Facial sprays seem pretty unnecessary if you have never tried one. However, a good facial spray can help tone, refresh, and moisturize the skin in a quick and very easy step.
I have been using Mario Badescu's Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater ($12) to set my powder foundation if it is feeling a little cakey. It is also awesome as a refresher after being outside in the hot, humid weather. Plus it smells SO good!
On my clients, I have been using Caudalie's Beauty Elixir ($18) to tone and/or set makeup. This facial spray contains essential oils (herbal-smelling) which help boost radiance as well. The Beauty Elixir is formulated without synthetic fragrances and colors and contains no parabens, sulfates or any other junkie stuff.
Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts
Monday, June 30, 2014
Friday, May 23, 2014
Getting Ready for Summer Tips and Tricks
I doubt most people will be sitting inside reading blog posts this weekend (FINALLY amazing weather has come!), but I just wanted to share five quick beauty/makeup tips to get you ready for summer.
1. Don't forget to wear sunscreen! This is not a new or interesting tip, but skin cancer is at an all time high and why wouldn't you want to prevent wrinkles and premature aging if you can?! Your face makeup may have a little added sunscreen, but it is not generally enough to really protect your skin, so add an extra layer beneath it- your skin will thank you. There are all kinds of formulas out there (including lotions, creams, powders, gels, you name it), so there are no excuses to get you out of this one.
If you have oily/acne-prone, you should try something that is non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), such as Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 30 ($30). If your skin is dry, you should try a formula with added nutrients, like Vitamin E to help keep skin soft and moisturized, like L'Oreal Advanced Suncare Silky Sheer BB Face Lotion 50+ ( $10.99). If you have sensitive/reactive skin, you should look into a sunscreen that uses physical UV blockers (think zinc) rather than chemical sunscreens which can aggregate skin (try Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Stick SPF 50 ($9.99)). If you are looking for something to protect your skin and provide anti-aging benefits, try a sunscreen with chemical blockers like Helioplex or Mexoryl SX, which supposedly work wonders. Give Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum Suncreen SPF 30 ($13.99) a whirl.
2. Get a good trim and condition your hair! With all the sun, sand, and beach/pool water you are bound to expose your hair to, you should try to start with as clean a slate as possible. Go get a trim to clean up those scraggly ends and use as rich of a deep conditioner that your hair can take on a weekly basis. If you need a DIY hair conditioner recipe, read my post Coconut Oil for Deep Conditioning.
3. Keep hydrated! Another no-brainer, but keeping your body well-hydrated will keep your skin, nails, hair- well, everything- in tip-top shape. Also, a good swipe of lotion all over and a slick of lip balm does wonders:) Something quick and easy for the summer: Vaseline Spray & Go Total Moisture Spray
4. Try a bright lip color! Generally, we all wear less makeup in the summer, but it is a great time to try a nice, juicy shade of lipstick or gloss- you probably have a little tan and a pink, orange or coral will look especially flattering. Plus, you just need to add a little mascara and you look "done". Revlon has some inexpensive and amazing options.
5. Clean out your beauty supplies! Technically, this does not need to be done at any particular part of the year, but I just thought it would be a good reminder. Your makeup and skincare products do NOT stay good forever, so do an inventory on what you have that is still good, throw out what is not, and make a list for what you need to replace (or even upgrade!). Generally speaking, you should chuck mascara whenever it starts getting dried out (3 months max, like a toothbrush!), liquids (like foundations and concealers) after about 6-12 months, and powders (blush, eyeshadow) after a couple years.
And clean your makeup brushes while you are at it:)
I hope you all enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, thanks again for reading!
1. Don't forget to wear sunscreen! This is not a new or interesting tip, but skin cancer is at an all time high and why wouldn't you want to prevent wrinkles and premature aging if you can?! Your face makeup may have a little added sunscreen, but it is not generally enough to really protect your skin, so add an extra layer beneath it- your skin will thank you. There are all kinds of formulas out there (including lotions, creams, powders, gels, you name it), so there are no excuses to get you out of this one.
If you have oily/acne-prone, you should try something that is non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), such as Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder SPF 30 ($30). If your skin is dry, you should try a formula with added nutrients, like Vitamin E to help keep skin soft and moisturized, like L'Oreal Advanced Suncare Silky Sheer BB Face Lotion 50+ ( $10.99). If you have sensitive/reactive skin, you should look into a sunscreen that uses physical UV blockers (think zinc) rather than chemical sunscreens which can aggregate skin (try Aveeno Baby Natural Protection Stick SPF 50 ($9.99)). If you are looking for something to protect your skin and provide anti-aging benefits, try a sunscreen with chemical blockers like Helioplex or Mexoryl SX, which supposedly work wonders. Give Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum Suncreen SPF 30 ($13.99) a whirl.
2. Get a good trim and condition your hair! With all the sun, sand, and beach/pool water you are bound to expose your hair to, you should try to start with as clean a slate as possible. Go get a trim to clean up those scraggly ends and use as rich of a deep conditioner that your hair can take on a weekly basis. If you need a DIY hair conditioner recipe, read my post Coconut Oil for Deep Conditioning.
3. Keep hydrated! Another no-brainer, but keeping your body well-hydrated will keep your skin, nails, hair- well, everything- in tip-top shape. Also, a good swipe of lotion all over and a slick of lip balm does wonders:) Something quick and easy for the summer: Vaseline Spray & Go Total Moisture Spray
4. Try a bright lip color! Generally, we all wear less makeup in the summer, but it is a great time to try a nice, juicy shade of lipstick or gloss- you probably have a little tan and a pink, orange or coral will look especially flattering. Plus, you just need to add a little mascara and you look "done". Revlon has some inexpensive and amazing options.
5. Clean out your beauty supplies! Technically, this does not need to be done at any particular part of the year, but I just thought it would be a good reminder. Your makeup and skincare products do NOT stay good forever, so do an inventory on what you have that is still good, throw out what is not, and make a list for what you need to replace (or even upgrade!). Generally speaking, you should chuck mascara whenever it starts getting dried out (3 months max, like a toothbrush!), liquids (like foundations and concealers) after about 6-12 months, and powders (blush, eyeshadow) after a couple years.
And clean your makeup brushes while you are at it:)
I hope you all enjoy your Memorial Day weekend, thanks again for reading!
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Product Review: Illuminare Concealing Mineral Foundation
I am am a loyal BareMinerals foundation user, but sometimes I like a little more coverage than it offers. As you may already know, I have pretty sensitive and acne-prone skin, so it is difficult to find a moderate to full coverage liquid foundation that doesn't make me break out. When I reordered my beloved Cor Silver Soap, Skincarestore.com sent me a couple of samples, the Illuminare Concealing Mineral Foundation being one of them. I gave it a try yesterday, and I have to say, it is pretty great.
I simply used my hands and fingers to apply and blend onto my face (make sure to use moisturizer first for better blending), but a brush or sponge may be used if preferred. After applying the foundation, my face barely required any concealer aside from a little brightening under the eyes. The finish is semi-matte, and the look is flawless (no caking or weird oxidation here!). I am seriously considering buying a tube of this stuff to have on hand for special occasions (or for when my skin acts up). A tube is about $27, which isn't cheap, but since you require such a small amount for a full-face application, it should last quite a while. And it contains sunscreen (SPF 20!) Something to consider if you are in search of a new foundation:)
I simply used my hands and fingers to apply and blend onto my face (make sure to use moisturizer first for better blending), but a brush or sponge may be used if preferred. After applying the foundation, my face barely required any concealer aside from a little brightening under the eyes. The finish is semi-matte, and the look is flawless (no caking or weird oxidation here!). I am seriously considering buying a tube of this stuff to have on hand for special occasions (or for when my skin acts up). A tube is about $27, which isn't cheap, but since you require such a small amount for a full-face application, it should last quite a while. And it contains sunscreen (SPF 20!) Something to consider if you are in search of a new foundation:)
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| This is what the foundation looks like:) And Nars Dragon Girl on the lips. |
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| My little sample packet. Need more of this! |
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Product Review: BareMinerals Faux Glow Face
I am always hesitant to try sunless tanners, especially on my face, since they tend to make me break out. Since BareMinerals tinted moisturizer, foundation and concealer do not make me break out, I decided to give their version for the face a try. BareMinerals Faux Tan Face Gradual Glow is a gradual sunless tanner for the face and neck. It is supposed to provide a golden glow without the damaging effects on the sun.
The instructions for usage of this sunless tanner do not vary from any other kind out there. Basically apply evenly to clean, dry skin and wash hands thoroughly. The formula is tinted, so you can ensure the product is evenly distributed on the skin. You can choose to reapply every day to enhance the color, but I would advise applying every few days, which is enough to beat the pallor of winter and not look like a tanning junkie.
After one use, my skin felt extremely soft and moisturized, and I appeared more bronzed than I ordinarily look at this time of year. The color is very believable; not too orange or brown. It also helps disguise discoloration / unevenness a bit too (which means less foundation and concealer!).
I have not had any breakouts from this product so far, so I am pretty pleased. I would definitely recommend BareMinerals Faux Glow Face sunless tanner.
This product can be purchased at Sephora, Ulta or BareMinerals stores for about $24.
P.S. the line also carries a body formula, which I can't wait to try!
I will try to add a photo soon of the before and after:)
The instructions for usage of this sunless tanner do not vary from any other kind out there. Basically apply evenly to clean, dry skin and wash hands thoroughly. The formula is tinted, so you can ensure the product is evenly distributed on the skin. You can choose to reapply every day to enhance the color, but I would advise applying every few days, which is enough to beat the pallor of winter and not look like a tanning junkie.
After one use, my skin felt extremely soft and moisturized, and I appeared more bronzed than I ordinarily look at this time of year. The color is very believable; not too orange or brown. It also helps disguise discoloration / unevenness a bit too (which means less foundation and concealer!).
I have not had any breakouts from this product so far, so I am pretty pleased. I would definitely recommend BareMinerals Faux Glow Face sunless tanner.
This product can be purchased at Sephora, Ulta or BareMinerals stores for about $24.
P.S. the line also carries a body formula, which I can't wait to try!
I will try to add a photo soon of the before and after:)
Monday, December 9, 2013
Winter Skincare Update
With the winter weather in full effect, most people must adjust their skincare routines to the colder weather and dryness (induced by the heat). I wanted to share my current routine, since certain products that are awesome in the warmer weather (COR Silver Soap, for example) are a tad drying now. I have not given up the Silver Soap entirely, but I only use it a couple times a week. Instead, I am mostly using Cetaphil's Gentle Skin Cleanser, which is a great, inexpensive product. Rather than moisturizing once a day (in the morning), I am applying my Mario Badescu AHA and Ceramide Moisturizer twice a day. Please note that this is a lighter weight moisturizer for oily/acne prone skin, so if you are on the dry side, you may require a thicker formula. I even used my Clairsonic brush to exfoliate last week, and it didn't seem to make my skin freak out, so I am going to try it weekly now (instead of daily like before).
On my lips, I love Aquaphor ointment (cheap and effective). My hands are usually in the absolute worst condition in the winter (extremely dry, cracked, and red), and my newest find is Yu-Be Cream. This cream is made in Japan, and supposedly contains no sulfates, petrochemicals, synthetic dyes or fragrances (awesome!). It is formulated with glycerin and vitamins E and B2, and is very absorbent and not greasy or sticky at all. The smell kind of reminds me of the old school Blistex Medicated formula, and it works like a charm!
What changes have you made to your skincare routine? Are there any new, great products you have found lately? Please share your thoughts, suggestions, etc in the comments section:)
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
How to look healthy (when you are not)
The last few days, I have been battling a brutal cold. My nose is red and raw, my lips chapped, my eyes watery. I have been resting at my house, but if you find yourself in a similar situation and need to be out in public, here are a couple tips to help you look healthy when you feel like death.
1. Make sure to moisturize- Moisturizing your face will help your skin look plump, hydrated and healthier; dry skin NEVER looks healthy. My personal favorite is Mario Badescu AHA and Ceramide Moisturizer.
2. Un-chap those lips (and noses)- Apply a thick layer of Aquaphor or Vaseline to your lips and nose to prevent flaking and dryness.
3. Depuff eyes- Apply a cooling eye gel (love Mario Badescu, Aveeno, and Oil of Olay's eye gels/creams) to the under eye area. If you have a little more time, you can always apply some cucumber slices, frozen spoons, or a cold mask for a few minutes too. I tend to stick with the eye cream only. Then, slick on some brightening under eye concealer to camouflage dark or puffy under eyes. Try Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer or Yves St Laurent Touché Eclat.
4. Conceal redness- A dead giveaway to appearing under the weather is redness around the nose. Make sure to apply a moisturizing concealer to those red spots!
5. Brighten eyes- There is not a lot that can be done to reduce watery eyes, but you can make them appear healthier with a coat or two of mascara (waterproof to combat the wateriness!) and a little dab of highlighter on the inner corners. Any light, slightly iridescent eyeshadow or highlighter will work.
6. Reduce pallor- If the color has drained from your face, swipe on a peachy blush on the apples of your cheeks to give a radiant look. A cream blush, like Stila Convertible Color, will work even better if your skin is dry.
I am not including photos of myself in this post, as I look and feel like death:)
Give it a try and let me know if you think these tips help! Please share your comments, suggestions, etc in the comments sections below!
1. Make sure to moisturize- Moisturizing your face will help your skin look plump, hydrated and healthier; dry skin NEVER looks healthy. My personal favorite is Mario Badescu AHA and Ceramide Moisturizer.
2. Un-chap those lips (and noses)- Apply a thick layer of Aquaphor or Vaseline to your lips and nose to prevent flaking and dryness.
3. Depuff eyes- Apply a cooling eye gel (love Mario Badescu, Aveeno, and Oil of Olay's eye gels/creams) to the under eye area. If you have a little more time, you can always apply some cucumber slices, frozen spoons, or a cold mask for a few minutes too. I tend to stick with the eye cream only. Then, slick on some brightening under eye concealer to camouflage dark or puffy under eyes. Try Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer or Yves St Laurent Touché Eclat.
4. Conceal redness- A dead giveaway to appearing under the weather is redness around the nose. Make sure to apply a moisturizing concealer to those red spots!
5. Brighten eyes- There is not a lot that can be done to reduce watery eyes, but you can make them appear healthier with a coat or two of mascara (waterproof to combat the wateriness!) and a little dab of highlighter on the inner corners. Any light, slightly iridescent eyeshadow or highlighter will work.
6. Reduce pallor- If the color has drained from your face, swipe on a peachy blush on the apples of your cheeks to give a radiant look. A cream blush, like Stila Convertible Color, will work even better if your skin is dry.
I am not including photos of myself in this post, as I look and feel like death:)
Give it a try and let me know if you think these tips help! Please share your comments, suggestions, etc in the comments sections below!
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
You Are What You Eat!
You may not
be aware of it, but the foods you eat can really make a difference in your
appearance. Here is a list of foods that
can help make you look more radiant, youthful and healthy.
Foods rich
in Omega-3 and Omega-6: Helps hydrate and replenish skin and hair. Foods to eat:
Oily fish (sardines, tuna, salmon), walnuts, flaxseeds, and nut and seed
oils
Antioxidants: Help destroy free radicals (disease and
cancer causing molecules in the body), and can increase the plumpness and elasticity
in the skin. Foods to eat: Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries,
grapes, bell peppers, spinach, tomatoes, green tea, coffee, wine
Zinc: Speeds up healing, helps heal acne,
and brightens a dull complexion Foods
to eat: Shrimp, green leafy vegetables,
eggs
Vitamin A:
Helps skin stay supple, keeps eyes and hair healthy
Foods to
eat: Whole milk, liver, oily fish, eggs
Vitamin C:
Helps produce collagen for skin elasticity
Foods to
eat: Peppers, peas, kiwi, strawberries
Beta-carotene:
Protects against aging effects of sunlight
Foods to
eat: Spinach, apricots, mangoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, tomatoes
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