MAC Tartan Tale Mc-Haul

"ZZZZZZZZZZZZZ" snore, snore "ahem, cough cough....oh yeah' Chapter II was released in Australia today.

And, unexcitedly I dragged my sorry a$$ to my local MAC counter this morning to get all three of the pigment sets - cool and warm thrillseekers as well as smokey eyes (AUD 65 each) or whatever the name is, I really don't care.

I was seriously bored with this collection. Nothing got the heart beating.... and the only good deal, in my opinion, are the pigment sets. I would never get through a whole bottle of pigment so the charm size is perfect - obtaining a variety of shades of pigments for a much more affordable price.

I mean the tartan is cute (I am sure Scotland went wild) but I quite frankly don't care if i have it or not.

So here's what I did with the boxes - which i think looks really cute :) - housing my most beloved brushes.

And here is a quick squizz at my MAC pigment collection.

What?- oh yeah, MAC charm-pale collection is up next....I think I might just roll back into bed.

Can someone wake me up when I get to the UK (spending Christmas with the rellys) as I am going to be all over Urban Decay and Illamasqua.

Muah Muah - Fiffi x

Happy Birthday!

*sigh* 31 years old, and none the wiser. Still love the pressies though :)

I thought the cake was very apt.

Love Fi x

Anti-Aging: Retinol

Introduction:

Retinol is part of a class of chemical compounds called 'Retinoids' which are structurally similar to Vitamin A.

Terminology/Ingredients:

Examples of the compound include: retinol, tretinoin, isotretinoin, tazarotene.

Pro-retinol products (chemicals which are broken down to retinol) include: Retinyl Actate and Retinyl Palmitate.

Indications:

-Acne

-Wrinkles

-Age spots/ hyperpigmentation

-Sun damaged skin

Mechanism of action:

Retinol is thought to increase collagen production by stimulating skin cells called fibroblasts which aids healing and pushes the 'damaged and pigmented skin cells' to the top of the skin to allow to be 'sloughed' off providing a brightening effect. Meanwhile it also inhibits the enzymes that cause skin cell destruction.

Evidence-based:

Many studies have been performed but the most renowned is from the University of Michigan which reported in the Journal Archives of Dermatology evidence to support that 0.1% tretinoin significantly reduced wrinkles and roughness after 8-12 months of use.

Packaging:

Higher doses are dermatologist prescribed only. However, there are lower dosed retinol in moisturisers/ serums sold in both drugstores and departmental stores. Retinol must be packaged properly to ensure it remains stable for continued and effective use as it is light and air-sensitive.

Adverse effects:

Dry flakiness and sensitivity.

Sun exposure can cause increased skin sensitivity.

Interactions:

Can work synergistically with AHA/BHA products for better penetration through the epidermis of the skin.

Controversies:

A former lawyer now turned cosmetic scientist argues that retinoids actually causes aging by increasing moisture loss at the outermost layer of the skin.

Products I might purchase:

RoC Multi-Correxion Night Treatment

Olay Pro-X Deep Wrinkle Treatment

Important Disclaimer: None of the above advice can be a substitute for medical or professional skin care advice - please only consult qualified general medical and/ or dermatology physicians for serious skin complaints. The information is not sponsored by manufacturers here but may reflect their claims and this site cannot be held responsible for such claims made.

Dedicated to Skin Care

Oh bullocks! - I am going to be 31 years old tomorrow. How time flies....

When I was 13 I knew I was a 'teenager'.

At 16, shipped off to boarding school.

Aged 18, had life-changing examinations.

Met my ( now- ) hubby at the tender age of 19 at Uni.

20s were all about my career and getting married

and in fact,...things haven't changed much.

It's still about work

- I eat, sleep and breathe it.

It was my choice,

....I don't regret it.

However, I realise now that I have to take care of myself. I can't rely on my youth anymore and I can't take it for granted.

This post is a declaration of my dedication to anti-aging skincare. I certainly don't know much about it and have decided - via this blog - to educate myself and will thus be doing a series of posts covering the basics as well as AHAs/BHAs, Retinoids, Niacinamide, Vitamin C and E, etc. I may also find some mask recipes and/or DIY serums to let you know about.

In any case, I am on a quest - a quest, to battle future wrinkles and I won't 'GO' without a fight.

Cue crescendo background music of Christina Aguilera's song 'Fighter'......