Dermalogica Face Mapping Skin Analysis

Dermalogica is a skin care brand that I keep finding myself coming back to because its quality is unparalleled. If you follow me on Twitter (@ArumLilea) you will know that I recently visited the brand new Dermalogica concept store in Rosebank Mall. While I was there I had my Face Mapping skin analysis done and I learnt so much about my skin. I know skin care can be very daunting; from entering a store to figuring out what products your skin needs, gosh even sometimes the sales ladies are so intimidating I want to avoid the whole process entirely but this is definitely a different kind of experience. Today I'm giving you the 101 on Face Mapping so that you know exactly what to expect from the moment you walk into the store.

To begin, your Face Mapping skin analysis is absolutely free of charge.  What?  Yes, you read correctly, this skin consultation is absolutely free of charge.  There is no need for you to book a time slot but rather you are free to walk in store for your Face Mapping analysis at any point of the day.

Now that I have your attention, your next question is probably, "what exactly is 'Face Mapping'?"  Face Mapping, as I've just mentioned is a skin consultation.  A skin therapist will sit with you and have a good look at your skin.  She is trained to pick up the problem areas or areas that need special attention on your skin.  These pictures show what my therapist deciphered about my own skin.  My problems were mainly comedones, dehydration, sensitivity and redness and these are marked on the face map exactly where those problems occur on my face.  Once your therapist has mapped your face she will begin explaining which Dermalogica products are suitable for your skin.  The reason I think that Face Mapping is so impressive is because it allows your skin routine to become uniquely tailored to the needs of your skin rather than using a generic routine that has been formulated for the masses.

Your therapist will also explain all the products that she prescribes as well as how to apply them and in what order.  Often I will get the order of products confused so I really appreciate the care the therapists take to explain everything in detail.  If something requires mixing with water, your therapist will show you exactly how much product vs how much water is needed.  As for exfoliation and masques, your therapist will tell you how often to use these products which will also vary from person to person based on your skin's needs.

You are under no obligation to buy the products that are recommended after you skin analysis but I can assure you that after how much care has been taken to explain the areas of your skin that need attention and exactly how to take care of them, you will realise that Dermalogica is a skin care brand that you can trust.  The products recommended to me have made such an improvement to my skin and were obviously exactly what my skin was looking for.  My skin is looking so much healthier than the day I walked into the store already.

You can read more about my love for Dermalogica by clicking here, here and here.  

*Face Mapping is also done at all salons and spas that use Dermalogica.

April Make Up Favourites

I've got a couple new favourite items that I've added to my daily routine and I think they're so good that they need to be shared.  I find all these products really effective and worth every cent.  If you've used any of these products, I'd love to know your thoughts on them in the comment section down below.  Right!  Let's get started!

Concealer

1.  MAC Pro Longwear Concealer:  I'm currently loving this concealer because it really is long lasting.  It's a lot lighter than MAC's concealer that comes in a pot but it still has full coverage so even if you have a foundation that doesn't provide full coverage, this will pull your make up all together and add a dimension of light to your look.  A little of this concealer really goes a long way so I'm convinced my bottle is going to last a long time!

2.  Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Correcting and Highlighting Perfector: this product comes as a pen with a brush on the end and a pump on the top to release the concealer on to the brush bottom.  My pump delays the release of the product to the brush which is an unfortunate manufacturing fault.  In any event, I really do love this product.  It glides on smoothly and it's very light so I don't feel like I'm sitting with a face full of make up.  It adds a beautiful effect to the overall look of your make up.

Foundation

3.  Charlie Longwear foundation: This foundation I bought for my trip to Zanzibar because I didn't want to use my (expensive) Estee Lauder foundation when I'd be spending all day swimming in the sea.  I was actually so impressed with it that I've since bought another bottle.  It has a dewy finish which is great for a healthy summer glow but it can also be set with powder to give a matte finish.  It really does have staying power, provides good coverage and at less than a quarter of the price of the Estee Lauder, it's an affordable gem for everyone's make up bag.

4.  Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation: I have spoken about my love for this foundation on the blog before.  It will always be one of my favourite make up products.  It gives great coverage and once it's been applied, it sets with a matte finish.  No powder needed.  This is great for combination or oily skin because it sets without powder but  I sometimes find that if my skin is dry in winter, this is going to dry me out a little more.  If you have a dry skin type, you'd probably prefer the Charlie foundation.

Make up remover

4.  Dermalogica precleanse wipes: I'm generally not a fan of make up wipes because they dry out so quickly that by the time you're half way though the packet, it feels as though you're using tissue paper to try and remove your make up.  These, however, are fantastic.  They're quite oily so this makes the process a whole lot easier as your make up slides off rather than needing you to scrub with force to get it off.  They're perfect for late nights when a long skin routine seems as daunting as climbing Mount Everest.  These smell also delightful which is also a win!

5.  Rimmel Gentle Eye make up remover:  This is my go-to make up remover.  It isn't very oily so it doesn't leave residue on your skin but rather leaves it feeling refreshed and cleansed (even though it isn't a cleanser).  My bottle has lasted four months too which is always a win!