The history of my skin

Dear readers,

Along with our lives, we know that our appearance is one of the most important things in our life.

I have a history of pretty bad acne problems. My mom's side of the family had it bad. A really bad acne I cured in no more than 6 months. My acne started when I was about 16 years old. I had pimples all over my face and it was an extremely unpleasant experience.

I had tried almost everything.... with no results. Everybody who experienced serious acne knows what I mean. I went to the dermatologist dr. Tanja Knor and she prescribed me Differin Gel at night, Beznaknen 5% (wash your face wait about 3 minutes), Skinoren cream and Triacneal Avene. This face wash with Benzaknen 5% makes my skin so clear and radiant, and feels so so smooth. After my first treatment I literally was glowing my skin was so clear, evened, I just had a glow! But that's not all...

I felt a burning sensation on my skin. I put water on it so it would stop burning. After an hour or so, I noticed that my skin looked red and inflammed.

Many acne medicine that contains benzoyl peroxide may sting or burn your skin if the medicine is too strong, but that's good - it is important to clean the skin correctly.

 Popping and picking at spots also really kept me stuck in an acne cycle, so don't do it! I always picked and popped my pimples because I thought that even if it left a red spot, at least it would be flat and easy to cover up with makeup. Better than a weird looking bump right? And if I squeeze the junk out, it'd help the pimple heal faster right? Wrong and wrong!

My skin today

So far I have an excellent experience. I have tried many products before with no success, but these products are really the best. I liked how it made my skin feel soft and it cleared my acne forever and also to reduce the signs of aging.

Ever since my acne dissapeared, I’ve relegated the usage of Triacneal from nightly to every alternate night, as a form of maintenance.

 

There is nothing that is more devastating to our confidence than a bad skin problem. We don’t feel like ourselves, we just want to crawl into a hole and die.

People with clear skin have better social skills, are overall happier people, and are just more well liked than those of us with bad complexions.

It’s not fair. I know. But, it’s the sad truth. Have you ever seen anyone on television with a horrible complexion? I don’t think so. People have always and will always gravitate towards the beautiful people of this world.

We all deserve to get up in the morning and look in the mirror and absolutely love what we see, if we don’t this will wear on us day after day. And this is possible for all of us.

There are many products available for the treatment of acne.

Now that I am an adult I still get breakouts during that special time of the month.

 

The best thing you can do for acne is change your lifestyle: eat a non-inflammatory diet (plenty of fish and fresh veggies, little or no refined sugar or starch, whole grains in moderation) and do gentle, regular exercise like yoga. Drink lots of pure water (and Green Tea) and sleep very well. Reduce stress as much as possible. Acne is your body telling you its needs are not being met.

 It is important to clean the skin correctly!!!

 Removing makeup each night is important to keep skin clean. Even if makeup fades throughout the day, it still clogs pores, attracts dirt and causes breakouts if not completely washed off before you go to sleep. If you use water-based cosmetics and have normal skin, you could use the same gentle facial cleanser you use in your morning and evening routines to remove foundation makeup. Oil-based foundation needs to be removed with a product made specifically to remove makeup, especially if you have dry or combination skin.

 

My skin with Avene foundation

What I'm using today for my skin?

I just love the scrub – its a staple for my highly reactive pale skin. It never feels harsh or abrasive and my skin looks so clear after. I am a huge fan of the Avene range.

My skincare - Avène products

 This is how I cleared my acne, but if you did it a different way, I would love to hear your story! As hopeless as I felt when my skin was really bad, do not give up. If my skin got better, so can yours.

All my love,

Idda van Munster

Welcome to my house of porcelain dolls.

Dear readers,

Me - in living room.

I have collected porcelain dolls for many years, this collection is mostly in my living room. Some dolls are antiques from my childhood.

Dolls are definitely not just for children. Grown-ups also have this fascination towards porcelain dolls because having these dolls transport us back to their childhood – back when everything seems to be a lot less complicated. Seeing these dolls displayed in our homes would definitely bring back the genuine smiles that we once had when we were still young.

Although, to many people, porcelain dolls can be some of the scariest dolls that one can cross paths with, you will find that there are so many other people that find porcelain dolls beautiful and near one of a kind. I’m a lover of these dolls! As a collectible porcelain dolls have an attraction all of their own.

Why do people collect antique porcelain dolls? Perhaps they collect because it brings back memories from their childhoods. Maybe it's because they appreciate the craftsmanship involved in making the toys. It might be because porcelain dolls are valuable. Regardless of your motivation, there are a few things that you should know as you start collecting porcelain dolls.

These two dolls are my new babies in my collection - antiques from Germany.

 

The Chinese developed porcelain over a thousand years ago and succeeded in keeping the formula secret for hundreds of years. It wasn't until the poor, captive alchemist Johann Friedrich Bottger, held by Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland, perfected the formula for European-made porcelain in the first decade of the 18^th century that porcelain became common in the West. Porcelain dolls have been made for about 200 years.

Dolls can be between half an inch and five feet tall. The heads of the dolls are in two forms, porcelain or bisque. Bisque is unglazed porcelain and has a warmer, more natural appearance.

When looking at collectible porcelain dolls, consider the overall craftsmanship of the pieces. The formation of the hands and fingers is very important. Open hands and fingers are harder to make than closed hands and fingers. The "skin" of the doll should be smooth to the touch and as lifelike as possible.

When considering a bisque doll, a doll with a closed mouth is generally more collectible than one with an open mouth. Like porcelain dolls, bisque dolls should have "skin" that is "unblemished" and have a realistic look.

I love the creepy smile of the porcelain boy too.

Victorian porcelain dolls continue to be a popular collector's item. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find a Victorian doll that is still in perfect shape. Interestingly, a restored doll may actually be worth less than a damaged doll. Regardless of whether you are considering a restored doll or one in its original condition, the more information that you can get, preferably in writing, the more valuable the piece might be. The age and origin as well as any other facts that you can garnish will add to the "story" of your Victorian doll.

Also consider edition porcelain dolls. The value of this type of doll lies, in part, with the fact that a limited number of dolls were produced. Make sure that you have all the supporting information, such as certification. Retaining the original packaging can add value to your doll over the long term.

I hope I am not the only one collecting porcelain dolls. What about you? Do you like them? Are you collecting something / hobby?

 
Collecting porcelain dolls is a hobby that can be truly rewarding.
Once you start building a collection, it’ll be hard to stop. There are porcelain doll shows to attend, new friends to be made, and more and more porcelain dolls to be loved and admired. But every moment spent on porcelain dolls is like spending another moment in childhood...

As always with love,

Idda van Munster

I'm Walking on Sunshine!

Hello lovely readers,

Just a quick post today, I am very busy and I have to study.

I woke this morning with the sun shining and had a feeling it was going to be a good day... I was right! 

Normally, Wednesday’s are my “hump day” meaning it usually a very long day but once it is over I know the rest of the week and weekend will be less stressful. Today was anything but a hump day and I couldn’t be more excited about all the exciting things happening this month!

Sunny days! That makes me so happy and full of life, makes me wanna go out with my friends, have fun and long walks with my hubby or my brother.

Today I was feeling a bit under the weather so I mixed up something really quick! Hope you like it!

I'm really sorry I don't have any close-up pics with makeup or outfit details, hope you can figure it out.

Live your days on the positive side of life, in tune with your most treasured values. And in each moment you'll have much to live for.

Okay, I'm going off now, I must study!

Skirt: Early 1950s vintage shop

Blouse: 1950s cropped pin-up top flea market

 Shoes: 1940s vintage shop

Bag: Straw bag flea market Germany

All the best,

Idda van Munster

Half moon vintage nails

"Anyway it's a great conversation piece to say you are wearing the same kind of manicure as Marlene Dietrich wore. I've struck up many a conversation over the years with my nails".

                                                 ~ Dita von Teese

Hello dear readers,

 Today I thought I'd make a post about the wonder that is the vintage manicure or reverse French manicure. I personally love the style for the way it looks, but for girls like me who work with their hands the extra couple of minutes it takes to do, saves plenty of time because your manicure lasts so much longer!

The half moon manicure was a symbol of glamour in the 1930's and 1940's, but the main reason women left a half moon bare was ultimately practical: when they had their nails done in those days the varnish took a long time to apply and dry, so women tried to keep their manicures going for as long as possible, and leaving the half moons meant that regrowth didn't appear so obvious as the weeks went by.

  

 The half moon manicure has been seen in fashion mags and on the catwalk, but most people these days would recognize it as the Dita von Teese manicure.

Dita Von Teese is known for her authentic vintage style, so to finish her look she wears her fingernails in a retro 1930's - 1940's fashion style, which leaves the half moons left unpainted.

The "original" vintage look is with your natural half moon of your nail on the bottom, it's beautiful.

How did I achieve my perfect half-moon nails? You’ll never believe this, but I’ll let you in on my secret. Psst…. you there, come closer: I used circular paper reinforcers. Yes, those rounded stickers that go around the holes for 3 ring binders – and they work a charm. Some people call this technique the reverse french manicure.

Half moon: red-nude

Half moon: red-white

 Done in red with a bare or light pink “moon” is a classic vintage look. For a modern-day take, experiment with other color combinations like black and griege or green and silver.

 I like my nails round/pointed. I think square or squoval look good on other people, but I find that they look chunky on my soft hands.

I think the look is very chic and the possibilities are endless for yummy color combinations. What do you think? Would you do your nails like this?

Lots of love,

Idda van Munster

Beauty favourites of the moment

Hello dear readers!

My blog is my little area on the web where I can give you my thoughts and opinions on things. I can share my life. I can share my photos, my stories, my recipes... Today, I thought it'd be fun to give you a rundown on some of my favorite beauty products.

I don't often talk about perfume on my blog because it's a very personal choice and depends on individual preference.  What is amazing to one person, may be off putting to another.  However, I have had a few emails lately asking what my favourite perfumes are so I thought I would oblige.

 

I have quite a few perfumes in my collection and I tend to wear a different smell almost every day (I decide what to wear based on mood & occasion).

nr. 1: Chloé

 

l’Eau de Chloé reminds me of something from my childhood and I’m having trouble pinning down what it is. I used to have a selection of solid perfumes (they had come with some kind of Flower Fairies set) and I think that one of them may have been quite similar to the Chloé fragrance. The beautiful smell of rosewater and the soft citrus is a perfect blend – there’s nothing shocking or dramatic about it, but it’s easy to wear and incredibly pretty. 

nr. 2: Dita von Teese

The quote inside

 Seriously sexy and full of mystique is what we all expect from burlesque star Dita Von Teese. The sultry scent features bulgarian rose, peony, spicy bourbon pepper and smoky wood, all packaged up in a seductive bottle with a classic black tassle. 

 “I often thought about the great women that I admire like Marlene Dietrich or Hedy Lamarr—those sexy, glamorous, iconic women, and I couldn’t imagine them ever smelling like fruits or candy,” she said in an interview with the label. “I wanted something that speaks of wanting to be grown-up, a sophisticated woman who is in charge of her life.”

nr. 3: Hypnotic Poison by DIOR

 Words can't really describe it's smell. It's magical. I am bad at describing fragrances but I'll tell you my impression. The main ingredient in this fragrance is vanilla. It has tons of it. It's a very addictive fragrance. It seems I can't stop sniffing myself when I have this on my skin. In the top there's also some almond. Yes, it is sweet, but not in a disturbing way. After some time the jasmine kicks in and makes Hypnotic Poison slightly femminine.

nr. 4: Yria by Yves Rocher

 To me Yria is fruity-oriental.
It's a very feminine, a bit sweet, sensual and mature fragrance.
I love Yria. It is a little bit old fashioned and predictable, but nevertheless, classy. It gives me confidence. Something for more mature women, don't condsider it if you're a teen.
It smells better in the evening, but independent and mature women can wear it also during the day.

nr. 5: Russisch Leder by Farina Gegenüber (1967)

 It smells like a mixture of tar and vintage leather, just like a scent called "russian leather" should. Smoky and very balsamic in structure. I love unisex vintage perfumes.

nr. 6: Fire & Ice by Revlon

This is the real vintage red - the color between orange and red. For over 75 years, Revlon has brought the most beautiful colors in the world to the most beautiful women in the world. In 1952, Revlon launched its iconic color collection Fire and Ice, with matching lips and fingertips in a bold, fiery red. Revlon has brought back itsFire and Ice collection for today’s woman – who is as bold, confident, and glamorous as ever. I'm a BIG fan of Dorian Leigh!

 I love it for it’s creamy texture and lasting color.

nr. 7: MAC full coverage foundation

 I love MAC and I love this foundation!! I haven't come across a foundation that gives coverage like this does before.

nr. 8: Benefit Sugarbomb

 For me, Benefit's blush boxes are the stand-out products of the entire range. Expensive, yes, but beautifully packaged, a great selection of colours and very long lasting. I love the names of the products and the uber cute packaging. This latest boxed face powder blends triangles of peach, rose, pink and plum together to produce a softly shimmering pink flush.

Sugarbomb is the best!

nr. 9: Riche Creme by Yves Rocher

 The Riche creme has a thick cream consistency, with quite a strong, floral scent, which I personally like, though it might not be for people who do not like fragranced products. Have you tried any Yves Rocher products?

nr. 10: KRYOLAN Lipstick Palette

What to say? I have a love relationship with my Kryolan palette.

Hope you enjoyed.

What are your favourite fragrances for day and night?

 What are your favorite beauty products?

With love,

Idda van Munster

Why are we waiting?

"A well dressed woman, even though her purse is painfully empty, can conquer the world."      

- Louise Brooks

Guess what I’m doing?

Waiting in an airport. I wonder how much productivity is lost from people waiting in airports.

We are always waiting for something.

I don’t think I am alone when I say I hate waiting around. Time goes slower, your patience is shorter and its just so dull.

We spend the majority of our lives waiting; waiting for something to happen, waiting for something to end, waiting for something to begin. That ‘something’ is most definitely life itself and why are we waiting? Why do we wait for something that is blatantly and inevitably right before our eyes?

Sure there are ways to make this time productive. Like creating a blog entry. The marvels of modern technology have really helped chew up wait time. Back in the old days you could basically read the paper or read a book.

Here are the photos:

Airport's duty-free shopping founds:

1950's red Dior nail lacquer

Professional Illuminating Tweezers

With love,

Idda van Munster