30-day Minimalism Challenge - Pt.1

Today I tackled challenge #23 Go bare-faced pretty easily. Until very recently when I figured out the correct way to apply make up, I used to never wear any make up at all. So, I have been bare-faced a lot in the past.

Yesterday I was feeling like I was about to get sick as my throat has been sending the signal from the morning. I took Codral tablets to minimise the symptoms so it wouldn't get even worse. Unfortunately, the phenilyphrine really got me in the afternoon and I immediately fell into deep sleep when I reached home without taking off my make up! There I was sleeping through the night with full make up on.

By morning I felt really sorry for my skin and decided to give my face a break. I cleaned my face and apply the usual serum and moisturiser, then off I go to the office bare-faced. Gotta love those freckles and acne scars!

I'm so grateful that my skin has never been better. Although I have those freckles and acne scars, I'm still loving my skin. I was never able to afford the skincare products that I'm using now, but to be honest it's what makes all the difference. I love the fact that they actually work on my skin!

30-Day Minimalism Challenge

Tomorrow is a new month, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to start a 30-day Minimalism Challenge! I came across this challenge when I was searching for things related to "minimalist living". When I saw the list, I thought "oh, this is neat and it's a very good guide to de-clutter your life." So, I shared this challenge with several of my friends over on Path and they were also excited for it!

Before starting, I know some of the things listed has already been a habit and been done very recently, so I'm going to cross out the ones that I won't be doing in the next 30 days. I will be doing this in a random order, because you just can do challenge #1 on a working day!

DONE:

2 Meditate for fifteen minutes. I guess shalat would already be considered as meditation because it is a form of meditation, or that's how I like to view it.

7 Streamline your reading list. I have always been a slow reader, so I never have a long list of books to read. I usually try to decide my next book after I'm finished with the current one. Currently I'm still on "Managing Yourself" from the Harvard Business Review 10 Must-Read series. I'm hooked!

13 Clean out your closet. I have just recently moved house which already includes cleaning and streamlining my wardrobes. So, this one's ticked. I've also talked about minimising my wardrobe, I think it's good for everyone's wellbeing and you should definitely try it!

18 Unfollow and unfriend. I'm pretty selective with the people on my friend list. Sometimes I do find some random people which account used to be my 'real' friends (I don't know what happened, but that account just changed owners). I usually review their profile again and unfriend if necessary. But isn't it rude to unfollow and unfriend? You may not need to do it in the next 30-days, but I'm pretty much sure there will be some days you just want to unfollow or unfriend someone ;)

27 Clear out your junk drawer. This one also came along when I moved house. So, also ticked.

Review: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

I know by now that this product has been reviewed million times by beauty gurus, it is a cult favourite, and it is also one of Kiehl's 10 best selling products. But I just wanted to add in my two cents, because who knows if anyone out there would still benefit from my review :).

HOW I DISCOVERED THIS PRODUCT
Asking for free sample of a product was never in my dictionary (clueless!). I wanted to try both the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution and the Midnight Recovery Concentrate, but not sure how to get the samples. So I was looking at their online store and found a special offer where you will receive deluxe sample (of Midnight Recovery Concentrate) with any purchase. So I purchased the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution in full size and received the Midnight Recovery Concentrate in a mini size bottle for free.

HOW THIS PRODUCT FIT INTO MY ROUTINE
I usually use this product only at night after cleansing my face with face wash (La Roche Posay Effaclar) and exfoliate with Bioderma. Why? Because after the dead skin cells are stripped off of the skin, it will be much easier for the skin to absorb the serum. I don't wear any moisturiser after the Midnight Recovery Concentrate as it is already super hydrating. If I need to clear up some hyperpigmentation, I will apply the Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution first before the Midnight Recovery Concentrate.

HOW I USE THIS PRODUCT
I usually dispense the product right onto my face rather than on the hand and rub it on their hand palms like everyone else (well, not really everyone). Three drops is the perfect amount for my skin. I would drop the oils on to my right cheek, left cheek, and forehead, then distribute the product around my face. Then, I massage my face with warm hand palms by rubbing the two hands together to help the serum to penetrate into the skin.

WHAT DO I THINK OF THE PRODUCT
+ Sinks into the skin immediately, so it doesn't leave your face too oily.
+ You will be surprised at how plump and soft your skin is when you wake up!
+ Keeps your skin hydrated without needing moisturiser.
+ When used in conjunction with Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, it will help fade your acne scar faster!
+ It smells beautiful. You can smell the strong lavender scent, which is very calming and relaxing, so it's perfect to be used before bedtime.
+ The packaging is gorgeous! I love the midnight blue colour of the glass bottle, so chic! And it also comes with pipette which helps to dispense the right amount of product.

CONCLUSION
I think this product works wonders to help your skin recover overnight from stress. I will absolutely repurchase as I don't think I can live without this product.

One bottle lasts me a really long time. I don't use this religiously (I'm never diligent with skincare or makeup). I've used up only one fifth of the product (30ml bottle) in more than 4 months, therefore I think it is worth the money. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate currently retails for A$61.