Happy Friday everyone!
Here’s an easy way to revive tired feet with a foot soak.
Soak feet in lukewarm water sprinkled with Epsom salts or regular salt. Add in a drop or two of rosemary essential oil (peppermint and eucalyptus work too) and relax. Pat feet dry and massage in your favorite lotion.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Stephanie
P.S. Tune in on Monday for a special post on the Violet Voss Holy Grail palette! 🙂
Hi readers! Hope your week is going well. 🙂
Nothing crinkles the nose faster than the sight of blackheads taking up residence on your face. It’s expected during our teenage years when our body is going through changes but sometimes you find that they continue to form on your face well past your puberty stage. So, what are blackheads and more importantly, what can you do to manage them? Let’s take a look.
Blackheads/Whiteheads Defined
Blackheads and whiteheads fall into a category known as comedones. A comedone is caused when the follicle (pore) becomes congested with dead skin cells, sebum (oil), and other debris.
Open comedones, or blackheads, are open at the surface and exposed to air. This causes the sebum and debris to oxidize resulting in their dark color. Closed comedones, or whiteheads, form when the pore is completely blocked and no air enters the plugged follicle.
Causes of Blackheads/Whiteheads
How to Treat Blackheads/Whiteheads
Thorough Cleansing
Make sure that when you’re cleansing your face, you also focus on the hairline where blackheads and whiteheads can form. Also, make sure that your not aggressively stripping your skin with a harsh cleanser as this can cause your skin to produce more oil to compensate for moisture loss.
Regular Exfoliation
Make sure to exfoliate your skin regularly, about 2-3 times per week, to help remove the accumulation of dead skin cells. *Note: Don’t overly scrub skin as this will result in further irritation and you can really damage skin. Also, if you have inflamed acne, avoid using scrubs and opt for a BHA or enzymes to help with congestion.
Reducing Oil Production
Using a clay based mask about 2-3 times per week, can help draw out impurities and absorb excess oil. Ingredients such as niacinamide, zinc gluconate, and salicylic acid can help regulate oil production.
Keeping Tabs on Makeup and Skincare Items
Sometimes certain types of makeup can contribute to the formation of blackheads and whiteheads. Isopropyl Myristate can be a comedogenic ingredient for some. Using the right skincare products for your skin type also helps. Whereas mature skin would require a thicker moisturizer, skin that is oily should choose something more light-weight such as a gel or lotion.
Seek a Professional
Scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist or esthetician is another option if you’re looking for a deep cleaning of your pores. They can utilize different techniques and tools to help facilitate the removal of blackheads as well as guide you to products that would work best for you.
Was this information helpful to you? Let me know in the comments below!
Stephanie
Happy Friday everyone!
Collagen included in creams will not help your skin product collagen as the molecular structure is too big to penetrate into the skin however it can works as a great moisturizer for dry/mature skin.
Have a lovely weekend everyone!
Stephanie
Hello everyone! We’re a few days shy of the end of April and I’ve got a great collection of items to share so let’s get started!
Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Double Dare
One of the items I picked up at the Sephora sale, I can’t get over this beautiful shade. If you’re in the market for a great liquid lipstick, pick this one up, if you can find it.
Colour Pop Ultra Satin Lip in Echo Park
If you’re looking for an affordable liquid lipstick, then Colour Pop is your brand. At $6, this warm peachy nude applies smoothly and surprisingly lasts even though it’s not a matte formula. It does come off as it never fully dries and I did find this to be on the drying side but lip balm underneath helps.
The Estee Edit by Estee Lauder The Barest Lip Color in So Bare
A collection I initially dismissed, I’m glad I went back to take a closer look. A lipstick/lip balm hybrid, this feels creamy, hydrating and imparts good pigmentation
Lancome Juicy Shaker in 252 Vanilla Pop
Lancome’s newest take on the original Juicy Tubes, this lip oil is unique. You shake the bottle to mix the lip oils and pigments to create a nice, albeit sheer, wash of color. The applicator is a stubby sponge attached to the cap which feels plush and melts the product onto your lips. This product gets addicting so you have been warned. 😉
L’Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion in C3
I was a fan of the Laneige BB Cushion Compact so I wanted to give this one a try. This does give a nice luminous look to skin that doesn’t feel heavy. I’m not a big fan of the sponge that’s included so I use my beauty blender to apply the product. Overall, I’m happy with this one.
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation #3
I requested a sample of this foundation at the Charlotte Tilbury counter and this one is pretty much perfection. It’s light-weight and provides enough coverage for me where it doesn’t look cakey and covers up my redness. I was worried that this would be to glowy for my combination skin but so far it gives a nice sheen without looking like an oily mess.
Charlotte Tilbury Film Star Bronze and Glow
Another iconic item from Charotte Tilbury, I had to pick up this Film Star Bronze and Glow palette after one of the makeup artists tried it on me. I will say that the Sculpt shade is lighter than expected but it sculpts cheek bones in a not-so-obvious way. It blends in pretty nicely too. The highlighter is also not that obvious looking but adds a subtle ethereal glow.
Becca Mineral Blush in Wild Honey
I love using this blush as it blends effortlessly and looks great applied over bronzer. It’s not matte and has small shimmer particles but when it’s on me, it looks a bit matte.
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Matte Bronzer
A perfect shade for sculpting and contouring, I’m only sad I didn’t try this sooner. Love that the color is dark enough to define cheekbones but not overpowering. I use this instead of the CT Sculpt shade when I want more definition.
Renee Rouleau Soothing Eye Makeup Remover
I received this when Renee was in town and I have to say that this did not irritate my sensitive eyes. Sometimes certain makeup remover wipes or formulas sting my eyes but this one was very gentle with no burning feeling. It did well in removing minimal eye makeup but I had to use something more oil based if I had heavier eye makeup.
Skin Script Glycolic Cleanser
I ordered a few samples of these and boy these are very active products. Containing 17% glycolic acid, I use this about twice a week when I’m experiencing some breakouts. It’s also doubling as my beauty blender cleanser as it effectively removes all the gunk that accumulates on it.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
I’ve been impressed by this hair mask. As soon as I apply this, it leaves my color treated hair softer and smoother feeling.
Govino Go-Anywhere Carafe and Water Glass Set
I know this is missing from the main picture, but I didn’t have it with me at the time. I received this carafe and water glass set in my March PopSugar Must Have Box and since I’ve kept it with me at work, I’ve been staying way more hydrated than I normally do. The carafe is 28 oz and I refill it a few times a day. I also love the fact that it’s easy to store and doesn’t take up too much space as you can place the water glass upside down on top of the carafe.
Please let me know your favorites this month and if you’d want a full review of any of these products!
Stephanie
Happy Thursday everyone! Subscription box week continues with April’s PopSugar box! This monthly box includes items that range from fashion, beauty, home, fitness and food, making it a well rounded subscription box. All items are full size and valued at over $100. This box is$39.95 per month while the new PopSugar mini box is $18.95.
Take a look at what’s inside!
Chrissy Tiegen’s Cravings: Recipes For All the Food You Want to Eat, $29.99
A cookbook from supermodel Chrissy Teigen that features craveable concoctions including some of John Legend’s top picks. I’ve flipped through the pages and this cookbook does not disappoint with recipes including Sweet Chili & Mustard Glazed Salmon and John’s Crispy Roasted Potatoes. Yum!
Canvas Home Tinware Salt & Pepper Shakers, $12
These vintage-looking hand glazed salt and pepper shakers are from the Canvas Home’s bestselling Tinware collection. They are super cute and antique looking.
Noon Design Shop “Lemons” Flour Sack Tea Towel, $18
A handmade supersoft towel that is made in the US and gets better with every wash. A dish towel is always welcome and will come handy.
Next By Nature Dark Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans, $3.99
“These dark chocolate espresso bites are a natural alternative to your favorite candy-free of gluten, corn syrup, and preservatives, they are a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth.” I ‘ll take dark chocolate covered espresso beans any time and these ones are delish! I can satisfy my cravings without indulging in The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s Black Forest drink.
Royal Apothic Field Poppy Conservatories Hand Creme, $24
Inspired by recipes from an antique apothecaries manual, this rich hand cream has notes of fig, tea, jasmine, lily, moss and leaf. I found this hand creme to smell a bit more on the masculine side, sort of like Giorgio Armani’s Acqua di Gio. I do like the scent but I’m not sure I’d want it for a hand cream.
Bloom That $20 Gift Card
A special extra, this gift card can be used to treat yourself or a loved one to beautiful floral arrangements. It feel this will come in handy as Mother’s Day is just around the corner.
Farmacy Sleep Tight Firming Night Balm, $48
Applying this lightweight balm before going to sleep will transform into a gentle oil gel to replenish and nourish skin overnight. I have yet to try this item but it seems interesting.
I’m happy with this month’s box, especially the cookbook. Can’t wait to try out the recipes. 🙂
What did you think of this month’s box?
Stephanie
When you hear the word chemical peel, usually what springs to mind are horrifying images of red blotchy, blistered, maybe even bloody, skin. However, not all peels are created equal. Enzyme peels can offer a more gentle form of exfoliation while a TCA peel can penetrate into the deeper layers of skin.
Here’s an overview on what you need to know about chemical peels.
Chemical Peels Defined
A chemical peel is an accelerated form of exfoliation that involves an injury of a specific skin-depth. It involves a process of removing excess accumulations of dead skin cells from the skin through acids, retinoids or enzymes.
Types of Chemical Peels
Benefits of Chemical Peels
Contraindications for a Chemical Peel
Although a chemical peel is a great treatment, not everyone is a candidate for them. Being honest with your esthetician or medical professional will significantly reduce adverse reactions. The following list details some reasons that can contraindicate a chemical peel treatment:
Post Chemical Peel Care
Once your procedure is completed, follow your esthetician’s or medical professional’s advice on how to care for your skin. Key points to remember are:
Before you opt to receive a chemical peel, consult with your esthetician or medical professional to discuss your goals and concerns see what options are right for you. Also, be mindful of the fact that it may take more than one treatment to see results so make sure that you are financially prepared.
I hope this post was helpful and if you have any other questions, let me know!
Have you ever received a chemical peel? What was your experience like?
Stephanie
Happy Friday everyone!
While you’re busy doing your spring cleaning, don’t forget to do the same for your skincare items. Toss out any items that have expired-you might be surprised at what you find! Also, remember that with the change of seasons, your skin might also experience changes so pay attention to what doesn’t seem to be working for you anymore and find an alternative. Always feel free to contact me with any questions. 🙂
Have a great weekend everyone!
Stephanie
It’s the end of March guys! Can you believe it? This means it’s time to see what my favorite products of this month were. Let’s get started!
Laneige BB Cushion
I received this sample in a Target Beauty Box and I absolutely love the finish it provides. It’s enough to cover up my redness while still maintaining a natural and satin look. It’s a bit pricey so I’d love to try out the L’Oreal one too and see how it compares.
IPKN Flash Cream Radiant Primer
This product was included in my January Birchbox and while it wasn’t initially my favorite back then, I tried this on when my skin looked a little lackluster and it gave such a pretty glow. I’m still not a fan of the scent, but this is a nice, subtle product to use when you need a bit of a pick me up.
NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Apple Dumpling
Another Spring 2016 shade that I picked up at the NYX store, I love how pigmented these glosses are as well as inexpensive. You literally can just swipe this on and go as you’ll get opaque coverage with a glossy finish.
Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm
There’s always room for a lip balm and I really love this one. The formula is thick but spreads easily without feeling goopy on the lips. It nourishes skin and helps keep them feeling soft and hydrated.
Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette
I’m in love with the creamy pigmentation of this formula as well as the neutral colors. For a full review, click here.
Above is a swatch for NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Apple Dumpling.
beautyblender
I purchased this last year and while I used it here and there, it’s been pretty much on the back burner until now. I’ve been using the beautyblender regularly and there’s no cakey foundation here. It really helps to blend everything in.
Dermalogica Hydrablur Primer
I picked this up when I went to the Dermalogica Headquarters and I’m so happy I did. Although I don’t experience much hydration from this, it really smooths out my skin’s surface and helps minimize the appearance of my pores. Definitely provides a smooth canvas to work off of.
Joico Color Balance Blue Shampoo
A few weeks ago I dyed my hair and got highlights. I was advised to buy a shampoo that would help prevent a brassy hue and after visiting my local beauty supply store, I found this shampoo. It’s supposed to neutralize brassy/orange tones to maintain lightened or highlighted brown hair. It literally lathers up blue and kind of stains your hands with a blue shade. It reminds me of that scene in Bride Wars where Kate Hudson’s hair turns out blue. Fortunately, this does rinse off clean and after a minute or two, the color washes off from your hands-no need to wrap your hair with a shirt or book an emergency appointment with your hairstylist. So far, so good.
Here’s a picture of my highlighted hair though it’s a bit lighter now.
What are your March favorites?
Stephanie
Hi everyone! How was everyone’s Easter weekend?
It’s been awhile since I have done a tag but I thought it would be something fun to do today. I was nominated by Rahma from Glamorous Etioles for the Beauty Blogger Tag so if you’d like to get to know more about me and beauty, keep reading.
The Rules for this Tag:
Tag the blogger that nominated you
Answer the questions you were given
Nominate 10 bloggers whose blog is about beauty/lifestyle/fashion
Name 10 questions for your nominees to answer
Inform the bloggers you chose that you nominated them
1. Have you ever done yoga and did you like it?
Yes and yes. To be honest though, when I first started yoga, I didn’t care for it. It wasn’t until I was invited to attend a yoga workshop hosted by Danielle Cuccio that I actually learned to appreciate it. The Powerflow session was done to a great playlist and I’ve been hooked ever since.
2.What products do you splurge on?
Skincare and makeup of course. 😉
3.What products do you save on?
I would say nail polish mainly because I hardly buy any.
4.What is your best tip for maintaining healthy skin?
Sunscreen is a must for healthy skin, so rain or shine, chemical or physical, make sure to apply it. Also, keeping your skin hydrated is important as well.
5.What do you use to remove your makeup?
It depends what I have in my skincare arsenal. Makeup wipes, cleansing oils and cream based cleansers are a few that I like to keep around.
6.How do you maintain your eyebrows (example, threading/waxing)?
Threading, tweezing and sometimes waxing. My eyebrows grow like wildfire so if I don’t keep up monthly maintenance routine, I need to resort to all three.
7:What is your favorite mascara?
At the moment, I would have to say Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Mascara
8.Where do you buy most of your makeup?
I would say Sephora and online about equally.
9.What is your favorite shade of lipstick?
An unfair question to ask a beauty blogger and beauty addict if you ask me. However, currently I’m in love with any and all pink/nude shades.
10.What is your favorite perfume?
Ange ou Demon Le Secret by Givenchy. It’s a bit on the pricey side but I love to buy it when it comes in a set.
That’s it for this tag. I hope you enjoyed reading a little bit more about me and thanks to Rahma for the nomination! Check out her blog and give her a follow while you’re at it. Consider yourself tagged if you want to participate.
My 10 questions:
Have you ever done yoga and did you like it?
What products do you splurge on?
What products do you save on?
What is your best tip for maintaining healthy skin?
What do you use to remove your makeup?
How do you maintain your eyebrows (example, threading/waxing)?
What is your favorite mascara?
Where do you buy most of your makeup?
What is your favorite shade of lipstick?
What is your favorite perfume?
See you on Thursday with my March favorites,
Stephanie
Hi everyone! I’m back from my short blogging break and it’s just in time to bring you my March Birchbox review. Let’s hop to it! 🙂
Cargo Land Down Under Eye Shadow Palette
These smooth eyeshadows are said to be highly pigmented and easy to blend to create a variety of looks. Most likely I will not try these as I have something similar already, however if they’re anything like their blushes, you can bet these claims are true.
Number 4 Hydrating Shampoo
This sulfate-free, vitamin-rich cleanser claims to repair and protect dry and brittle hair. I have curly hair which can definitely benefit from extra hydration. This shampoo lathered nicely despite it being sulfate-free, and left my hair feeling smoother and clean. In my opinion, the scent is a little more on the masculine side but not overpowering.
Number 4 Hydrating Condition (Bonus)
Oddly enough, I have yet to try this one but once I do, I will try to update it on here.
Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm
This “100% natural formula,” rehydrates skin, soothes sunburns, tames unruly brows and nourishes thirsty cuticles. I’ve only tried this as a lip balm and I quite like it. It has a very thick consistency, much like the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask, which intensely moisturizes lips but makes the product hard to squeeze out of the tube.
theBalm cosmetics Stainiac Beauty Queen
I’m a fan of Benefit’s Benetint, so I was curious as how this would compare. Stainiac is theBalm cosmetics’ best-selling stain that gives cheeks and lips a sheer and rosy tint. Unlike Benetint, the consistency on this is a little bit tackier instead of watery. It leaves behind a nice rosy color that has good lasting power but comes off while eating and drinking. I like it for a sheer wash of color and it’s as good as Benetint to me.
Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum
This 5-in-1 eye serum, “lifts, firms, smooths, hydrates and restores the sensitive skin around the eye for a more youthful look.” I’m fond of a couple of Kiehl’s products and I was glad to see another sample from them. I didn’t see a huge improvement with this eye serum, perhaps because I don’t have major issues with my eye area, but it is lightweight and didn’t migrate into my eyes which I love.
A swatch of theBalm Cosmetics Stainiac.
Overall, I thought this box was well rounded and I’m happy with it. 🙂
Have you tried any of these brands? What’s your favorite product from them?
Stephanie