Vanity Planet Aira Facial Steamer Review

I did receive this product for free - all opinions are my own.

Hey guys! I just have to let you know about my skincare journey and share my facial steamer with you.

So if you’ve been following me on the ‘gram, you already know what’s up. I started taking my skincare seriously around the end of December. My motto is – “I’m too old to be crusty, period.” I don’t wear makeup often but I love a good beat. I want to look and feel as confident as I do with makeup without it.

So I’ve heard a few ladies in my skincare group raving about facial steamers and I recently enjoyed my first facial and steam was incorporated so I knew it had to be good. I went on the hunt and did a lot research before settling.

Benefits of Facial Steaming

Do you ever feel like you just can’t get your face clean? Clogged pores? Dehydrated skin? If so, facial steaming is just right for you.

I have combination/oily skin and I’ve seen the steamer work wonders for product application. I use 1-2x a week.

My top 4 reasons to steam

-          Opens pores to allow better product absorption

-          Its soothing, I always feel relaxed afterwards

-          Hydration! Even oily skin needs to be hydrated

-          Releases acne causing bacteria

"Freshly cleaned pores are better able to absorb skin creams with active ingredients such as retinol based-products or prescription creams from your dermatologist…" Dr. Arash Akhavan, MD, FAAD

How to Use Aira Facial Steamer

This steamer is not only aesthetically pleasing but compact. It comes in two colors: Rose Gold and Beige. It also includes three essential oil baskets to create a full spa-like experience. The water tank is easily accessible from the back. Fill with distilled water only and enjoy! The steamer takes 30-45 seconds to heat up and the nozzle can move to direct your steam.

My cleansing routine

1.       Pre-cleanse with a balm

2.       Steam (15 minutes)

3.       Cleanse

4.       Serum

5.       Moisturizer

6.       Lip Balm

Be sure to check out the Aira Facial Steamer by Vanity Planet and if you order by February 29, 2020 you can use my code: FREELY_NATXAERA to receive 40% off.

First Impressions Derma E Skincare

I was gifted these items in exchange for my review but all opinions are my own.

I have been dying to try Derma E for a while now and I just wasn’t sure if I was ready to take the plunge since I have so many other skincare products. My goal is to finish what I have and then move on BUT that doesn’t always work.

Derma E send me their Vitamin C Bright Eye Hydro Gel Patches, Ultra Hydrating Alkaline Gel Booster and the Hydrating Day Cream.  I was instantly impressed, for starters, I’m a sucker for packaging. I love it when a package is clear and straight to the point without all of the fluff.

Derma E is a GMO free, Cruelty free, 100% Vegan, Gluten free, Soy free and recyclable product. I feel like they’ve covered all of the bases as to why you would be hesitant in purchasing.

So far, I’ve been trying out these products for roughly a week and I can’t wait to see the results to come.

Vitamin C Bright Eye Hydro Gel Patches

I was jumping out of my skin to try these. I have dark under eyes, partly due to lack of sleep and hydration. So, I wasn’t sure what these would do for me BUT I stand corrected. They have a luxe feel to them, they are gold with sparkles. My under eyes looked a little brighter and plump after the first use. I find these to be perfect after a long day and pair it with a good hydration routine; your eyes will look amazing!

Ultra Hydrating Alkaline Gel Booster

This serum had me curious because it’s intended to be hydrating and I have oily/combination skin so I didn’t know what to expect but to my surprise, it left me with a glow. Once it dried my skin did not feel oily. I will say if you have dry skin this one is for you. I will keep this in rotation for the winter

Hydrating Day Cream

This cream is a little thick, I will say if you have dry skin this will be PERFECT for you but for someone like me that tends to be on the oily side it was okay. One thing I can say is that it didn’t give a super greasy feel but I felt like something was on my skin.

Derma E is a great brand to try if you’re looking for a new line. They have something for everyone and their prices won’t break the bank. If you check them out, let me know what you get!

Relaxed Hair Journey Update: I’m Starting Over

A few months back, I decided to start my healthy hair journey and I was excited but I didn’t fully prepare myself for all of the work that it required. Which lead me back to following into some of the same, old bad habits. I would wash my hair and throw it in a few braids and wear wigs.

What I’ve learned is this doesn’t work for my hair. My hair wants and needs to breathe. Within the last 6 months I’ve experienced a lot shedding and hair thinning. I will say that I have been under a tremendous amount of stress which has led to some of this.

I took a big leap of faith and visited a salon to get my hair accessed. Luckily, I knew the stylist and felt like I could trust her with my hair. My hair was washed, deep conditioned, blown out and cut (1-2 inches).

Stylist: Yolanda Jamison

The stylist and I came up with a plan of action on how to take care of my hair going forward. We would cut and relax on my next visit and we did just that!

I’m excited to see what my hair does in the next few months and I’ll be back with an update very soon! I’ve also added a multivitamin to my regimen and I’m drinking my water!

If you’re on this journey, too, don’t get discouraged. We all have to live and learn and currently, I’m learning to take better care of myself.

DIY Turmeric Mask Recipe

I’ve always heard good things about turmeric but I was so afraid to try it. I tried it once in the past but it was so messy so I didn’t do it again. This time, I’m jumping in full force to take my skin to the next level.

Since I begin having children, I noticed major changes in my skin; primarily hyperpigmentation being my biggest problem. I’ve had areas of my cheeks and neck give me the most issues and I no longer want to feel the need to cover these areas with makeup. I want the freedom to wear my skin. So, I’ve decided to add this turmeric mask to my skincare regimen. I will be using it once a week and tracking my results.

I used it for the first time last week and it really wasn’t hard to do. I do recommend wearing gloves or using a makeup brush because this can get messy.

Turmeric Mask Recipe:

¼ cup turmeric

½ tsp lemon juice

½ tsp honey

Bowl

Mask brush (optional)

Mix until it forms a paste. You may need to add a little more honey or lemon juice it’s a personal preference. Leave on for 15-20 (until dry) and rinse. You will also find this recipe with plain yogurt. Do what works for you. I would love to know your results.

My Thoughts

I was very pleased with the application of the mask. I choose to rinse my mask off in the shower because it is messy and it will stain. I followed up with my face wash. WARNING: your skin may have a yellow tint. I applied my moisturizer and that’s it!

I noticed that my skin looked a little brighter and as the days have gone by I do feel that I’ve seen a few lighting benefits, so I’m happy to continue this process!