@HARPERSGLOW
Liliya N.
LOCATION: Adelaide, Australia
I am a full time Radiography student and part time content creator/skinfluencer. I'm a massive ingredient nerd and love educating others so that they feel empowered when shopping for their next beauty product. I also live a short drive away from some of the world's most famous wine regions and incredible beaches so that's where you'll likely find me on a summer weekend.
SKIN TYPE: Combination
CONCERNS: Blackheads, Dehydration, Hyperpigmentation, and Redness
FAVORITE GOOD MOLECULES PRODUCTS:
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
Discoloration Correcting Serum
Niacinamide Serum
Niacinamide Brightening Toner
Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil
SKIN CONCERNS
CLOGGED PORES
DEHYDRATION
HYPERPIGMENTATION
Q&A WITH LILIYA
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO PRACTICE SELF CARE, APART FROM SKINCARE?
The most important part of self care for me is knowing when to say no and anticipating when I might feel burned out and scheduling time to myself. I'm an introvert so anything that lets me spend time alone is really recharging. Some form of exercise while listening to a podcast is nice, otherwise I love to cook myself dinner, pour myself a glass of wine and dig into some trashy reality TV.
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR SKINCARE PRODUCTS?
First I decide what main active ingredients I'm looking for, then I'll have a look at what's out there on the market depending on what other bloggers I trust recommend or have a conversation with a store rep. I'll then check out the INCI list and decide whether it is worth the price or not. I especially love brands that are really science driven, anything with 'clean' and 'natural' marketing tends to put me off a product.
HOW DO YOU CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT NEW PRODUCTS OR INGREDIENTS?
I love to get my information from professionals, podcasts are an amazing way to do that. I get access to hour long conversations with the world's best professionals from the comfort of my own home! Some Beauty podcasts that often have knowledgeable guests include: The Glow Journal, Breaking Beauty Podcast, Beauty IQ Uncensored, and The Skinny Confidential. I've learned valuable research skills at University so if I'm planning an educational instagram post I always check out the existing scientific literature as well. It's a balance between learning about trends and actually backing that up with science.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE GETTING INTO SKINCARE?
Nail your bases: get an effective but gentle cleansing routine down packed, use a hydrating serum, seal it in with a basic moisturiser and protect your skin with a decent SPF. Once you have the basics right, you can start slowly introducing more targeted serums depending on what your main concerns are. I love a good chemical exfoliant and Niacinamide. Don't go too crazy exfoliating though!
SKINCARE MUST HAVES
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 SKINCARE PRODUCTS?
My top 3 products would have to be the NIOD Multi Molecular Hyaluronic Concentrate (MMHC), the Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum and the Supreme Screen SPF 50+ Hydrating Facial Sunscreen from Aussie brand Ultraviolette. My skin craves hydration and a routine doesn't feel complete without one so the MMHC is a must for me, it's really lightweight but extremely hydrating. Niacinamide is such a great ingredient that can target so many different concerns, if I'm ever not sure what my skin needs I always reach for Niacinamide. Then SPF is absolutely my number 1 love, there's no point using fancy skincare products if you expose your skin to damaging UVA/UVB rays. It protects the skin from premature ageing, inflammation and skin cancer! 1 in 17 Australians will be diagnosed with a melanoma before the age of 85, a scary statistic. The Ultraviolette Supreme Screen makes applying SPF feel fun and less of a chore.
LILIYA'S PICKS
Niacinamide Brightening Toner
"The Niacinamide Brightening Toner is a must for me! It's really easy to incorporate into any routine, and targets multiple skin concerns at one. Niacinamide to support barrier function and reduce inflammation, licorice root to prevent pigmentation and arbutin to brighten pigmentation. There's also Vitamin C for antioxidant protection, What more could a girl want? I pat it onto clean skin both morning and night."
Niacinamide Serum
"If I was allowed to only use one product for the rest of my life it would be a Niacinamide serum. Niacinamide targets so many different skin concerns but is still really gentle. I love how easily the GM Niacinamide serum sinks in and that it's a 10% concentration."
Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
"I love a good enzyme product to soften and brighten my skin without compromising my skin barrier. Perfect before makeup application when I want a smooth base."
Pure Cold-Pressed Rosehip Seed Oil
"I love finishing off a routine with a good oil to ensure I am sealing all my serums in and preventing trans-epidermal water loss. Rose hip oil is really high in linoleic acids which are great for congestion prone skin. In fact there's been a few studies that have shown congested and acneic skin types are often lacking this fatty acid."
Discoloration Correcting Serum
"This is still quite new to my routine but I use it to reduce redness as well as prevent pigmentation. We're heading into summer here in the southern hemisphere-sphere so I'm doing everything I can to prevent damage, along with SPF of course."
Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel
"As a student, sometimes I have late nights try to keep up with everything. I like to use the Yerba Mate Wake Up Eye Gel in the morning to depuff and brighten up the under eye area."
LILIYA'S ROUTINE
Cleansing Oil (PM Only)
Cleansing Milk
Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder (1-2x/week)
Hydrating Mist
Good Molecules Niacinamide Brightening Toner
Hydrating Serum
Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum
Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum
Retinol
Moisturizer
SPF 50+ (AM Only)
