucettes.
Avene XeraCalm Balm $39.99
After I’ve applied Invisiscar, I religiously used XerCalm. This isn’t an active balm; it will not clog your pores or reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It’s ultra-soothing and is tolerated by all skin types. It’s all I could use over my healing wound. I slept knowing my nightly moisturiser wouldn’t cause any infection or inflame the already painful area. It’s fragrance-free and safe for even a baby’s bottom. It does exactly what it says it does, calms.
Emma Lewisham Supernatural Vitamin A Face Oil $132
The first ‘active’ product I reintroduced in my routine was Emma Lewisham’s Bakuchiol Supernatural Oil. Hear me out, not only do I apply this oil at night, but I also do it every morning (now that I can). This product is out the gate ridiculously good. The lightweight, absorbent formula quickly penetrates the skin while vitamin A and E work to even complexion. It tolerated well on my affected area. I used it to boost cell skin-cell turnover to expedite my healing process. I love how it smells like a fancy spa. Somewhere I’d fall asleep in forever and wake up feeling like I’ve slept on a cloud. This is my favourite product right now on the market; I’m on my fourth bottle.
111SKIN Oxygen Express Mask $195
I’ve never come across a product like this before. It’s a gel mask that takes about five minutes maximum to dry out. You then wash it off accordingly with warm water, and you’re left with quite literally drop dead glowing skin. It stimulates oxygen in the skin and is inspired by 111SKIN’s cryotherapy technology. Best thing? Doesn’t leave a mess ANYWHERE. This is the first product I’ve tried from 111SKIN, and although it’s rather expensive, it’s definitely worth every penny. If you’re struggling with greasy skin, this one’s for you.
Mecca Cosmetica Glow Serum $38
Since Glossier is officially cancelled and I’m personally over the brand gatekeeping Australasia for what feels like five or so years, I’m no longer singing my praises. Trust Mecca tho. God Mecca’s good. This makeup/serum hybrid is FutureDew’s dupe, if not better. This is one of the best launches of 2022. I like to apply two pumps of the glowing elixir before I pop out for a night of debauchery or a serious sexy business meeting. It really brightens the skin and gives it a dewy finish. It really is a glow bottled – if you want dewy skin that doesn’t cover your spots but highlights your skin’s beautiful complexion, bag this before it sells out.
BareMinerals Phyto-Retinol Eye Cream $69
I was excited that the first product I tried from the BareMinerals range was this little delight. Eye Creams are definitely a hit or miss with me, but I did notice an improvement in the appearance of my crow’s feet after two weeks of using this plant-based retinol. The formula isn’t too thick, and a little goes a long way. I like using it right after I exfoliate for optimum penetration. I always apply my eye creams before any serums, fuck the rules.
Isle of Paradise Self Tanning Drops $41
Oh, here we go. This has been my absolute go-to all summer long. We’ve all learnt what happens if we bake our skin in the sun, so introduce a self-tanner. I’ve tried a few, but I’ve landed on a favourite, and it’s this in ‘medium’. I apply two pipettes to any night cream I’m using (probably Emma Lewisham’s Supernatural 72-Hour Creme) and then massage it all over my face and neck for an even tan. It doesn’t streak and doesn’t ruin sheets. It lasts for three days. Make sure you wash your hands with warm water after applying the crystal clear elixir; otherwise you will get cheesy fake tan fingers, and no one wants that.
Dr.Jart Calming Cicapair Gel Cream $49
If you’re after a lightweight moisturiser for sensitive skin, this is for you. This gel cream soothes damaged sensitized skin. The fragrance is light and fresh. I love the added niacinamide to help my skin’s complexion, and it’s no-nonsense good.
A moment for scents.
I love how a scent can take you anywhere but home. A measly spray can lift your mood and prep you for whatever comes. I rarely share my fragrances because it’s not my speciality, skincare is. But I do purrrr every time a stranger compliments me in a bar about how delicious I smell. So, as per, I thought I’d leave it all here.
Comme des Garcons Amazinggreen $184
This is my daytime delight. Get your mind out of the gutter. This multifaceted fragrance is peppered with modern notes like green pepper, ivy and palm tree. It’s light and refreshing and can take you anywhere. I love how welcoming the notes are and mixed together leaves you feeling clean and vibrant.
Paco Rabanne 1 Million $207
This is sexy. Honestly, this is my nighttime power fragrance. If I want people to whiff their noses at me when I enter the room, which I always do, I’m spraying two pumps of this deeply rich fragrance. It’s formulated with an intoxicating blend of floral-fruity notes with a contrast of warm vanilla-infused woods. And if that doesn’t do it for you, look at the packaging. Gold, baby. Next time you’re planning on doing a walk of shame, spray this before you go out; you’ll leave the person wishing you’d never left his bed. You intoxicating little thing, you.
Words — Liam Sharma
