We all see the ads on television all of the time: wrinkle repair, intense moisture renewal, plumping, firming, tightening...the list goes on for ages.
But for those of us that feel that we don't have these problems with our skin (yet, at least), should we start using these products to prevent said things from happening all together?
Let's get glowing!
The good thing about these anti-aging products is that they usually contain many anti-oxidants that promote cell-turnover. What happens during cell turnover? It's the replacement of old cells with brand new ones. Therefore, the product you're slathering all over your face aids in the production of new and improved skin cells. These cells make you look younger, because they themselves are younger!
Some ingredients that aid in cell turnover include: vitamin C (you can take a gel capsule and break it open and put it directly on the skin. They also sell vitamin C sticks in most drug/beauty stores for relatively inexpensive prices), alpha lipoic acid, and retinoid. Retinoid is a strong ingredient found in many anti-aging products (we hear things like retinol or retin-A, etc.). The issue with retinol, is you need to limit your sun exposure while it is on your skin, or it can damage skin cells. However, it has been found to almost clear age spots, in certain cases.
Then we hear of those firming and plumping ingredients:
Emollients/Humectants: what these do is actually what a moisturizer should be doing. Moisture on the skin's surface will be drawn further into the layers of the skin, creating a plumped effect because the skin is being plumped with this moisture. Very good for your skin!
Alpha Hydroxy Acids: We hear of these acids in things like glycolic peels. They are typically used to slough away dead skin cells and make room for new ones without clogging pores. They essentially dissolve the dead ones! According to a study done at the University of Maryland that I found on the livestrong.com website, alpha hydroxy acids were found to actually promote the production of collagen and elasticity in the skin which in the long run, helps firm it.
Hyaluronic Acid: This stuff can hold up to a thousand times its weight in water! Can you imagine the plumping effect that has on the skin?! Not only that, but your cells are being saturated with moisture that they were lacking, which can end up helping them out in the long-run. These have been specifically recommended for the eye area, however it can be used everywhere.
Peptides: Many of us have heard of these in those anti-wrinkle products. That's because they aid in the production of collagen, which makes the skin appear firmer and more taut. With extended use, these can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, or just make your skin look tighter and not so "saggy" (even though no matter what, your skin is beautiful!)
So with that, should we young people use these products before we even start seeing any of these symptoms of "aging"?
(I say "aging" because no matter what, there are things that are going to happen to the skin that are unavoidable, and these things can happen at any time and at any age. I do not necessarily like the idea that the industry of anti-aging products making it seem like these products are only for "older" women, everyone has concerns!)
The good news is that if you would like to, there's no reason not to! These are more of a "cure" and not so much being pro-active rather than reactive, but the moisture content in many of these products is actually wonderful for the skin, especially around the very, very delicate eye area. The more moisture in your skin, the better! It's the largest organ you have, and if your insides need to be hydrated, why wouldn't you hydrate the external parts too, right?
Alright, beauties! I hope this was helpful for those of you that would like to "fix" those "imperfections" (because we're all fabulous no matter what age, how we look...), or just prevent them! See you next time, and thank you for reading!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
What's Your Feel-Good Makeup Product?
There are lots of things out there that make people happy. Chocolate, six inch heels, movie-theater popcorn buttered halfway through...(or maybe that's just me!)
But when it comes to looking fabulous, even in the worst of times, everyone has a little tool to pick them up, right?
Let's get glowing!
When I think of "feel-good makeup product", I think of my MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Prolong. It's a true red color, and there's nothing that makes me feel more fabulous than a nice red lip! As long as I apply it in such a way that it doesn't get on my teeth and doesn't feather (that's what lipliner is for, people!), it makes me feel absolutely gorgeous.
Want to know why? Red is a color typically associated with beauty, passion, and danger. This color in our minds, and the minds of men, means the same. When you wear a red lip, your brain flips a switch that basically says "I'm fabulous and I know it."
And with that, you'll probably end up smiling a little more, which is great for you if you're wearing the right red shade! A shade of red lipstick with a blue undertone, it's actually proven to make your teeth look whiter.
It's a confidence boost for sure; that red lip just screams "look at me! I know I'm fabulous, even if I don't feel like it!"
Another makeup product that will make you feel great in an instant: mascara!
One of the most basic makeup products you can have. The right one can actually boost your mood in a similar way to that red lip, just much more subtly.
An eyelash curler is also ideal, however if you're out and can't get your hands on one, that's perfectly fine. All you need to do is swipe on your mascara, and you'll look more awake, your eyes will look more defined, and you're wearing the ultimate no-makeup-makeup! With longer, thicker, more defined lashes, who wouldn't feel good? And all you need is the tube and a compact mirror and you're all set.
Thanks for reading, beauties! I know it's been a while!
Give me some inspiration for what to write about next, I'd love to hear what you'd love to hear about! And leave a comment letting me know what your favorite makeup product is and why, I'd love to do some tests for myself, and we'll see if anyone else has the same answers.
But when it comes to looking fabulous, even in the worst of times, everyone has a little tool to pick them up, right?
Let's get glowing!
When I think of "feel-good makeup product", I think of my MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Prolong. It's a true red color, and there's nothing that makes me feel more fabulous than a nice red lip! As long as I apply it in such a way that it doesn't get on my teeth and doesn't feather (that's what lipliner is for, people!), it makes me feel absolutely gorgeous.
Want to know why? Red is a color typically associated with beauty, passion, and danger. This color in our minds, and the minds of men, means the same. When you wear a red lip, your brain flips a switch that basically says "I'm fabulous and I know it."
And with that, you'll probably end up smiling a little more, which is great for you if you're wearing the right red shade! A shade of red lipstick with a blue undertone, it's actually proven to make your teeth look whiter.
It's a confidence boost for sure; that red lip just screams "look at me! I know I'm fabulous, even if I don't feel like it!"
Another makeup product that will make you feel great in an instant: mascara!
One of the most basic makeup products you can have. The right one can actually boost your mood in a similar way to that red lip, just much more subtly.
An eyelash curler is also ideal, however if you're out and can't get your hands on one, that's perfectly fine. All you need to do is swipe on your mascara, and you'll look more awake, your eyes will look more defined, and you're wearing the ultimate no-makeup-makeup! With longer, thicker, more defined lashes, who wouldn't feel good? And all you need is the tube and a compact mirror and you're all set.
Thanks for reading, beauties! I know it's been a while!
Give me some inspiration for what to write about next, I'd love to hear what you'd love to hear about! And leave a comment letting me know what your favorite makeup product is and why, I'd love to do some tests for myself, and we'll see if anyone else has the same answers.
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Happy Thanksgiving! And a little sentimental post from me...
Hello beauties, I know it's been forever. I've had some really personal things going on in my life, and I've been trying to make everything work for me.
I just dropped in again to say that I am thankful for all of you reading my blog, you've made my dreams come true! To have a beauty blog where people listen to the advice? That's an absolutely incredible feeling. Thank you all so much for being here, and reading what I have to say.
So with that, I would like to say something else:
Because I have been going through these personal issues, I have been doing a lot of self-exploring, and I realized a lot of things that I would like to share with all of you, because I've been giving myself lots of advice lately, and I think there are some things that everyone should hear.
1) You are beautiful. I promise. I know this has been a big theme on many websites, like tumblr and peoples' blogs and youtube videos and everything like that, but you are. It's not a joke, it's not a lie, it is 100% true and I mean it in every way, shape and form. You are beautiful inside and out, even on the days that you look in the mirror and say "is that even me" or "how did I get like this". We've all been there: the feeling of hopelessness, feeling like the world is crashing down around us and we're alone to face it. That brings us to the next one.
2) YOU ARE NOT ALONE, beautiful person. There is always someone here going through something as tough, something as hard, and even if they aren't, there is someone out there to listen. It will feel like it's only you, and it will feel like nothing is going to help. But you have at least one person here: you! Believe, believe, believe, and you can do just about anything.
3) You are worth more than you give yourself credit for. I think just about everyone has this issue. People say how worthless they are, how no one cares, how they are completely alone in this world. Well, I would like you to know that I'm here, I care, and you are not by any means worthless. You are incredible and deserve to be so, so happy.
4) You are loved. Someone, somewhere loves you. Don't doubt that.
Those are just a few things I've been living by. That, and the new tattoo I got that says "Wake up strong" from the song Inner Glow by Blue October, my favorite band in the world.
I want all of you to think about this very carefully: you are loved, you are important, I love you, and you can do this.
With or without makeup, you are gorgeous. With or without all of the foundation and concealer and chemical peels or microdermabrasion or haircuts and colors, without all of the eyeshadow and lipstick and eyeliner. Those can contribute to your beauty. But no matter what, know that there are people out there that think you're beautiful, even when you're not feeling it so much for yourself.
Thanks for reading, everyone. I'll get back to my normal posting soon. I love you all very much.
I just dropped in again to say that I am thankful for all of you reading my blog, you've made my dreams come true! To have a beauty blog where people listen to the advice? That's an absolutely incredible feeling. Thank you all so much for being here, and reading what I have to say.
So with that, I would like to say something else:
Because I have been going through these personal issues, I have been doing a lot of self-exploring, and I realized a lot of things that I would like to share with all of you, because I've been giving myself lots of advice lately, and I think there are some things that everyone should hear.
1) You are beautiful. I promise. I know this has been a big theme on many websites, like tumblr and peoples' blogs and youtube videos and everything like that, but you are. It's not a joke, it's not a lie, it is 100% true and I mean it in every way, shape and form. You are beautiful inside and out, even on the days that you look in the mirror and say "is that even me" or "how did I get like this". We've all been there: the feeling of hopelessness, feeling like the world is crashing down around us and we're alone to face it. That brings us to the next one.
2) YOU ARE NOT ALONE, beautiful person. There is always someone here going through something as tough, something as hard, and even if they aren't, there is someone out there to listen. It will feel like it's only you, and it will feel like nothing is going to help. But you have at least one person here: you! Believe, believe, believe, and you can do just about anything.
3) You are worth more than you give yourself credit for. I think just about everyone has this issue. People say how worthless they are, how no one cares, how they are completely alone in this world. Well, I would like you to know that I'm here, I care, and you are not by any means worthless. You are incredible and deserve to be so, so happy.
4) You are loved. Someone, somewhere loves you. Don't doubt that.
Those are just a few things I've been living by. That, and the new tattoo I got that says "Wake up strong" from the song Inner Glow by Blue October, my favorite band in the world.
I want all of you to think about this very carefully: you are loved, you are important, I love you, and you can do this.
With or without makeup, you are gorgeous. With or without all of the foundation and concealer and chemical peels or microdermabrasion or haircuts and colors, without all of the eyeshadow and lipstick and eyeliner. Those can contribute to your beauty. But no matter what, know that there are people out there that think you're beautiful, even when you're not feeling it so much for yourself.
Thanks for reading, everyone. I'll get back to my normal posting soon. I love you all very much.
Friday, November 9, 2012
A Smokey Eye with just two products?!
Hello beauties! I am so, so terribly sorry I haven't been here recently. With the hurricane that hit New York (where I live on Long Island), I had no power for quite a while, and then I had to get back to doing the whole college thing. After that, some personal issues came up, and I came home just to get away for a while. I wasn't feeling much like myself, and I didn't want that to come across in my posts, but I'm much better now so here I am to post for all of you again!
This is a semi-tutorial for a look that I thought was really cool: a smokey eye using just two products: an eyeliner and a mascara. You can also use primer and whatever else you'd like to throw in, but for those of you that don't have much time, this is a quick, easy look to make you look like you spent hours on your makeup!
Let's get glowing :)
So to begin, take a black (or whatever color you prefer) eyeliner. I believe a pencil works best, because they're easily blendable. Of course, you can use a gel or a liquid, however if you're trying to achieve the smokey look, the liquid will definitely not blend, and gel dries very quickly, making it harder to work with.
Have your eyeliner? Good! Now, messily color the outer 1/3rd of your eye, around the outer corner. Don't go too far into the crease, and do not take it past half of your eyelid. Take a smudge brush, and smudge out the edges of the eyeliner until there are fewer harsh edges, and blend the eyeliner to about halfway across your eyelid.
Then, take a fluffy brush, and blend in circular motions around the edges until you get the smoked look you're looking for.
Optional: take that black eyeliner and run it across your upper lash line all the way from corner to corner for more definition.
Take your mascara (after curling your lashes, of course) and slather it all over those suckers. Make 'em dramatic!
That's it, you're done! Keeping the black from extending all the way into the inner corner of your eye will open them up, making it look like you're wearing more colors. The ombre effect across the lid will look sophisticated, and like you used more products than you actually did. The mascara will emphasize the smokey look, and it only takes about 5 minutes total! Good luck everyone!
This is a semi-tutorial for a look that I thought was really cool: a smokey eye using just two products: an eyeliner and a mascara. You can also use primer and whatever else you'd like to throw in, but for those of you that don't have much time, this is a quick, easy look to make you look like you spent hours on your makeup!
Let's get glowing :)
So to begin, take a black (or whatever color you prefer) eyeliner. I believe a pencil works best, because they're easily blendable. Of course, you can use a gel or a liquid, however if you're trying to achieve the smokey look, the liquid will definitely not blend, and gel dries very quickly, making it harder to work with.
Have your eyeliner? Good! Now, messily color the outer 1/3rd of your eye, around the outer corner. Don't go too far into the crease, and do not take it past half of your eyelid. Take a smudge brush, and smudge out the edges of the eyeliner until there are fewer harsh edges, and blend the eyeliner to about halfway across your eyelid.
Then, take a fluffy brush, and blend in circular motions around the edges until you get the smoked look you're looking for.
Optional: take that black eyeliner and run it across your upper lash line all the way from corner to corner for more definition.
Take your mascara (after curling your lashes, of course) and slather it all over those suckers. Make 'em dramatic!
That's it, you're done! Keeping the black from extending all the way into the inner corner of your eye will open them up, making it look like you're wearing more colors. The ombre effect across the lid will look sophisticated, and like you used more products than you actually did. The mascara will emphasize the smokey look, and it only takes about 5 minutes total! Good luck everyone!
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Would You Rather (Beauty Edition)
I noticed a lot of you liked my tags, so I found another one for all of you! I found this on frmheadtotoe.com :)
Let's get glowing!
1) Would you rather lose all of your mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, and lipglosses or lose all of your palettes and eyeshadows?
...This is so hard. I might have to say palettes and eyeshadows just because eyeliners can be pretty great makeshift shadows if you blend, and you can't fake mascara very easily.
2.) Would you rather chop off all your hair or never be able to cut it again?
Chop it all off! At least it'll grow back!
3.) Would you rather have a coral cheek or a pink cheek?
Pink, coral makes me look like my face is dirty because I'm really, really pale.
4.) If you had $1000 to spend, would you rather buy clothes or makeup?
Sadly, makeup. If you gave me $10,000 I would have the same answer. I could shop in a makeup store for hours and hours and days and days if someone would let me.
5.) Would you rather apply lipstick as eyeliner, or eyeliner as lipstick?
Eyeliner as lipstick! I've done it before with black and red, actually. They have better staying power than if you were to use a lipstick as an eyeliner, especially if they're waterproof.
6.) Would you rather only shop at MAC or Sephora?
This is really tough for me...but I think I'm going to go with Sephora just because you can get literally everything there. They have Urban Decay, Sephora brand, Kat Von D...plus all of the skincare and haircare you'll ever need so if you have a breakout or a bad hair day, it's easier to go to Sephora and find the solution instead of MAC where they have mostly makeup products.
7.) Would you rather only use one eyeshadow color or one lip color for the rest of your life?
One lip color. A nude lip works forever!
8.) Would you rather wear winter clothes in summer or summer clothes in winter?
Uhhhh this also really hard...I guess summer clothes in winter because you can always put a blanket on over the clothes, and you can't really take anything off in the summer once you're dressed. Unless you're good with going all nude but I'm not. But if you are that's your thing!
9.) Would you rather have dark nails or bright nails all year round?
Dark! I'll paint my nails black every day! Burgundy is also a big color for me. Don't care what time of year it is, I'll do it all year 'round.
10.) Would you rather give up your favorite lip product or your favorite eye product?
In terms of lipstick or eyeshadow: I'll give up lipstick. But my favorite lip product is currently a balm, and I'd have really chapped lips without it, so I'll say eye product.
11.) Would you rather only be able to wear your hair in a ponytail or a messy bun?
Ponytail, it's sophisticated, but casual.
12.) Would your rather never be able to paint your nails again or never use lipgloss?
Never use lipgloss...I don't use much gloss to begin with, actually.
13.) Would you rather shave your eyebrows and have none at all or sharpie them in everyday?
Oh wow, uh...I guess Sharpie them, I don't like how I look with no eyebrows.
14.) Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?
NAIL POLISH.
That was an easy one ;)
I tag all of you! Happy reading, beauties!
Let's get glowing!
1) Would you rather lose all of your mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, and lipglosses or lose all of your palettes and eyeshadows?
...This is so hard. I might have to say palettes and eyeshadows just because eyeliners can be pretty great makeshift shadows if you blend, and you can't fake mascara very easily.
2.) Would you rather chop off all your hair or never be able to cut it again?
Chop it all off! At least it'll grow back!
3.) Would you rather have a coral cheek or a pink cheek?
Pink, coral makes me look like my face is dirty because I'm really, really pale.
4.) If you had $1000 to spend, would you rather buy clothes or makeup?
Sadly, makeup. If you gave me $10,000 I would have the same answer. I could shop in a makeup store for hours and hours and days and days if someone would let me.
5.) Would you rather apply lipstick as eyeliner, or eyeliner as lipstick?
Eyeliner as lipstick! I've done it before with black and red, actually. They have better staying power than if you were to use a lipstick as an eyeliner, especially if they're waterproof.
6.) Would you rather only shop at MAC or Sephora?
This is really tough for me...but I think I'm going to go with Sephora just because you can get literally everything there. They have Urban Decay, Sephora brand, Kat Von D...plus all of the skincare and haircare you'll ever need so if you have a breakout or a bad hair day, it's easier to go to Sephora and find the solution instead of MAC where they have mostly makeup products.
7.) Would you rather only use one eyeshadow color or one lip color for the rest of your life?
One lip color. A nude lip works forever!
8.) Would you rather wear winter clothes in summer or summer clothes in winter?
Uhhhh this also really hard...I guess summer clothes in winter because you can always put a blanket on over the clothes, and you can't really take anything off in the summer once you're dressed. Unless you're good with going all nude but I'm not. But if you are that's your thing!
9.) Would you rather have dark nails or bright nails all year round?
Dark! I'll paint my nails black every day! Burgundy is also a big color for me. Don't care what time of year it is, I'll do it all year 'round.
10.) Would you rather give up your favorite lip product or your favorite eye product?
In terms of lipstick or eyeshadow: I'll give up lipstick. But my favorite lip product is currently a balm, and I'd have really chapped lips without it, so I'll say eye product.
11.) Would you rather only be able to wear your hair in a ponytail or a messy bun?
Ponytail, it's sophisticated, but casual.
12.) Would your rather never be able to paint your nails again or never use lipgloss?
Never use lipgloss...I don't use much gloss to begin with, actually.
13.) Would you rather shave your eyebrows and have none at all or sharpie them in everyday?
Oh wow, uh...I guess Sharpie them, I don't like how I look with no eyebrows.
14.) Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?
NAIL POLISH.
That was an easy one ;)
I tag all of you! Happy reading, beauties!
Sunday, October 28, 2012
When to Replace Those Products!
I know, no one wants to get rid of their stash even if you only use it sometimes. Throwing out an almost untouched makeup product is kind of like having a goldfish die; it happens way too often and it makes you really depressed to see it go. But! Life goes on, I pinky promise.
Really though, it's not too great for the health of your skin or your eyes if you're not paying attention to how long these things last. I only found these time spans out recently, and I figured I would share the shelf lives of all our favorite makeup products with all of you.
Let's get glowing!
Your makeup brushes:
You don't have to dispose of these regularly, unless all of the hair is falling out. This doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong with them, it's just that eventually you won't have any brush hairs left.
Concealer:
Lasts up to one year. It's nothing too drastic if you don't throw it out right after those 12 months, however it may lead to a decline in the quality of the product. You probably loved it when you got it and by the time it gets to around a year old, it starts looking a little iffy. That's probably from so much use; a liquid concealer will dry as its used, making it look cakey on the skin.
Powder foundation:
Up to 2 years, make sure you wash your brushes regularly though! It would be the brushes that contaminate the foundation more than anything; if you have some kind of infection that the brush gets into and you use it continuously on your face, it's probably going to lead to an infection there too. I don't think anyone wants that.
Sponges:
Meant to be discarded after use, unless you're washing them with a brush cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and olive oil.
Mascara:
4 months. If you're using a mascara after the 4 month period, it's probably pretty dried out. Not only that, but when you take the wand out of the tube, every time, you're exposing it to potentially dirty air that can contaminate the formula inside. This can lead to eye infections, sensitivity, and styes.
Pencil eyeliners:
3 years, as long as you sharpen it regularly! Every time you sharpen it, you're taking off that top layer of already-used pencil, basically disinfecting it every time you use it.
Eyeshadows:
Also 3 years, and that's a good thing because it gives you time to hit pan and buy a new one! Honestly, I've never owned an eyeshadow for 3 years that I haven't finished, and even after those 3 years, there isn't much wrong with the product. Powder eyeshadows don't have a change in the formulation by the 3-year mark as far as I've seen.
And last but not least:
Lipstick:
1-2 years, but if it smells, it's too old and needs to be thrown out! Putting it in the fridge might save it for a little while longer, but the basic rule is if it smells, get rid of it because it's probably gone rancid.
Hope this was helpful everyone, happy reading!
Really though, it's not too great for the health of your skin or your eyes if you're not paying attention to how long these things last. I only found these time spans out recently, and I figured I would share the shelf lives of all our favorite makeup products with all of you.
Let's get glowing!
Your makeup brushes:
You don't have to dispose of these regularly, unless all of the hair is falling out. This doesn't necessarily mean there's anything wrong with them, it's just that eventually you won't have any brush hairs left.
Concealer:
Lasts up to one year. It's nothing too drastic if you don't throw it out right after those 12 months, however it may lead to a decline in the quality of the product. You probably loved it when you got it and by the time it gets to around a year old, it starts looking a little iffy. That's probably from so much use; a liquid concealer will dry as its used, making it look cakey on the skin.
Powder foundation:
Up to 2 years, make sure you wash your brushes regularly though! It would be the brushes that contaminate the foundation more than anything; if you have some kind of infection that the brush gets into and you use it continuously on your face, it's probably going to lead to an infection there too. I don't think anyone wants that.
Sponges:
Meant to be discarded after use, unless you're washing them with a brush cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and olive oil.
Mascara:
4 months. If you're using a mascara after the 4 month period, it's probably pretty dried out. Not only that, but when you take the wand out of the tube, every time, you're exposing it to potentially dirty air that can contaminate the formula inside. This can lead to eye infections, sensitivity, and styes.
Pencil eyeliners:
3 years, as long as you sharpen it regularly! Every time you sharpen it, you're taking off that top layer of already-used pencil, basically disinfecting it every time you use it.
Eyeshadows:
Also 3 years, and that's a good thing because it gives you time to hit pan and buy a new one! Honestly, I've never owned an eyeshadow for 3 years that I haven't finished, and even after those 3 years, there isn't much wrong with the product. Powder eyeshadows don't have a change in the formulation by the 3-year mark as far as I've seen.
And last but not least:
Lipstick:
1-2 years, but if it smells, it's too old and needs to be thrown out! Putting it in the fridge might save it for a little while longer, but the basic rule is if it smells, get rid of it because it's probably gone rancid.
Hope this was helpful everyone, happy reading!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Happy Halloween Weekend...
Wee ventriloquist dummy makeup! My webcam didn't do it much justice, I'll see if I can upload another picture later!
Thursday, October 25, 2012
My Skincare Routine
Hello, beauties! I'm finally typing this out; people have been asking me and I figured this would be a good time to put this up. Now of course, remember, this routine isn't for everyone. I have combination/dry skin, so if you're oily, this probably won't work for you, and if you're normal, it might not work for you either. This is a facial skincare routine, if you guys want to know what kind of razor I use to shave my legs or what kind of soap I use on my body or anything like that, leave a comment below and I'd be happy to do a shower post!
Let's get glowing!
Morning routine:
1) I use two different soaps to cleanse, depending on how my skin is acting that day.
If my skin is calm:
Aqua Marina by LUSH. It's a little bit moisturizing, but cleansing and calming. It has calamine powder, aloe vera, and seaweed to calm irritated skin.
If you plan on trying this, the smell is a little overwhelming at first but it's worth it!
If my skin is acting up or being kind of spotty and cranky:
Fresh Farmacy by LUSH is absolutely amazing- it's my go-to product all of the time for my face. It has chamomile to calm, rose and lavender, calamine for irritation, and tea tree to clear up spots and blemishes. I recommend this to all skin types, actually. It's not drying, it smells good, and it works!
After putting the soap on my face, I take my Clarisonic Mia and let it do its thing for the minute that it scrubs your face. It leaves me feeling fabulous and refreshed. I wrote a review on this one, I'll link it here.
2) Toner
This step is optional, I find that my face feels really refreshed after I use it.
I spritz this on my face about 5 times, let it dry for about 15-20 seconds, then apply moisturizer. I find that it really calms my skin after a hot shower and cools it down, makes it incredibly soft, and it helps my moisturizer spread more evenly. This one has lots of aloe, seaweed, and seawater to calm your skin.
3) Moisturizer (don't skip this step!!!)
This has been an absolute godsend for my skin. Because mine is so combination, this adds moisture where I need it, and isn't heavy where I'm already a little oily. The lavender in it regulates skin's sebum production, while also encouraging dry spots to produce more natural oil. It does all the work for you!
Nighttime Routine:
1) One more LUSH soap. What can I say, I'm a huge LUSHie and proud of it!
Coalface, a soap made for combination-to-oily skin (I know I said I'm a little on the dry side but I feel like I need the extra protection at night) has actual coal to absorb excess sebum, and rosewood and sandalwood oils reduce redness and clear up blemishes. It's a tiny bit drying, but it's worth it for me because it clears my pores out.
2) 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment
I don't have severe acne, so I really shouldn't be using this, but like I said, it's extra protection that I feel really naked without at night. It's in a tiny bottle because you don't even need a pearl-sized amount for your whole face. It's such a strong medication- really, if you don't need it, don't use it. It's very drying. But if you're oily and acne-prone, go for it, although I really would recommend a 2% Salicylic Acid medication instead!
3) Grease Lightning by LUSH
A not-so-strong spot treatment that I use on just little specific spots around my face, like whatever breakouts I have on my forehead or chin. It's filled with lots of grape juice, thyme, aloe, tea tree and rosemary. It smells nice and it shrinks my zits...what could be bad?
4) Toner
Again, this is optional. I use a different one at night because I tend to wake up with oilier skin than when I tone in the morning, so I use:
Tea Tree Water by LUSH. This stuff has tea tree, grapefruit water, and juniper water to balance oil production. It doesn't dry my skin out, it actually makes it feel really soft! Treating your face with a toner with alcohol will probably dry your skin out too much, so I like this one because it doesn't contain anything that's going to worsen the problem.
5) Moisturizer
I use a different one at night, it has less oil content than Imperialis that I use in the morning.
Vanishing Cream! It contains witch hazel which tightens pores and clears blemishes, grape seed oil to soften, and lavender absolute to balance oil production. This stuff takes forever to run out, I hardly use a fingertip-full for my whole face. I've noticed it makes my cheeks really soft, and clears a lot of my irritation.
6) Serum
Also optional!
This baby is Full of Grace serum by LUSH. It's a moisturizing bar that melts when you touch it, so I let it sit between my thumb and forefinger on both hands and use it that way. It has mushroom to brighten, chamomile to calm, and lots of "tropical butters". It sinks into the skin really, really fast and moisturizes beautifully. I have a patch next to my nose that gets dry and flaky, this stuff makes it go away! I forgot I had it! I also use it in my very delicate eye area because I get dry skin around my eyelids, and this helps brighten dark circles underneath.
So that's it! I know, it seems like a lot and it kind of is, but I like taking care of my skin and I'm willing to work all night on it.
Thanks for reading! Like I said, any questions about what I use in the shower or anything, don't hesitate to ask! Leave comments about what you'd like to see next, too. I'm always looking for feedback :)
Let's get glowing!
Morning routine:
1) I use two different soaps to cleanse, depending on how my skin is acting that day.
If my skin is calm:
Aqua Marina by LUSH. It's a little bit moisturizing, but cleansing and calming. It has calamine powder, aloe vera, and seaweed to calm irritated skin.
If you plan on trying this, the smell is a little overwhelming at first but it's worth it!
If my skin is acting up or being kind of spotty and cranky:
Fresh Farmacy by LUSH is absolutely amazing- it's my go-to product all of the time for my face. It has chamomile to calm, rose and lavender, calamine for irritation, and tea tree to clear up spots and blemishes. I recommend this to all skin types, actually. It's not drying, it smells good, and it works!
After putting the soap on my face, I take my Clarisonic Mia and let it do its thing for the minute that it scrubs your face. It leaves me feeling fabulous and refreshed. I wrote a review on this one, I'll link it here.
2) Toner
This step is optional, I find that my face feels really refreshed after I use it.
I spritz this on my face about 5 times, let it dry for about 15-20 seconds, then apply moisturizer. I find that it really calms my skin after a hot shower and cools it down, makes it incredibly soft, and it helps my moisturizer spread more evenly. This one has lots of aloe, seaweed, and seawater to calm your skin.
3) Moisturizer (don't skip this step!!!)
This has been an absolute godsend for my skin. Because mine is so combination, this adds moisture where I need it, and isn't heavy where I'm already a little oily. The lavender in it regulates skin's sebum production, while also encouraging dry spots to produce more natural oil. It does all the work for you!
Nighttime Routine:
1) One more LUSH soap. What can I say, I'm a huge LUSHie and proud of it!
Coalface, a soap made for combination-to-oily skin (I know I said I'm a little on the dry side but I feel like I need the extra protection at night) has actual coal to absorb excess sebum, and rosewood and sandalwood oils reduce redness and clear up blemishes. It's a tiny bit drying, but it's worth it for me because it clears my pores out.
2) 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Treatment
I don't have severe acne, so I really shouldn't be using this, but like I said, it's extra protection that I feel really naked without at night. It's in a tiny bottle because you don't even need a pearl-sized amount for your whole face. It's such a strong medication- really, if you don't need it, don't use it. It's very drying. But if you're oily and acne-prone, go for it, although I really would recommend a 2% Salicylic Acid medication instead!
3) Grease Lightning by LUSH
A not-so-strong spot treatment that I use on just little specific spots around my face, like whatever breakouts I have on my forehead or chin. It's filled with lots of grape juice, thyme, aloe, tea tree and rosemary. It smells nice and it shrinks my zits...what could be bad?
4) Toner
Again, this is optional. I use a different one at night because I tend to wake up with oilier skin than when I tone in the morning, so I use:
Tea Tree Water by LUSH. This stuff has tea tree, grapefruit water, and juniper water to balance oil production. It doesn't dry my skin out, it actually makes it feel really soft! Treating your face with a toner with alcohol will probably dry your skin out too much, so I like this one because it doesn't contain anything that's going to worsen the problem.
5) Moisturizer
I use a different one at night, it has less oil content than Imperialis that I use in the morning.
Vanishing Cream! It contains witch hazel which tightens pores and clears blemishes, grape seed oil to soften, and lavender absolute to balance oil production. This stuff takes forever to run out, I hardly use a fingertip-full for my whole face. I've noticed it makes my cheeks really soft, and clears a lot of my irritation.
6) Serum
Also optional!
This baby is Full of Grace serum by LUSH. It's a moisturizing bar that melts when you touch it, so I let it sit between my thumb and forefinger on both hands and use it that way. It has mushroom to brighten, chamomile to calm, and lots of "tropical butters". It sinks into the skin really, really fast and moisturizes beautifully. I have a patch next to my nose that gets dry and flaky, this stuff makes it go away! I forgot I had it! I also use it in my very delicate eye area because I get dry skin around my eyelids, and this helps brighten dark circles underneath.
So that's it! I know, it seems like a lot and it kind of is, but I like taking care of my skin and I'm willing to work all night on it.
Thanks for reading! Like I said, any questions about what I use in the shower or anything, don't hesitate to ask! Leave comments about what you'd like to see next, too. I'm always looking for feedback :)
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Why Do You Wear Makeup? -Tag
I like this tag a lotttt. Let's get glowing!
1. When did you begin loving make-up?
I was in 6th grade- I remember this like it was yesterday. I was sitting in homeroom and my friend pulled a Claire's eyeshadow palette out of her backpack, and there was this really bright, glittery teal color. So I stuck my finger right in there and put it all over my eyelids. I fell in love with how different it made my face look by just adding a little color...I brought makeup to school without my mom knowing for about a year after that...hehehe.
2. How do you feel without make-up? Kind of sad, actually. At the end of the day when I rinse it off, it feels nice on my skin because I can tell it's breathing but I look in the mirror and just say to myself "aw, there goes all my hard work this morning." But during the day without makeup, I feel so awkwardly naked, like everyone is looking at me like I forgot pants. Meh.
3. What do you like about makeup? This may or may not sound like the cheesiest answer in the world, but the way it makes people feel. When friends have come to me saying "can you show me how you do that with your eyeliner," or "how do you get two colors next to each other to look like that" and then I show them, the look on their face is enough to make me tear up a little. When people say "this looks incredible" or "I look beautiful", that's what makes it all worth it. It's making someone into the best version of themselves. Their attitude changes when their confidence level goes up, and it just makes my heart smile :3
4. Three "holy grail" items? Alright, let's see...
1) Mascara on top of everything. Currently I really love Maybelline's Mega Plush mascara. I'm also a huge fan of their Colossal Lash mascara in the yellow tube.
2) My Kat Von D tattoo liner in Trooper. This stuff makes gorgeous cat eyes, let me tell you.
3) MAC Paint Pot in Painterly. Not a perfect primer on its own, but it's the perfect nude eyeshadow when I layer it over my primer. It hides any imperfections on my eyelids, like veins or redness or anything, and it's kind of tacky so it holds eyeshadow nicely.
What Kind of Skin Type Are You? (and what to use to keep it fabulous!)
Hey there, beauties. This was a question that I was asked today, and I figured it would be a great idea to share it with you all here; it's something all of us wonder: what's my skin type? And once I know, how the heck do I take care of it with so many different products out there?!
Well, let's get glowing!
Your skin type is based on a few different things, according to webmd.com. These include: your lipid content, which is the explanation for your skin's softness (or lack of), your water content which is going to determine your skin's comfort and elasticity, and how sensitive you are to certain products, environmental factors, etc.
1) Normal Skin
The term normal skin isn't one I like to use often, because all of the major skin types are very, very normal. This really just means that you're not dry, and you're not oily. You're not prone to dry patches and you're not prone to breaking out. Lucky you! Your skin is typically radiant, and you have very few to no imperfections.
Care: Keep doing what you're doing! You're one of the lucky ones that can usually just leave it, and your skin will do its thing and stay healthy-looking doing it. Just cleanse gently twice a day, moisturize, and treat any random pimples as needed.
2) Dry Skin
This is kind of self explanatory, but it can also be confused for combination skin when you break out...you may just be breaking out because your skin is so dry that it gets irritated! So here's what to look for: a duller, rough complexion, red patches (I get these! Right next to my nose! They're itchy and kind of flaky and very uncomfortable.), more visible lines than, say, a person with normal skin (I also get these, around the "parenthesis" of my mouth when I smile). A few other things to look for are cracking, peeling, itching, and irritation.
Some factors that cause dry skin (so that you can avoid it getting worse) are: excessive exposure to heat (and I don't mean summertime heat, I mean winter indoor heat, because it sucks the moisture right out), extreme weather changes like wind, cold, snow, UV rays, among many others, and ingredients in some soaps, cosmetic products, and medications.
Care: avoid soaps with harsh detergents and strong smells, moisturize like crazy (and you can probably handle one that's oil based, it's going to heal your skin faster and lock in more moisture for a longer period of time), and one that a lot of people don't really think of: don't scrub with your towel when you get out of the shower, just pat until your face is dry. Rubbing is going to strip out any oil that's left, and it's going to irritate spots that are probably already inflamed.
3) Oily Skin
You see a lot of this when going through puberty, and if you still have it afterwards, that's okay! It happens to lots and lots of people, and there are ways to keep it under control. First, identify that you have oily skin by looking for things such as: enlarged pores, a very shiny, slick complexion, blackheads, pimples, and other blemishes like red spots not caused by dryness.
This can be caused by a handful of things, like weather, humidity, hormonal changes, and...stress. Yes, everyone, stress is a BIG trigger of acne. So take a deep breath and relax, because we're gonna fix it!
Care: Use products labeled "noncomodogenic", this means that they won't clog pores. Some products just outright tell you that they won't clog pores, noncomodogenic is the fancy way of saying that. Stay away from oil-based products, it'll only clog your pores and add to the sebum and oil your face is already producing, causing more oil and probably acne. This was in my skincare myths post: don't pop or pick your pimples! It'll prolong healing time, and whatever is in the first one is going to seep into pores around it and make another one. And surprisingly enough: don't wash your face more than twice a day, morning and night; if you do, you're stripping your skin of its natural oils, telling it internally to produce twice as much.
4) Sensitive Skin/Combination Skin
If you're not sure what kind of skin you have up until this example, it's probably this one. It's very common, because it can be caused by things you've been doing with your skin for, oh, who knows how long. Here's what you should look for: itchiness, burning, dryness, and redness in certain spots, and oil in others. So what causes this, you ask? Well, we have: cleansing your skin with things not designed for your skin type (guilty!), Rosacea which commonly has symptoms including pimples, flushing, and prominent blood vessels, and Contact Dermatitis, which is typically an allergy to certain substances coming into contact with the skin that will result in itching, burning, blotchiness and redness. This can be caused by perfumes, certain chemicals, or oils.
Care: Find a good moisturizer that is dermatologist tested, oil free, and noncomodogenic. Then find one that is preferably fragrance free, and all-natural if you can find it. Treat breakouts as needed with a gentle medicine, unless recommended by your dermatologist.
Things that cause acne in all skin types:
When your skin produces oil and it gets stuck in, let's say, a hair follicle, more oil will be produced, but will keep that bit of oil from being released. This leads to an overproduction of skin bacteria, which then makes its way to the surface of your skin, resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, and red spots. Certain oils will also cause acne, most commonly reported are avocado oils and coconut oils, however if you have dry skin or it is recommended to you, go for it!
So how do we treat acne?
If it is a severe breakout, I suggest talking to your dermatologist about what they can recommend to you. Remember, I'm not a professional, I'm just studying to be! Some other remedies are tea tree oil and witch hazel which are astringents that will provide an antibacterial effect in and around the pore, antibiotics (prescribed by your doctor), benzoyl peroxide which is a very strong cream you can get in different concentrations depending on the severity of the breakout (I keep a 10% benzoyl peroxide cream in my stash of skincare stuff at all times), salicylic acid which is a much less harsh treatment however will not work as rapidly (I suggest this for dry/combination skin that has a breakout if you really, REALLY need something to treat it with), and retinoids, which encourage cell-turnover, basically dissolving dead skin cells and making room for new ones.
For all skin types:
Moisturize, use SPF, and protect your skin from the cold. Drink lots of water and stay healthy!
Thanks for reading! Hope this helped those of you that were confused!
Well, let's get glowing!
Your skin type is based on a few different things, according to webmd.com. These include: your lipid content, which is the explanation for your skin's softness (or lack of), your water content which is going to determine your skin's comfort and elasticity, and how sensitive you are to certain products, environmental factors, etc.
1) Normal Skin
The term normal skin isn't one I like to use often, because all of the major skin types are very, very normal. This really just means that you're not dry, and you're not oily. You're not prone to dry patches and you're not prone to breaking out. Lucky you! Your skin is typically radiant, and you have very few to no imperfections.
Care: Keep doing what you're doing! You're one of the lucky ones that can usually just leave it, and your skin will do its thing and stay healthy-looking doing it. Just cleanse gently twice a day, moisturize, and treat any random pimples as needed.
2) Dry Skin
This is kind of self explanatory, but it can also be confused for combination skin when you break out...you may just be breaking out because your skin is so dry that it gets irritated! So here's what to look for: a duller, rough complexion, red patches (I get these! Right next to my nose! They're itchy and kind of flaky and very uncomfortable.), more visible lines than, say, a person with normal skin (I also get these, around the "parenthesis" of my mouth when I smile). A few other things to look for are cracking, peeling, itching, and irritation.
Some factors that cause dry skin (so that you can avoid it getting worse) are: excessive exposure to heat (and I don't mean summertime heat, I mean winter indoor heat, because it sucks the moisture right out), extreme weather changes like wind, cold, snow, UV rays, among many others, and ingredients in some soaps, cosmetic products, and medications.
Care: avoid soaps with harsh detergents and strong smells, moisturize like crazy (and you can probably handle one that's oil based, it's going to heal your skin faster and lock in more moisture for a longer period of time), and one that a lot of people don't really think of: don't scrub with your towel when you get out of the shower, just pat until your face is dry. Rubbing is going to strip out any oil that's left, and it's going to irritate spots that are probably already inflamed.
3) Oily Skin
You see a lot of this when going through puberty, and if you still have it afterwards, that's okay! It happens to lots and lots of people, and there are ways to keep it under control. First, identify that you have oily skin by looking for things such as: enlarged pores, a very shiny, slick complexion, blackheads, pimples, and other blemishes like red spots not caused by dryness.
This can be caused by a handful of things, like weather, humidity, hormonal changes, and...stress. Yes, everyone, stress is a BIG trigger of acne. So take a deep breath and relax, because we're gonna fix it!
Care: Use products labeled "noncomodogenic", this means that they won't clog pores. Some products just outright tell you that they won't clog pores, noncomodogenic is the fancy way of saying that. Stay away from oil-based products, it'll only clog your pores and add to the sebum and oil your face is already producing, causing more oil and probably acne. This was in my skincare myths post: don't pop or pick your pimples! It'll prolong healing time, and whatever is in the first one is going to seep into pores around it and make another one. And surprisingly enough: don't wash your face more than twice a day, morning and night; if you do, you're stripping your skin of its natural oils, telling it internally to produce twice as much.
4) Sensitive Skin/Combination Skin
If you're not sure what kind of skin you have up until this example, it's probably this one. It's very common, because it can be caused by things you've been doing with your skin for, oh, who knows how long. Here's what you should look for: itchiness, burning, dryness, and redness in certain spots, and oil in others. So what causes this, you ask? Well, we have: cleansing your skin with things not designed for your skin type (guilty!), Rosacea which commonly has symptoms including pimples, flushing, and prominent blood vessels, and Contact Dermatitis, which is typically an allergy to certain substances coming into contact with the skin that will result in itching, burning, blotchiness and redness. This can be caused by perfumes, certain chemicals, or oils.
Care: Find a good moisturizer that is dermatologist tested, oil free, and noncomodogenic. Then find one that is preferably fragrance free, and all-natural if you can find it. Treat breakouts as needed with a gentle medicine, unless recommended by your dermatologist.
Things that cause acne in all skin types:
When your skin produces oil and it gets stuck in, let's say, a hair follicle, more oil will be produced, but will keep that bit of oil from being released. This leads to an overproduction of skin bacteria, which then makes its way to the surface of your skin, resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, and red spots. Certain oils will also cause acne, most commonly reported are avocado oils and coconut oils, however if you have dry skin or it is recommended to you, go for it!
So how do we treat acne?
If it is a severe breakout, I suggest talking to your dermatologist about what they can recommend to you. Remember, I'm not a professional, I'm just studying to be! Some other remedies are tea tree oil and witch hazel which are astringents that will provide an antibacterial effect in and around the pore, antibiotics (prescribed by your doctor), benzoyl peroxide which is a very strong cream you can get in different concentrations depending on the severity of the breakout (I keep a 10% benzoyl peroxide cream in my stash of skincare stuff at all times), salicylic acid which is a much less harsh treatment however will not work as rapidly (I suggest this for dry/combination skin that has a breakout if you really, REALLY need something to treat it with), and retinoids, which encourage cell-turnover, basically dissolving dead skin cells and making room for new ones.
For all skin types:
Moisturize, use SPF, and protect your skin from the cold. Drink lots of water and stay healthy!
Thanks for reading! Hope this helped those of you that were confused!
My Clarisonic Review
Let's get glowing!
I'd heard reviews about this thing all over the place, but I figured "if I have my hands, why would I need a machine to clean my face for me?" but once my skin started getting out of whack, I figured I needed some kind of change.
I tried a bunch of different soaps...lots, and lots of soaps...some benzoyl peroxide acne medication (can you say DRY SKIN?!), some new toner, a new moisturizer, everything, but I was still hardcore combination like I'd never seen before.
So I gave into the hype and put it on my birthday list. Some of the claims I'd seen were "I had dry skin, now it's not dry", "I had acne but my breakouts are fading", and "I had dry patches and acne but they're both gone". I didn't necessarily believe them.
HOWEVER, ladies and gentlemen, after charging this baby overnight and finally using it, I am converted.
I have very combination skin lately. I get dry patches on the skin directly next to my nose (so not the apples of my cheeks, kind of more towards the inside of my face), on my chin, and right between my eyebrows. But I've been breaking out on my cheeks and forehead, and now right above my lip, hence why my face is not in the picture above. I shall say hello when there isn't a little scab like Marilyn Monroe's beauty mark on me.
Anyway, I gave the Clarisonic a shot, looking for instant results. I got some! My pores instantly looked smaller, my skin looked brighter, and my GOD was it soft. I couldn't stop touching my cheeks...I even had my boyfriend and roommate feel them.
This was due to the motion of the machine. For those of you that don't know what the Clarisonic does/how it works, you turn it on and the head vibrates in a circular motion, (pretty gently so don't worry it won't rip your face off) pulling out anything stuck in your pores, and scrubbing off all the dead skin on your face. It's gentle enough to use twice a day, and it's "waterproof" so you can use it in the bath and shower. You put some soap on your face, turn it on, and it'll clean for a minute. Trust me, when the minute is up, you'll be very disappointed...I know I am. It feels awesome.
I already see a difference in my dry patches, they're clearing faster than I can say "Hocus Pocus"...get it...because it's almost Halloween...heh...okay seriously though, and the breakout I had on my cheek and forehead is almost completely clear.
Speaking of which, the next post I make will be my skincare routine!
I may do another update on how this is working while I'm home for winter break or something, I just figured I would drop in and let you know that this thing is beautiful, and I recommend it to anyone and everyone.
Thanks for reading!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Skincare Myths
This is something I've been looking to blog about for a while, because too many people freak out about this stuff when quite frankly, you don't need to. Let's get glowing and I'll tell you all the details you need to know!
1) Popping Pimples until the pus is gone and you see blood or a clear fluid gets rid of the whole thing.
Not true! When you pop a pimple (especially with your fingers) you're releasing all of the oil, pus and bacteria that was inside that pimple into the pores all around that spot. You'll most likely get another zit right near where you had that first one. Also, popping a pimple with your fingers puts all the dirt and gross stuff under your nails into the sensitive spot that you just popped. Your skin will be ultra-vulnerable to whatever you're putting on that spot, so putting more gross stuff into that pore is going to destroy the idea of popping that zit in the first place. Popping pimples can also lead to scarring, and no one wants that all over their face.
If you really can't leave the pimple until it heals, pop it with tissue wrapped around the tips of your fingers to reduce the amount of bacteria from your hands on your face. If you can, an even better option is to use a comedone extractor, I got mine at CVS for around $6. It's inexpensive, and much less harsh than your hands.
2) Greasy/junk foods (like chocolate, fried chicken, anything that's considered greasy or junky) causes acne.
Also not true. These foods have never been scientifically linked to causing acne; but eat right, it's better for you! Just don't worry about breaking out after that Twix bar you had today. The only worry you should have is getting any grease or oil on your face while consuming the food, because that can/will clog your pores and cause a breakout.
3) Cleansing my face until it's dry will prevent acne.
False! Actually, cleansing your face too much will probably cause acne, because when you dry your skin out, it becomes unbalanced and starts overcompensating for the oils you just stripped out. Your skin makes a layer of sebum, which is a fatty secretion that locks in moisture. When we hear sebum we think "ew, whiteheads and blackheads and acne, oh my!" but it's not as bad as you think! A thin layer is not bad, it's to keep your skin moisturized. To keep your face clean, exfoliate about once or twice a week, but wash your face twice a day. No more than twice! It'll dry you out!
4) Thick moisturizer is better.
This is kind of true and kind of false, if we're talking in terms of your face, absolutely do not do it! If your moisturizer is thick and contains things like lanolin and petrolatum (and sometimes glycerin) it can cause breakouts. If it doesn't cause breakouts, it can lead to hair follicle irritation. It'll also probably leave you feeling really greasy.
Also, if you're using something thick like that, while it won't let moisture exit the dermis (your top layer of skin), it's not going to penetrate too far in.
In the case of your body, lay it on thick. It'll keep moisture in your hands, legs, arms, feet, etc!
5) Oil free products are the best for your acne-prone skin.
I'm actually going to speak about this from personal experience: I went from using a Neutrogena oil-free moisturizer to two different LUSH moisturizers. I originally switched because the Neutrogena moisturizer wasn't providing enough moisture for me, and someone actually commented saying "your skin is flaking off, it's kind of weird" to which I decided "well, I'm not going to let THAT happen ever again." So I got Imperalis by LUSH, which actually contains shea butter, cocoa butter and olive oil. Crazy, right? My skin's never been happier. I also use one called Vanishing Cream which is low oil content, but it's there.
It doesn't break me out, that's what I was trying to get out of all that. So don't freak out!
If you like these, I'd love to do more of them. Hope you all enjoyed!
1) Popping Pimples until the pus is gone and you see blood or a clear fluid gets rid of the whole thing.
Not true! When you pop a pimple (especially with your fingers) you're releasing all of the oil, pus and bacteria that was inside that pimple into the pores all around that spot. You'll most likely get another zit right near where you had that first one. Also, popping a pimple with your fingers puts all the dirt and gross stuff under your nails into the sensitive spot that you just popped. Your skin will be ultra-vulnerable to whatever you're putting on that spot, so putting more gross stuff into that pore is going to destroy the idea of popping that zit in the first place. Popping pimples can also lead to scarring, and no one wants that all over their face.
If you really can't leave the pimple until it heals, pop it with tissue wrapped around the tips of your fingers to reduce the amount of bacteria from your hands on your face. If you can, an even better option is to use a comedone extractor, I got mine at CVS for around $6. It's inexpensive, and much less harsh than your hands.
2) Greasy/junk foods (like chocolate, fried chicken, anything that's considered greasy or junky) causes acne.
Also not true. These foods have never been scientifically linked to causing acne; but eat right, it's better for you! Just don't worry about breaking out after that Twix bar you had today. The only worry you should have is getting any grease or oil on your face while consuming the food, because that can/will clog your pores and cause a breakout.
3) Cleansing my face until it's dry will prevent acne.
False! Actually, cleansing your face too much will probably cause acne, because when you dry your skin out, it becomes unbalanced and starts overcompensating for the oils you just stripped out. Your skin makes a layer of sebum, which is a fatty secretion that locks in moisture. When we hear sebum we think "ew, whiteheads and blackheads and acne, oh my!" but it's not as bad as you think! A thin layer is not bad, it's to keep your skin moisturized. To keep your face clean, exfoliate about once or twice a week, but wash your face twice a day. No more than twice! It'll dry you out!
4) Thick moisturizer is better.
This is kind of true and kind of false, if we're talking in terms of your face, absolutely do not do it! If your moisturizer is thick and contains things like lanolin and petrolatum (and sometimes glycerin) it can cause breakouts. If it doesn't cause breakouts, it can lead to hair follicle irritation. It'll also probably leave you feeling really greasy.
Also, if you're using something thick like that, while it won't let moisture exit the dermis (your top layer of skin), it's not going to penetrate too far in.
In the case of your body, lay it on thick. It'll keep moisture in your hands, legs, arms, feet, etc!
5) Oil free products are the best for your acne-prone skin.
I'm actually going to speak about this from personal experience: I went from using a Neutrogena oil-free moisturizer to two different LUSH moisturizers. I originally switched because the Neutrogena moisturizer wasn't providing enough moisture for me, and someone actually commented saying "your skin is flaking off, it's kind of weird" to which I decided "well, I'm not going to let THAT happen ever again." So I got Imperalis by LUSH, which actually contains shea butter, cocoa butter and olive oil. Crazy, right? My skin's never been happier. I also use one called Vanishing Cream which is low oil content, but it's there.
It doesn't break me out, that's what I was trying to get out of all that. So don't freak out!
If you like these, I'd love to do more of them. Hope you all enjoyed!
Sunday, October 21, 2012
I Love Fall Tag
I took this tag from the lovely http://ashleynicolebeauty.blogspot.com/; she's doing the same thing as me on here so go support her!
Alright, this is a tag all about fall and the best stuff about it, beauty-wise and life-wise. Let's get glowing!
Question 1: Favorite Fall lip product?
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Black Out (just a plain glossy black polish) with Essie's Shine of the Times from their Luxe Effects line. The Shine of the Times polish is like iridescent flakes in a top coat, so depending on what base color you have on, the flakes look different. With black, they turn orange and reddish with hints of green.
Those aren't my nails, by the way. There's a watermark on the bottom if you're looking for the source. I just got the picture off Google as an example. Gotta give credit where credit is due, right?
I'm not going to say Pumpkin Spice Latte as to not be boring, because that's what every Youtube guru has used with the exception of one or two that I've seen, so I'm going to go with my trusty grande Chai latte 6 pumps with a few shakes of cinnamon over the top! It's spicy and amazing; I always describe it as drinking a cup of hot, liquidy pumpkin pie, which for some may sound horrendous and for others may sound amazing...trust me when I tell you: it's fabulous. It'll warm you up from the inside out and it's so fall and winter, ugh it's just perfection.
Thanks for reading, beauties! See ya next time!
Alright, this is a tag all about fall and the best stuff about it, beauty-wise and life-wise. Let's get glowing!
Question 1: Favorite Fall lip product?
More than anything in the fall, I find it incredibly important to moisturize your lips because, well, you can't put on a matte lipstick and expect it to feel good if your lips are already dry! So I'm going to go with my Smith's Rosebud Salve. It's cheap, it's creamy, and it stays on for hours and makes my lips feel nice.
If we're talking colors, I'm going to go with my Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Crush. It's a gorgeous plummy pink color that works so well with any outfit, especially one with a white scarf, in my opinion. It's dark enough that you know there's a color, but not crazy dark. And it makes my lips feel really moisturized, which is really important for me.
Question 2: Favorite Fall Nail Polish
Those aren't my nails, by the way. There's a watermark on the bottom if you're looking for the source. I just got the picture off Google as an example. Gotta give credit where credit is due, right?
Question 3: Favorite Starbucks Fall drink?
I'm not going to say Pumpkin Spice Latte as to not be boring, because that's what every Youtube guru has used with the exception of one or two that I've seen, so I'm going to go with my trusty grande Chai latte 6 pumps with a few shakes of cinnamon over the top! It's spicy and amazing; I always describe it as drinking a cup of hot, liquidy pumpkin pie, which for some may sound horrendous and for others may sound amazing...trust me when I tell you: it's fabulous. It'll warm you up from the inside out and it's so fall and winter, ugh it's just perfection.
Question 4: Favorite Fall Candle?
I think I have two right now, one is Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin by Slatkin and Co. that you can get in Bath and Body Works (I bought the room spray for my dorm room and my suitemates love it!), and the other is Mistletoe from Yankee Candle...I know it's a Christmas/Winter candle but it makes me excited and it just came out and it makes me happy...don't hate.
Question 5: Favorite Fall scarf or accessory?
Infinity scarves are my favorite; I have a black one and a white one from Forever 21 that I got for my birthday last year.
If we're talking accessories excluding scarves, my boyfriend bought me a Tiffany necklace for our one-year anniversary; it's called Man in the Moon and it matches my tattoo! (I have a tattoo of the sun and the moon on my back for my dad and my grandma). It's very pretty.
Question 6: Haunted House, Haunted Hay Ride, or Haunted Corn Maze?
Oh gosh...I guess Corn Maze but I really don't like people jumping out at me, I'd rather just go through a daytime haunted house, go on a hayride around a pumpkin patch, or get lost in a corn maze minus the scary chainsaws and dead people.
Question 7: Favorite Halloween movies?
Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, and my newest favorite: Cabin in the Woods...if you like comedy/horror/satires, it's PERFECT. I laughed through most of it, even the parts with the gore and everything. It's so good.
Question 8: Favorite candy to eat on Halloween?
I like lots of candy...I'm a big fan of Tootsie Pops if I can find the Raspberry ones, and I really like 3 Musketeers...I just like chocolate. Mmm.
Question 9: What are you dressing up as for Halloween?
I'm thinking a broken doll that way I can wear a dress I have and just do my makeup how I want instead of having to go out and buy a costume I'll only wear once.
Question 10: What is your favorite thing about fall?
The way the leaves look when they change colors! I live in Westchester during college and there are trees EVERYWHERE. They're all different colors and they're absolutely gorgeous.
Oh and I love being able to wear sweaters and scarves!
Thanks for reading, beauties! See ya next time!
Friday, October 19, 2012
Why it's Important to Moisturize
Hi again beauties, sorry for not posting yesterday; I was doing community service with my Women's Studies class so I got back to campus at 11 and just wanted to go to bed...it happens to the best of us :P
But while I washed my face last night, I realized something: does everyone moisturize their face the way I do?
So I decided I would make a post letting you know that this is a very important thing to do if you want healthy skin. Here's why...
When you wash your face, depending on the cleanser you use, you're probably stripping your face of most if not all of its natural oils. With this, comes dry, flaky patches, itching, burning, and all around being uncomfortable. This will probably cause your face to feel tight, and if you try to smile it'll probably feel like your face is going to crack off. That is not a natural thing.
Also, washing your face makes your very sensitive facial skin susceptible to the elements because you've stripped it of the protective layer of sebum and oil it produces during the the day. Without a moisturizer, your skin is going to collect those elements in your pores like pollution in the air, dirt, and whatever is floating around.
If you have acne-prone skin, there is also reason to moisturize! If you have been to a dermatologist and they prescribe you a medication that is strong, you'll probably need it for the irritation, dryness and redness it will cause. If there is no irritation and the medication works perfectly, you're all set! You're going to need a moisturizer!
And if you have oily skin, it's important to moisturize as well, just not one that is oil-based. Look for a brand that has "oil-free" on the box or bottle. If you want something natural, I suggest LUSH's Vanishing Cream. You'll want to moisturize because it will help with balancing the oil content in your skin, which means eventually you'll end up with less oil if you moisturize on a daily basis.
So how do you do this?
Let's get glowing!
You'll typically need around a quarter-size amount to put on your whole face. Once you find the right moisturizer, try it out a few times and based on the texture you'll know what you like on your face and what you don't like.
All in all, it's very, very important to moisturize for healthy, glowing skin. Without moisturizer, your skin can wrinkle more easily because your skin is absorbing the pollutants from outside, you can get flaky, and dry and uncomfortable!
Go out and get a good moisturizer, everyone! Go, go, go!
But while I washed my face last night, I realized something: does everyone moisturize their face the way I do?
So I decided I would make a post letting you know that this is a very important thing to do if you want healthy skin. Here's why...
When you wash your face, depending on the cleanser you use, you're probably stripping your face of most if not all of its natural oils. With this, comes dry, flaky patches, itching, burning, and all around being uncomfortable. This will probably cause your face to feel tight, and if you try to smile it'll probably feel like your face is going to crack off. That is not a natural thing.
Also, washing your face makes your very sensitive facial skin susceptible to the elements because you've stripped it of the protective layer of sebum and oil it produces during the the day. Without a moisturizer, your skin is going to collect those elements in your pores like pollution in the air, dirt, and whatever is floating around.
If you have acne-prone skin, there is also reason to moisturize! If you have been to a dermatologist and they prescribe you a medication that is strong, you'll probably need it for the irritation, dryness and redness it will cause. If there is no irritation and the medication works perfectly, you're all set! You're going to need a moisturizer!
And if you have oily skin, it's important to moisturize as well, just not one that is oil-based. Look for a brand that has "oil-free" on the box or bottle. If you want something natural, I suggest LUSH's Vanishing Cream. You'll want to moisturize because it will help with balancing the oil content in your skin, which means eventually you'll end up with less oil if you moisturize on a daily basis.
So how do you do this?
Let's get glowing!
You'll typically need around a quarter-size amount to put on your whole face. Once you find the right moisturizer, try it out a few times and based on the texture you'll know what you like on your face and what you don't like.
All in all, it's very, very important to moisturize for healthy, glowing skin. Without moisturizer, your skin can wrinkle more easily because your skin is absorbing the pollutants from outside, you can get flaky, and dry and uncomfortable!
Go out and get a good moisturizer, everyone! Go, go, go!
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Careful What You Listen to When You Get Ready!
I know lots of people out there wonder about this all of the time.
As music evolves, so does our makeup, and the effects are gorgeous...or frightening.
I can recall a time that I listened to absolutely nothing but Marilyn Manson, AFI and Slipknot, which led to makeup like Avril Lavigne's, meaning eyeliner down to my cheeks and red eyeshadow up to my eyebrows. (See below for reference, but don't laugh at me). I had a valid excuse! I was angsty! It fit my mood! (key word here is mood- this is a recurring theme throughout this post).
As I grew out of that and I graduated middle school, I began high school where I started trying to fit in instead of stand out and tried listening to what everyone else listened to which consisted of lots of pop, where I tried the no-makeup-makeup looks on a daily basis because it was what everyone was wearing in their music videos, or I tried the "subtle" smokey eye, because I wanted to look like Adriana Lima. (Reminder, I am not at all Brazilian, and I am one of the palest people on the face of the planet with no intention of ever trying to tan, therefore the shades she wears clearly do not fit the shades I wear. See comparison below.
Like I said, clearly not Adriana Lima. However, this makeup look I have here (simple cat eye with red lipstick) was after I graduated high school and decided to do my own thing with my makeup.
Alright, back to the topic at hand: why does music affect our makeup?
Let's get glowing!
It's because we connect our mood to how we look- if we're sick, it's proven you'll feel better if you wear something you feel sexy or pretty in. Same with makeup; if you're feeling pale and flaky and you feel the bags under your eyes making their way down your face, throw on some blush and a nude lipstick with some mascara and you're set to go! You'll feel more attractive, and your body reacts to that.
Now remember: this is a general observation, I don't want anyone to be offended because not everyone has the same experience.
So if you're listening to metal, chances are you're going to try to look like me in middle school, with your dark eyeshadow and eyeliner. You're probably doing it in a more classy way than me, in which you don't make yourself look like a raccoon, but if you're listening to something dark, you're probably going to wear dark makeup.
If you're listening to something poppy, take Katy Perry for example, you may try the more natural, not-so-dramatic makeup look because it's what you're accustomed to hearing. If it's on the radio all of the time, your mood is probably pretty neutral, therefore leading you to neutral makeup.
If you're listening to dubstep (this might just be me...) you might want to just throw glitter and bright colors all over everything.
But regardless of what you end up wearing during the day, it will probably reflect how you were feeling when you put that makeup on that day, which can be a little problematic if you change your mind about how you're feeling halfway through the day, because it's harder to take off a deep, dark eye if you want to make a more natural look by 3 pm.
For days like these, I suggest a smokey eye like this one:
It's simple, fun, and wearable for whatever! Here's how to do it:
1) Always start off with an eyeshadow primer/base or both. As always, I suggest Sephora's Perfecting Eye Primer and MAC Painterly Paint Pot (or whichever matches your skin tone)
2) Take a medium shadow brush in a (neutral) color of your choice, like a shimmery champagne color, a matte peach, a shimmery or matte brown, whatever you prefer. (You can also change this color for whatever skin tone, if you'd like. Remember, you don't have to take my advice! Makeup is an art, not a list of directions...your face is not IKEA furniture, it's not "directions or it's ruined") Pat that color all over your lid.
3) Take a deeper, darker shade on a smudge brush or a crease brush (this can be a dark purple, dark brown, or a black, or again, whatever you prefer) and put that on the outer third of your eye, and in your crease about 2/3 of the way in. Blend this out with a clean brush until you have the right amount of "smoke".
4) Take a black liner, liquid, pencil, or gel, and tightline your upper lash line. This means you essentially line what looks like your waterline on your top eyelid. It's right underneath your eyelashes, and if you haven't done it before, it's a little uncomfortable, but it's an awesome trick to simulate thicker, fuller lashes. You can also line your waterline if you please.
5) Add mascara
You're done! I'll put a tutorial on how to do this up on my youtube channel; I think it's an essential look to know how to do for any special occasion or every day.
So whether you've listened to GWAR or Five Finger Death Punch, or Taylor Swift and Ke$ha, a makeup look like this will make you feel like a rock star, pop star, movie star, etc.
Add a colored lip for an extra-dramatic effect...and lots of compliments. I personally really like purple, but red is always classic.
Enjoy, and happy listening!
As music evolves, so does our makeup, and the effects are gorgeous...or frightening.
I can recall a time that I listened to absolutely nothing but Marilyn Manson, AFI and Slipknot, which led to makeup like Avril Lavigne's, meaning eyeliner down to my cheeks and red eyeshadow up to my eyebrows. (See below for reference, but don't laugh at me). I had a valid excuse! I was angsty! It fit my mood! (key word here is mood- this is a recurring theme throughout this post).
As I grew out of that and I graduated middle school, I began high school where I started trying to fit in instead of stand out and tried listening to what everyone else listened to which consisted of lots of pop, where I tried the no-makeup-makeup looks on a daily basis because it was what everyone was wearing in their music videos, or I tried the "subtle" smokey eye, because I wanted to look like Adriana Lima. (Reminder, I am not at all Brazilian, and I am one of the palest people on the face of the planet with no intention of ever trying to tan, therefore the shades she wears clearly do not fit the shades I wear. See comparison below.
Like I said, clearly not Adriana Lima. However, this makeup look I have here (simple cat eye with red lipstick) was after I graduated high school and decided to do my own thing with my makeup.
Alright, back to the topic at hand: why does music affect our makeup?
Let's get glowing!
It's because we connect our mood to how we look- if we're sick, it's proven you'll feel better if you wear something you feel sexy or pretty in. Same with makeup; if you're feeling pale and flaky and you feel the bags under your eyes making their way down your face, throw on some blush and a nude lipstick with some mascara and you're set to go! You'll feel more attractive, and your body reacts to that.
Now remember: this is a general observation, I don't want anyone to be offended because not everyone has the same experience.
So if you're listening to metal, chances are you're going to try to look like me in middle school, with your dark eyeshadow and eyeliner. You're probably doing it in a more classy way than me, in which you don't make yourself look like a raccoon, but if you're listening to something dark, you're probably going to wear dark makeup.
If you're listening to something poppy, take Katy Perry for example, you may try the more natural, not-so-dramatic makeup look because it's what you're accustomed to hearing. If it's on the radio all of the time, your mood is probably pretty neutral, therefore leading you to neutral makeup.
If you're listening to dubstep (this might just be me...) you might want to just throw glitter and bright colors all over everything.
But regardless of what you end up wearing during the day, it will probably reflect how you were feeling when you put that makeup on that day, which can be a little problematic if you change your mind about how you're feeling halfway through the day, because it's harder to take off a deep, dark eye if you want to make a more natural look by 3 pm.
For days like these, I suggest a smokey eye like this one:
It's simple, fun, and wearable for whatever! Here's how to do it:
1) Always start off with an eyeshadow primer/base or both. As always, I suggest Sephora's Perfecting Eye Primer and MAC Painterly Paint Pot (or whichever matches your skin tone)
2) Take a medium shadow brush in a (neutral) color of your choice, like a shimmery champagne color, a matte peach, a shimmery or matte brown, whatever you prefer. (You can also change this color for whatever skin tone, if you'd like. Remember, you don't have to take my advice! Makeup is an art, not a list of directions...your face is not IKEA furniture, it's not "directions or it's ruined") Pat that color all over your lid.
3) Take a deeper, darker shade on a smudge brush or a crease brush (this can be a dark purple, dark brown, or a black, or again, whatever you prefer) and put that on the outer third of your eye, and in your crease about 2/3 of the way in. Blend this out with a clean brush until you have the right amount of "smoke".
4) Take a black liner, liquid, pencil, or gel, and tightline your upper lash line. This means you essentially line what looks like your waterline on your top eyelid. It's right underneath your eyelashes, and if you haven't done it before, it's a little uncomfortable, but it's an awesome trick to simulate thicker, fuller lashes. You can also line your waterline if you please.
5) Add mascara
You're done! I'll put a tutorial on how to do this up on my youtube channel; I think it's an essential look to know how to do for any special occasion or every day.
So whether you've listened to GWAR or Five Finger Death Punch, or Taylor Swift and Ke$ha, a makeup look like this will make you feel like a rock star, pop star, movie star, etc.
Add a colored lip for an extra-dramatic effect...and lots of compliments. I personally really like purple, but red is always classic.
Enjoy, and happy listening!
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