The Day I Decided To Stop Using Toner

As I splashed Simple Soothing Skin Toner on my face while getting ready for work one morning; I stared at my reflection in the mirror wondering if using this product was a waste of my time.I've used Toner for many, MANY years - after Cleansing/Exfoliating and before Moisturizing.

Simple Soothing Skin Toner claims to

1) prepare the face for perfect moisturising and is essential for healthy and radiant skin
2) remove the last traces of make-up and cleanser and help to clarify and refresh your skin
3) soothe, help tone and tighten pores
4) be non drying, leave skin soft and maintain the pH balance of your skin

Early in my make-up journey a Professional Make-Up Artist told me that Toner helps to even out your skin tone.  I don't know about you, but that has NOT been my experience.  Even though my skintone is still uneven, I'm thankful that it hasn't changed for the worse.

I stood there with all sorts of thoughts rushing through my mind and I concluded that I didn't need to use Toner since my cleanser works well and removes all traces of dirt/make-up.  Also, my skin is naturally soft, healthy and radiant, and I don't have visible pores.  In fact, all Toner does is makes my face wet and delays my make-up application as I wait for it to dry.

I'm not a fan of wasting time or money, so I decided that I would stop buying Toner.  The bottle I was currently using was going to be my last!

I was satisfied with this decision, until one morning soon after I had this epiphany.

I was applying moisturizer, but it wasn't spreading easily, and my face didn't feel as soft and as smooth as it usually does.  I couldn't figure out why this was happening and my mind raced trying to solve this 'mystery'.  I eventually realized that I had forgotten to use Toner.

I could not believe it, Toner actually made a difference!

I really needed this product after all!

For one split second I even considered splashing some on over my moisturizer, but had to admit that doing this wouldn't make sense.

That was a close one.  I'm just glad that I realised the importance of using Toner before the bottle was empty.

Click here for tips on prepping your face for make up.



"...because your make-up should always enhance." - Nakita Squires

Review - Avon Total Radiance Solutions A.M./P.M. Dual Cleanser

When my sister gave me a two-in-one bottle of Avon Total Radiance Solutions A.M./P.M. Dual Cleanser I was so excited!!!  

From the first time I saw this type of packaging at the Avon display booths at various sales events it caught my attention because it is so unique.  It is true that our skin has different  needs first thing in the morning vs last thing at night, so I could not wait to use the Refreshing Day Cleanser and Makeup Removing Night Cleanser.

I don't usually purchase Avon skincare products because it's easier for me to just buy something from the beauty supply store.  The opportunity to test this product was not going to pass me by.

The first time I used it I realised that I was not fond of the smell, it reminded me of those hand-soaps that have a plastic, artificial smell. which I dislike immensely. I held my breath as much as possible, and tried to ignore the smell when I had to breathe. 

After washing my face it felt stiff and looked dry.  Interestingly enough, by the time I applied my make-up my skin was glowing and dewy.  This all seemed a bit strange to me, I could not believe that it was the same skin.  

I would hate to think that the cleanser intentionally dries out the skin which will result in the production of excess oils to compensate for the initial dryness.  That cannot be good for the skin, plus I prefer a matte finish.  I used it for one week to monitor the results and they were consistent during that period.  

What a shocker.  I really did not expect it to turn out like this.  The whole experience left me feeling very disappointed,  I had such high hopes in the beginning.  This one was a definite miss for me. 

"...because your make-up should always enhance." - Nakita Squires

The Origins

Once upon a time, many years ago, there lived a little girl who would watch her mum get dolled up. 

All this little girl wanted was to be glamorous just like her mum, and she would eagerly imitate what she saw her mum doing. Unfortunately, the only outcomes were the many scoldings for making a mess and wasting the products.

As the little girl grew older; her love for make-up grew stronger and her skill improved. That little girl was me - Nakita Squires.

During my teen years I attended make-up seminars hosted by  top Barbadian make-up artists Dawn-Lisa Callender-Smith and Adzil Stuart that changed my life forever.  I learnt about make-up techniques, skin care and the critical role of make-up in the movie industry. The knowledge gained in these seminars birthed a passion within me that I can't resist sharing with others.   

Career Make-up Look 'Reddy For Work'

Make-up is so amazing, wonderful and exciting and it is my mission (yes I have chosen to accept it) to help others solve their make-up issues.    

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"...because your make-up should always Enhance" - Nakita Squires