Happy Friday readers!
If you’ve never really had sensitive skin but all of a sudden you’re experiencing irritation, you may have sensitized skin. Sensitized skin can be a result of stress, hormonal fluctuations, smoking, alcohol, poor diet, medical procedures, over-exfoliated skin and fragrance. Eliminating or controlling these factors should help you get your skin back to normal.
Have a great weekend!
Stephanie
Happy Friday everyone!
Ever wonder how much skincare product you need to use during your daily regimen? Use this visual, courtesy of Bioelements, as a guide.
Enjoy the weekend!
Stephanie
Happy first day of September everyone! It’s time again for my monthly favorites and you’ll notice that most items here are skincare. Well, my skin has been acting up lately and I had to pretty much stop wearing all products until I could try to figure out what the culprit was. I’m thinking I have a slight sensitivity to something in my kickboxing class. These products have been instrumental in keeping my face calm so let’s get to it.
Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20
Described as, “flawlessly undetectable like it belongs on your skin, this innovative formula features medium, buildable coverage and a modern matte, natural finish that feels uniquely airy and silky on skin.” On a whim, I decided to pick up this foundation and I absolutely love it. It silky texture melts right into your skin and enhances it in the most natural way. You’ll forget you’re wearing makeup. I haven’t really heard much about this foundation but I highly recommend giving this a go.
PCA Skin CliniCalm 1%
This product contains 1% hydrocortisone to soothe and provide temporary relief of itching and irritation, both of which I’ve been experiencing lately. While the formula is safe to be used for 7 consecutive days, I find I only need to use it for 2 days before my symptoms start to clear up.
PCA Skin Sheer Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Not pictured above, I received a few sample packets of this and I have to say I am impressed. This is a universally tinted, water resistant physical sunscreen (Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) that can be used alone or layered under makeup. Since it’s a purely physical sunscreen (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide), this has been perfect for my sensitive skin. The coverage is very sheer, so a tiny bit of redness still peeks through but overall, it’s a great product and I’ll be picking this up at the trade show this month.
Skin Script Green Tea Citrus Cleanser
Most of my cleansers were off limits for a bit and this one was really the only one that didn’t feel irritating. With a blend of antioxidant rich green tea, grape seed extract to counter skin irritations to offset redness and inflammation, and wild cherry bark extract to help soothe skin, this gentle foaming cleans without stripping skin dry.
Caudalie Resveratrol Eye Lifting Balm
Featured in this month’s Play! By Sephora box, this eye cream absorbs quickly into skin and provides a nice brightening effect. Read review here.
Dermalogica After Sun Repair
One of my most cherished items from Dermalogica, this is my holy grail skin saver. I keep it in the fridge and when my skin feels like it’s burning, I apply a generous amount of this to my face and the coolness instantly calms my skin. This product is left on and is formulated with lavender, cucumber, chamomile, yucca and algae extract to restore moisture loss and aid skin recovery.
Stephie Estie Skincare
Another huge favorite this month has to be of course my new business doing skincare. I opened up the first weekend of August and I’m so blessed and thankful to God for this opportunity. It’s a work in progress and pretty stressful but so far a lot of people have been so supportive and I couldn’t ask for more at the moment. 🙂
Note: For the most part, my skin is slowly returning to normal. I notice that once I stop the kickboxing class for a few days, my skin feels better. I’ve participated in other fitness activities where I sweat just as much, but I don’t get a reaction. I’m assuming my skin is either sensitive to the cleaning solutions they use or perhaps the gloves/punching bags. Of course I don’t want to give up the class because I really enjoy it so I’ve found that right after completing my session, I immediately remove my wraps, wash my hands and arms thoroughly with soap and water and then rinse my face with cold water. This process has helped tremendously in reducing irritation/sensitivity.
What are your favorites for August? And, have you experienced any skin reactions when exercising? Share your thoughts below!
Stephanie
Hi everyone! I know took an extra week for my summer blogging break but I’m back! I’ve been keeping pretty busy with my new business, getting ready for a wedding I’m attending this weekend, my regular work, researching, and working out. Sending a huge thanks and welcome to all my new followers. 🙂
I’m bringing you a review for the August Play! By Sephora, which is a monthly $10 curated subscription box featuring samples of different brands available at Sephora. The theme for this month is The Eye Openers, with products meant to refresh and recharge your beauty routine.
Clean Reserve Blonde Rose
A classic yet edgy bouquet of rose, jasmine and peony with a sandalwood base that is supposed to evoke feminine sophistication and allure. I typically love rose scents but this smells awful. Definitely not my type of perfume at all. Doesn’t help that it has a combination of peony and jasmine, which is way too overwhelming for my taste.
Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow in I-544
An eyeshadow described as a, “highly saturated, iridescent pink granite eyeshadow made with a unique gel-powder formula and ultrafine pigments for smooth color.” I like this shadow and the fact that you can create a smokey effect that’s subtle and pretty. It shows up kind of purple on me but it can be sheered out or built up to more intensity.
Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12hr Wear Waterproof in Flirting Game
An easy-to-apply pencil that has a 12-hour waterproof formula in a shimmery taupe shade. So confession, I have been wearing this as eyeliner only. I confused this with eyeliner but it’s actually supposed to be used on the contour of your eye. Whoops. No worries though, it works just as well as an eyeliner and the taupe shade is a perfect enhancing shade that gives definition without a stark harshness. It lasts all day yet by the end of the day, it has smeared a bit. I doubt it would hold up for 12hrs without a primer on my oily lids. The Make Up For Ever shadow and this are great shades for transitioning into the fall season.
Swatches below: Sephora Contour Eye Pencil (top) and MUFE Artist Shadow (bottom).
Urban Decay Perversion Mascara
A lengthening and volumizing mascara that has a triple-black pigment formula to coat lashes. I like this mascara as it makes my lashes look thicker and the pigment is intense. However, just like the Perversion eyeliner, the formula does make my eyes water and sort of burn by the end of the day. Because of this, I won’t be purchasing the full size.
Caudalie Resveratrol Eye Lifting Balm
This eye cream is said to lift and smooth the eye area with a breakthrough patented formula while reducing the look of dark circles and puffiness. This eye cream does have a brightening effect on me- like a very muted opal iridescence. It works well under makeup and doesn’t irritate my eyes. Will definitely keep this on my wishlist.
Lancome Energie de Vie Smoothing & Glowing Liquid Care Moisturizer
A concentrated energizing liquid lotion that visually relieves dullness, diminishes signs of fatigue, and promotes a healthy-looking glow. I haven’t tried this one yet because my skin has been acting up and I’ve been keeping my skin care routine simple until I’m back to normal.
Since I liked about 4 of the six products included here, I’d say this was a good box overall. Curious to see what next month holds.
Any particular favorites that you see here? Let me know in the comments below!
Stephanie
Happy Thursday everyone! Anybody else ready for the weekend?
I have a special post today about seasonal skincare that was inspired by the people over at Dollar Shave Club. As a company that provides an economical and convenient way to deliver razors each month, they also recognize the importance of a good daily skincare routine. They reached out to me to share my tips for keeping skin healthy and glowing all year long so let’s get to it!
Spring
Spring brings with it the renewal and resurrection of nature but, unfortunately, for most of us it also brings one not so great feature-allergies! The watery eyes, itchy throat and nose, and constant sneezing coupled with allergy medication can leave your skin sensitized. Make sure to wear plenty of sunscreen as some medications can cause skin to become more sensitive with sun exposure and keep your skincare routine basic (cleanser, toner and moisturizer) until you’re in the clear.
Summer
Arguably the most favored season, summer signifies endless days at the beach and camping trips which can also bring about sunburns if you’re not careful. It’s imperative to not only wear sunscreen but to also remember to reapply it every two hours or as directed. In the event of a sunburn, ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile and yucca extract can help calm the burning and itchy sensation that often accompanies a sunburn. Dermalogica After Sun Repair is a personal fave!
It’s also good to include some type of exfoliation to help get rid of buildup that can clog pores. Skip skincare products that contain retinols and AHA’s and instead use scrubs that contain spherical jojoba beads for a more gentler form of exfoliation. Low foam cleansers remove oil and debris without stripping skin.
Fall
With summer over and temperatures dropping, now is a great time to step up your skincare routine and address any damage/sun spots that might have surfaced. Incorporating a vitamin C serum in the daytime under sunscreen can help brighten and fade spots over time. Using a retinol serum at night can smooth the appearance of skin and using AHA’s like lactic acid can help both exfoliate and hydrate the skin.
And, with the pumpkin craze that hits the market this time of year, why not add a professional pumpkin peel to your facial. Pumpkin peels are great for stimulating collagen and elastin production and reducing the sings of aging by softening fine lines and wrinkles. A perfect skin treat right before the holiday madness and they smell amazing!
Winter
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, celebrating the holidays with dear loved ones and hanging out in the snow filled mountains; however, cold harsh weather can wreak havoc on skin, making it feel dry. Add in all the indoor heating, and you’re left with skin that is tight and itchy. Combination to dry skin can benefit from a cream cleanser which is more hydrating and a richer moisturizer that contains ingredients like glycerin, squalane and shea butter. Oily and acne skin can still use a low foam cleanser but can implement a hyaluronic acid serum underneath their moisturizer to keep skin hydrated without feeling heavy or greasy.
If your skin is in good condition, you can schedule chemical peels to really resurface your skin and bring about a nice and healthy glow. Just remember that sunscreen is still a must this season and every season. Snow reflects about 80% of UV radiation so you want to make sure you’re protected.
I hope you find these tips helpful!
What are your tips for seasonal skincare?
Stephanie
Happy Tuesday and second day of August! How was your weekend? If you follow me on Instagram, you got a sneak peek of a new exciting opportunity that’s happening in my life. I’m setting up shop inside a studio and will be offering skin treatments twice a week very soon! I am so excited and nervous at the same time. Those who know me know that it has been a very bumpy road for me in the esthetics arena but here I am and I am so thankful that God has provided this opportunity for me. 🙂
Here’s a picture of the room I’ll be renting.
In other news, July has come and gone which brings us to my monthly favorites post. Ready to see what I’ve loved this month? Keep reading!
Sol de Janeiro Brazillian Bum Bum Cream
I’ve seen this item floating around on Instagram and has been recommended by a few beauty blogger friends so I picked one up while I was at Sephora. A blend of guaraná, nourishing cupuaçu butter and coconut oil helps your body look and feel its smoothest and tightest. I love the coconut smell of this and how it provides skin with intense hydration. The texture of my legs looks a bit smoother so who knows what will happen with continued use.
Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne
I received this last month for my birthday and I absolutely love it. It’s woodsy without being overpowering and perfect for any season if you ask me.
Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom Cologne
Along with the Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne, I got a sample of the Mimosa and Cardamom one and it smells so delicate and nice. Based on the suggestion that you can layer the fragrances, I blended it with the Wood Sage and Sea Salt and guys, it’s such a great combination. With scents of mimosa, cardamom, tonka bean, sandalwood, heliotrope, Damask rose, it softly mellows out the woodsy aspect of the other cologne if you want a more subtle and sweet version of the Wood Sage and Sea Salt. I highly recommend it.
Benefit Cosmetics Dew the Hoola Soft Matte Liquid Bronzer
Featured in my July Play! by Sephora bag, this liquid bronzer is very easy to use and looks natural on my skin tone.
Marcelle Xtension Plus Curl Mascara
A sample that came with my July Birchbox, this mascara does not leave my eyelashes clumpy and does a nice job of providing a fan-like effect.
MAC Powder Blush in Melba
Another item from my birthday haul, I’ve been using this blush almost every single day because it just looks so natural and blends in effortlessly.
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Shine Sculpting Shine Lipstick in Fairest
The last item on here from my birthday haul, this lipstick is sort of like a MLBB shade that’s just a tad darker. I love using it alone or layered over my ColourPop Echo Park liquid lipstick to create a customized shade that has a little bit more shine and hydration. The magnetic cap is a neat feature.
9Round Kickbox Fitness
At the beginning of this month, I joined 9Round Kickbox Fitness and though I leave looking like a super sweat drenched mess, it’s also a lot of fun. With all that goes on in my life at times, it feels so good to just punch out your frustration. There are no class times which is nice because you can pop in anytime you have 30 minutes to work out and be done or do some extra rounds. Plus the owner, Dan, is very helpful and has modifications available in case you need it, which I do at times.
That’s it for this month! What are your favorites and do you have any advice/suggestions for starting your own business? Let me know in the comments below!
Stephanie
It’s finally Friday and time for another skin tip!
Our skin is a very unique organ and if you pay close attention, you’ll start to see what it’s trying to tell you. If you’re using a product that suddenly leaves your skin red, blotchy and itchy, chances are it’s too strong for you or you’re having an allergic reaction. Likewise, if your skin has a slight burning feeling every time you apply a product, something is causing it to behave that way. Don’t ignore these signs and try to figure out what the product it is by process of elimination or asking advice from your trusted esthetician/medical professional.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Stephanie
Happy Friday everyone!
If you’re headed to the pool this weekend, make sure to rinse your skin with non-chlorinated water before you enter the pool as this can lessen the amount of irritation chlorine can cause the skin.
Have a safe weekend everyone and don’t forget to check out my article on sunburns here!
Stephanie
Days spent at the beach or by the pool is one reason we love summer but sometimes this enjoyment renders one caveat: leaving us lobster hued. Sunburns can be painful and in some cases be accompanied by blisters. Note: If you have blisters and severe swelling, seek medical attention immediately.
But once your sunburn heals and the peeling has stopped, all is good right? Not really. Sunburns can double your chance of developing melanoma later in life but it may take several years for the damage to show up.
What is a Sunburn?
Simply put, your skin turning red is an indication that your skin has been severely damaged due to extreme UV exposure causing blood vessels to dilate. The skin starts to lose moisture and hydration causing a feeling of tightness. Although our body can cope with minimal amounts of sun damage, the danger happens when our DNA becomes damaged and its repair process is compromised, which can lead to skin cancer.
Tips for Sunburn Relief
Application
Application and reapplication of sunscreen is crucial. Ensure you are applying enough- a teaspoon for the face and one ounce shot-glass size for the body- and reapply about every two hours.
Hydration
Your body is overheated so it’s important to drink a lot of water.
Skim Milk Cold Compress
A cold compress or cloths soaked in skim milk can relieve pain-skim milk is the preferred choice because it does not have any fat content. The protein found in milk binds to the burned skin to soothe the pain.
OTC Remedies
Aspirin or ibuprofen can slow down the inflammatory reaction.
Application of a 1% hydrocortisone cream may help with sunburn pain and swelling.
Simple DIY Remedy
Plain cold yogurt can be used on sunburned areas. Leave on for 10-20 minutes, then rinse off.
Final Say
Until your skin heals, stay away from the sun, heat, friction and excessive exercise and do not pick at loose skin-it can scar! Avoid exfoliating and keep your skincare regimen simple. The key is to soothe and calm inflammation.
How do you treat a sunburn?
Stephanie
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Happy Thursday everyone! With the 3 day weekend, this week is zooming by fast. I have a post today on some of the items I got for my birthday as several of you expressed interest in seeing what I got/picked up. Ready? Let’s go!
Kate Somerville Goat Milk De-Puffing Eye Balm
First up is this cooling eye balm which was also included in my June favorites. It’s quickly becoming a staple in my daytime/nighttime routine.
Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Shine Sculpting Shine Lipstick in Fairest
I had originally purchased the Estee Lauder blush in Brazen Bronze but it turned out to be a very close dupe to the Becca Wild Honey blush. So, I returned it and got this lipstick shade. It’s a neutral-mauve shade with a hint of bronze that is just so pretty and perfect for any occasion.
BH Cosmetics Forever Aqua Gloss Nude in Honeysuckle and Scone
Browsing through the BH Cosmetics website, I decided to add these glosses into the cart. I’ve heard good things about them, they were on sale and you can’t have too many neutral lipsticks, right? Right! These are subtle, not too sticky and great for layering over lipstick.
Top to Bottom: BH Cosmetics Honeysuckle, Scone, and Estee Lauder Fairest.
BH Cosmetics Illuminate by Ashley Tisdale Cream Cheek and Lip Tint in Cabana
The main reason I was glancing at the BH Cosmetics website was this blush/lip collection. The shade Cabana looked so pretty and I thought it’d be a good addition to my collection. It doesn’t disappoint as it has great pigmentation-don’t let the pale pink color fool you-and stayed on pretty much all day.
MAC Powder Blush in Melba
MAC was having a 15% sale (yes, another sale item!) and I could not pass it up. I’ve never owned any of their blushes so this was the perfect excuse. I’ve heard about the cult-favorite shade Melba so I snatched up this matte, soft coral peach pan. The hype is real on this one as it’s not too strong of a shade nor is it too light.
Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector
Initially I went to Sephora with the intent of picking up the Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face palette. After swatching it though, I decided it was too glittery for my taste and I couldn’t see myself using two of the blush shades. I decided that the next best thing was this eye brightener as I’ve seen the floating around on IG and blogs. Layered under my concealer, this corrector brings more light and life to my under eye area. A must-have when you’re tired but don’t want to look it.
Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne
I originally wanted Beach Walk from Maison Margiela and I did buy the roller ball version. However, I stopped by the Nordstrom counter and caught a whiff of this one and I fell in love. I left the counter with only the perfume spritz card and plans to come back for it later. Well, days later my mom surprised me with a bottle! Thank you mom! With notes of bergamot, ambrette seeds, sea salt, sage and driftwood accord, this scent is unique and works well when layered with the Jo Malone Mimosa and Cardamom cologne. It’s my new signature scent.
Of course, I love all of these-I can’t really choose a favorite. I also have a chocolate spa treatment day that my sisters gifted me which I still need to cash in so I’m hoping to do a blog post on it later. 🙂
Are any of these your favorites? Which products are you currently coveting for your birthday or otherwise?
Stephanie