June 2011 Favorites & Not-So-Favorites

Hello, Beautiful!

I wanted to post this earlier in the week but it's been a really crazy busy week (and crazy busy month). Below are my personal picks for favorite and not-so-favorite products of June 2011.

Favorites: June 2011

OSCAR BLANDI Dry Shampoo Spray
With all the traveling I've been doing this product has come in handy many times. Up until recently I hadn't found a decent dry shampoo that worked with my hair, or if it worked it had such an awful smell (Treseme brand) that I wanted to shave my head so I wouldn't have to smell it! Then I came across the Oscar Blandi Dry Shampoo Spray in TJ Maxx for just $12.99 (this retails for $21 at Sephora).
This product has gotten bad reviews on Sephora, with most people saying it's not for dark hair. Well I have dark hair and I had no problems with this. Sure, when you first spray it on your hair looks gray, but you're supposed to spray it on and then wait a little before working your fingers through it. That's exactly what I did and my hair looked great afterwards. It didn't leave any white residue behind like others have reported. My hair was greasy and gross before using this, then I sprayed this on and a minute or so later my hair looked acceptable again. This is absolutely a hair saver for my crazy busy summer!

DDF Sulfur Therapeutic Mask
DDF has got to be the best skincare brand for my skin type. I swear, every product they make works wonders for my skin! This mask is no exception; I use it once a week on a normal basis, and 2 or 3 times a week when I'm having bad breakouts. Recently I had to bump up my use of this mask and it always helps. Always. I've had my jar for half a year now and I still have plenty of product left. I've even used this as a spot treatment overnight on really trouble spots. Love this stuff!



LAURA GELLER Blush-N-Brighten in Apricot Berry
I received this Laura Geller blush in my June Birchbox and fell in love with it really quickly. The color scared me; it looked too dark and too orange. Yet somehow this blush translates so beautifully on my skin. I'm not a big blush wearer because I usually have breakouts on my cheeks and blush on top draws attention to my blemishes, but my skin was doing pretty good for awhile and I was able to use blush again. This blush just was so perfect. The application was beautiful and so was the color. I love this! 

OLAY Refreshing Toner
A toner is a great part of any skincare routine and I have two that I use. One by DDF that is a glycolic toner (which I use at night) and then there is the Olay Refreshing Toner, which I use in the morning. This toner feels so good in the summer time. It really does feel refreshing and I do notice a difference with my skin on the days I don't use it compared to the days I do use it. On days I use this toner my oil production is less, meaning my makeup is going to stay on longer. I've had a hard time finding this in stores lately, but I think they just repackaged it. I'm on my last two bottles of it and then I'll have to find it again.



TOO FACED Naked Eye boxed palette
I purchased this palette back in April or early May and ever since I've found myself reaching for it time and time again. The colors are soft and beautiful (or soft and sexy as it says on the front of this boxed palette). I don't use all the colors in this, but I tend to use the shades Lap Dance, Satin Sheets, Unmentionables, and Birthday Suit the most. The colors, although pretty neutral, are beautiful enough that even the ladies who hate neutral colors may just fall in love with these shades. The formula of the shadows are really nice too. This palette is going to last me a long time! I highly recommend checking this palette out in person, or just going ahead and purchasing it online. It also comes with three eye looks with instructions, but I haven't actually followed any of them; still a good idea for anyone who doesn't really know how to put the colors together or what color would look best where.




BARE MINERALS Naturally Luminous Purifying Facial Cleanser
This may be my favorite facial cleanser of all time. It cleans my skin really, really well and my skin doesn't feel dry or tight after I use it. Not to mention that this cleanser has helped keep my skin clear, even better than anti-acne cleansers. It's not a foaming cleanser, so if you need to see a lot of foam to feel like your face is clean then you will be disappointed. The way I use it is I pump two pumps into the palm of my hand and spread it onto my face and rub it in with my fingertips. The more you rub the more of a lather you'll get, but don't be surprised when you don't see a whole lot. Add a little water if you want. Then I put one pump on my Clarisonic and clean my entire face that way. Love this cleanser!



LAURA GELLER The Real Deal Concealer 
I've had this concealer for a long time now (I think it's been over a year), but I had almost forgot about it because I was using another concealer for awhile. Then I pulled this back out and fell in love with it all over again. I forgot how great the coverage is and how little you need to use to get amazing coverage. You could even use it all over as a full-coverage foundation, but I don't like doing that because then it feels heavy on my skin. But I do love this concealer for concealing under my eyes and all my flaws. It works and it works really well. This was the first Laura Geller product I fell in love with. Up until this product I actually was really turned off by her makeup; it seemed too "old-lady" and the shades and finishes also seemed dated. Then this concealer came out and blew me away. And her Blush-N-Brighten... yeah, that I love too! Laura Geller, you've got my attention... keep the great products coming!

Not-So-Favorites: June 2011 

L'OREAL Infallible Le Rouge lipsticks

When I was on the search for a long-wear lip product to wear on amusement park days I decided I had to try the L'Oreal Infallible Le Rouge lipsticks. I purchased two shades that seemed pretty safe: Unending Kiss and Tender Baby. Both shades looked pretty in the tube but not on me. They're a little too much on the cool end of the color family and warmer tones look best on me. Sadly, based on the color alone I just can't wear these. As for the formula, they felt good on the lips but didn't last and weren't smudge proof. They still rubbed off easily. These will go up for sale in my blog sale after I do swatches of these.

BLISS Poetic Waxing kit
This is another product I've had for awhile now. I actually purchased this for my husband who wanted me to try to remove his back hair (he's not even hairy on his back other than the normal light hair, he just wanted to try waxing). This option was supposed to be a less-painful, or painless, way to wax. Um... no, not really. Based on his experience it still hurt. Not to mention this stuff is messy, as are most waxes. The microwaveable cup was easy to use, and the whole system is really simple, but it wasn't a less painful way to remove hair. We were both underwhelmed. I would have returned this to QVC but we waited too long and are now just left with the remains of the kit.

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE Surf Spray
I love wave sprays; I had one - Frederick Fekkai Wave Spray - that I LOVED. And I mean LOVED. I used it almost every day, but ended up losing the bottle. So I bought another one and guess what? That bottle went missing too. I have no idea why that one product keeps disappearing but I was ticked to not have it again. So I purchased the Frederick Fekkai Beach Waves spray, which is basically the same thing... except it doesn't work as well for me. Then I saw Bumble and Bumble had a Surf Spray. I had fallen in love with some of their other products so I figured I'd give it a try. Well it just doesn't work for me. It's just like the Frederick Fekkai Beach Waves where it works for a second, then just makes your hair look dirty and not wavy at all. My hair has a natural wave to it, so wave sprays should work well with my hair type. Sadly this just doesn't cut it for me, but I have a hard time letting it sit on the shelf un-used so I do keep trying to make it work. I think I may put this up in my blog sale.... if I can part with it.



Skin Care Boot Camp

Hello, Beautiful!

Right now I'm feeling anything but beautiful. I've been very stressed the past several weeks and that is never a good thing with my Cushing's Syndrome. My hormone levels are going crazy and my skin has gone crazy too.

I have been so busy on some days that I didn't even have time to shower or wash my face. Gross, I know, but it's a fact of life. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there that can skip a day (or two) of showering when they're super busy and not leaving the house. I know I'm not the only gross one out there!

My skin was improving greatly. I had limited blemishes and the new ones that were showing up were less crazy and didn't bring a whole group of them. And now back to bad-skin-city!

So now it's time to kick my skin back into shape with what I'm calling Skin Care Boot Camp. I'm using a lot of the same products as previously listed in other blog posts, but I've added some different products and when I apply them, so I figured I'd update this blog with that post.

I did take a before photo, which I don't even dare to post until there is a major improvement with an after photo. But once I do post the before and after photos you may be shocked at how awful my skin gets in such a short period of time with lack of care and too much stress (thanks a lot, health problems). I look like one of those before photos in those Proactive commercials... maybe even worse than some. It's so bad that not even makeup can make me feel good - although I still have a great routine for covering my awful skin.

Here is my Skin Care Boot Camp product list:


MORNING ROUTINE PRODUCT LIST:

• Sephora Face Complexion Brush
• Patricia Wexler Dual-Action Foaming Cleanser
• MAC Volcanic Ash Exfoliator (2 to 3 days per week)
• Olay Refreshing Toner (only on days I'm really oily)
• Patricia Wexler Anti-Aging Acne Serum (only on days I am breaking out a lot)
• Patricia Wexler Skin Brightening Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
• Korres Evening Primrose Eye Cream

MORNING ROUTINE REGIMEN:

First I begin by prepping my $5 Sephora Face Complexion Brush. I just run it under water to get it wet and then apply my cleanser directly to the brush head. I massage the brush head onto my skin in circular motions. There is no real rhyme or reason, I just do circles. I normally will go in one direction (such as only doing clock-wise), then rinse the brush head off and go back over the same area in the opposite direction. After I wash my entire face with the face brush (taking 20 to 30 seconds minimum per main area), I rinse off my face and the face brush. I pat my face dry (don't rub your face, especially if you have any breakouts - you can spread the bacteria or cause more skin irritation).

Every other day, or every two days, I will exfoliate my face with a good exfoliator. Currently I'm using MAC's Volcanic Ash Exfoliator. This works good to make my skin feel nice and soft, but the smoky smell is hard to deal with, but then again I'm pretty sensitive to certain smells. I apply this with my fingers to my entire face, and most times just use my fingers to gently rub it in circles to exfoliate my face. However, if it's been awhile, or if my skin just needs it, I will use my Sephora Face Complexion Brush to work in the exfoliator. Using the brush adds an extra layer of exfoliation.

Then, if my skin is oily (mostly in the summer time - not so much in the fall/winter), I will use Olay's Refreshing Toner - which I apply with a cotton ball. I apply this to my t-zone (forehead, nose and chin) but also to my cheeks, which is where a lot of my breakouts happen. This toner will help balance out your skin so it controls oil. I don't always remember to do this step, and it's not a step that will hurt or greatly benefit my skin care routine. It's just helpful.

If my skin is breaking out alot, or if I see new breakouts forming, I will apply Patricia Wexler's Anti-Aging Acne Serum to problem areas (which for me is everywhere). I don't always do this step in the morning, even if I need it. I try to because it is very helpful, but I will also use this at night if I forget to do it in the morning.

Finally, I will apply Patricia Wexler's Skin Brightening Daily Moisture SPF 30. I love this moisturizer. It's perfect and I can't really explain why. It just works. Then I'll apply my eye cream, which right now I'm using Korres Evening Primrose Eye Cream. That completes my morning routine.

TIP: I should mention that if you are applying an anti-acne treatment (like Patricia Wexler's Anti-Aging Acne Serum) you should wait 15 minutes before applying your moisturizer or anything else on top. If you don't wait you're just diluting the anti-acne formula and not getting its full benefits. This can hold true with all nighttime serums and treatments too. I like to fill that time by brushing my teeth, brushing my hair and picking out my clothes.




 
NIGHT ROUTINE PRODUCT LIST:

• Makeup Remover (usually Victoria's Secret Total Makeup Remover and Make Up For Ever Sen's Eye Makeup Remover - but I will use whatever makeup remover I have on hand)
• Sephora Face Complexion Brush
• DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser 
• Patricia Wexler Exfoliating Cleanser
• Patricia Wexler Overnight Acne Repair Lotion
• Philosophy Help Me
• Patricia Wexler Skin Brightening Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
• Korres Evening Primrose Eye Cream
• Philosophy Hope in a Tube

NIGHT ROUTINE REGIMEN:

First I begin by removing any makeup I may have on my face. I don't wear makeup everyday, but most days I do. Even if I don't have makeup on I will still use a makeup remover over my face just to take off any excess oil and dirt so my cleanser can really get my skin clean and not just clean off my makeup.

Next I prep my $5 Sephora Face Complexion Brush. I just run it under water to get it wet and then apply my cleanser directly to the brush head. I massage the brush head onto my skin in circular motions. There is no real rhyme or reason, I just do circles. I normally will go in one direction (such as only doing clock-wise), then rinse the brush head off and go back over the same area in the opposite direction. After I wash my entire face with the face brush (taking 20 to 30 seconds minimum per main area), I rinse off my face and the face brush. I pat my face dry (don't rub your face, especially if you have any breakouts - you can spread the bacteria or cause more skin irritation).

Then I use Patricia Wexler's Exfoliating Cleanser. This is for the treatment of acne and I love this. I can feel it working - although not so much of an exfoliator, but since I use it daily that's okay (save harsher exfoliators for 1 to 4 times per week depending on the type). I apply this cleanser onto my face with my fingers, smearing it onto each main area. Then I use my Sephora Face Complexion Brush and work it into my skin. Then I will rinse my face and pat dry.

Next I will apply Patricia Wexler's Overnight Acne Repair Lotion. I apply this to my entire face (minus the eye area) because I break out everywhere. You may only need to apply this to one or two problem areas. If I forgot to use it in the morning, or if I'm really breaking out, I'll also use Patricia Wexler's Anti-Aging Acne Serum, allowing 2 to 5 minutes in between to dry.

Then I apply Philosophy's Help Me, which helps with dark pigmentation, pores and fine lines.

Finally I can apply my moisturizer and eye cream and get to bed!



Well, that's the plan! I know it worked before, so it should work again. We shall see...

Skin care - my current miracle workers

Hello, beautiful!

I had mentioned in a previous blog post that I would talk about my current skin care routine. So here it is!

I have a new skin care routine that works like a miracle. I'm telling you, my skin has changed so much!! And the more I use it the better the results! It's been nearly 3 years since I've seen any improvement in my skin, and now I can finally see a dramatic improvement!

Here's what I'm doing:


MORNING:
1. Patricia Wexler Dual-Action Foaming Cleanser
2. Patricia Wexler Exfoliating Cleanser
3. Olay Refreshing Toner
4. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
5. Korres Evening Primrose Eye Cream


NIGHT:
1. Victoria's Secret Total Makeup Remover
2. Make Up Forever Sen's Eyes Eye Makeup Remover
3. DDF Blemishs Foaming Cleanser
4. Patricia Wexler Overnight Acne Repair Lotion
5. Philosophy Help Me
6. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
7. Korres Evening Primrose Eye Cream
8. Philosophy Hope in a Tube



So let's start with the morning routine:

I use my $5 Sephora Face Complexion Brush to apply all my cleansers (Dual-Action, Exfoliating Cleanser, and DDF).

I wet my face brush and apply one pump of Patricia Wexler's Dual Action Foaming Cleanser to the brush head. I then massage it onto my skin in circular motions. There is no rhyme or reason. I just do circles. I usually go in one direction all over an area and then reverse the circle motion the other way. I then re-wet my face brush and re-brush over the same area. Then I repeat the same process another 2 times (one more pump for my other side of my face and one pump for the forehead). Keep in mind sometimes one pump isn't a full pump of product. I can control how much comes out. I probably only use two full pumps over my entire face. Then I rinse my face and pat it dry.

Next, I squeeze out some of the Patricia Wexler Exfoliating Cleanser onto the back of my hand and put it on my face in spots (a smear onto each cheek, a smear on the forehead, a smear on my chin and a small smear on my nose). You don't need a lot of this product. Just squeeze out what you would use on your entire face and distribute it onto your face. Then I take the face brush, wet it again, and massage the product into my face the same way I did with the cleanser. This exfoliating cleanser isn't harsh and you can barely feel the exfoliating pieces, but it's helpful, especially when combined with the face brush. I re-wet/rinse out my face brush after each area of my face. Then I rinse my face and pat it dry.

This next step is something I don't do everyday, but you can if you want (it won't hurt). I use Olay's Refreshing Toner, which I apply with a cotton ball. I normally only apply this on days I'll be outdoors most of the day, or on days I'll be indoors cleaning all day (basically for any situation in which I could start sweating). My face can get very oily, so this toner helps control oil (at least in my opinion it does).

Then I apply my moisturizer (Aveeno Positively Radiant), followed up with my eye cream (Korres Evening Primrose). And my morning skincare routine is complete.

This takes me about 5 minutes to do, so it may seem like a lot of steps but I assure you it doesn't take up a lot of time and after seeing the results I will do this every single morning!



Now let's talk about the nighttime routine:

At nighttime my routine is a little different, and there are more steps.

First, I remove all my makeup. I use two makeup removers - one just for eye makeup and one for everything else. I normally use Victoria's Secret Total Makeup Remover for all over my face and then I use Make Up Forever Sen's Eyes Eye Makeup Remover to remove my mascara, liner, brow powder, etc. I use cotton balls to remove my makeup and q-tips to remove my eyeliner and mascara.

I like to remove my makeup first before using a cleanser because I feel like my cleanser will work better if it's cleaning makeup-free skin (although using the brush cleans out all the makeup - even makeup the makeup remover couldn't get to!).

Then I bring out my Sephora face brush and wet it. I apply a pump of the DDF Blemish Foaming Cleanser to the brush head. I then massage it onto my skin in circular motions. There is no rhyme or reason. I just do circles. I usually go in one direction all over an area and then reverse the circle motion the other way. I then re-wet my face brush and re-brush over the same area. Then I repeat the same process another 2 times (one more pump for my other side of my face and one pump for the forehead). Again, keep in mind sometimes one pump isn't a full pump of product. I can control how much comes out. I probably only use two full pumps over my entire face. Then I rinse my face and pat it dry.

Next, I apply Patricia Wexler Overnight Acne Repair Lotion. I pump out 3 pumps onto the back of my hand and apply it all over my face (except the eye area). I allow this to dry for a minute or so before applying a thin layer of Philosophy's Help Me (which is a retinol treatment to help fine lines, discoloration, and large pores). I allow that to dry before moving on.

Then I apply my moisturizer (Aveeno Positively Radiant), followed up with my eye cream (Korres Evening Primrose). I will also use Philosophy's Hope in a Tube as my lip line cream. I apply it to the smile lines (parentheses around your mouth) and above my lip. That completes my nighttime skincare routine.



So there you have it! Those are my current miracle workers. I don't care how tired I am at night I will always do my skincare routine. The results are too amazing to not put the time into it.


And now: 5 Skincare Lines that Failed Me!

1. Anything Neutrogena! They always make it sound soooo promising. So far, everything I've tried has failed me. I even tried Neutrogena Skin ID - big fail!

2. Murad (their acne line). It semi-worked, but was far too drying to my skin.

3. Olay. I like their toner and their moisturizers (some) - everything else failed for my skin. I also can't stand the smell of their products. A lot of them have a hint of rose or some other floral scent. I'm not into those type of scents at all.

4. Clean & Clear - nope, didn't work for my skin!

5. Philosophy - just the acne line that I didn't like. I really like Philosophy in general. I stuck with their brand for a long time and I still use some of their products. But their acne line didn't help all that much. It was their regular skincare that worked, and I love their bath & body items.



xoxo with love & beauty,

Crystal Valentine B.
- The woman who runs ValentineKisses.com