Products that make you glowowowowoow! Part 2

Cosmetics that give you that fresh faced, dewy, I got my nine hours of sleep last night look.

Which doesn't happen during finals week.

Benefit High Beam.

Perfect for highlighting and creating a beautiful angelic pink glow to your skin!  In a to-go size as well.

Benefit Moon Beam.

With such a warm glow, it's like holding a whole dang candelabra to your face!

NARS Body Glow

Bare Escentuals High Shine Eyecolor

Makes your eyes pop with it's shimmery finish and pretty wash of color!

Dew Me Moisturizing Setting Spray

Sets your makeup and preventing it from melting like the Wicked Witch of the West while still providing a dewy look.

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat

A concealor-highlighter hybrid that's a cult classic.

Physician's Formula Powder Palette Mineral Glow Pearls

A quick sweep of this over the cheekbones and temples will give your skin a multi dimensional glow.

Cheap ways to look radiant:

Rub vaseline over your blush for a little extra dew

Crush a little shimmery eyeshadow into your lotion for legs like the Vicky's Models (welp...we can all dream)

For an at home mask to make your skin all happy, mash a banana with some oatmeal and a dollop of honey.  

...and it actually tastes good. So if you have extra, I mean I'm not judging...




WHEN WILL IT STOP RAINING HERE?:(

Zits.

No one likes zits or mosquitoes.


This is not a generalization.  This is a fact of life.


And since my face seems to be a harboring quite a few lately, I'm giving these zits the satisfaction they want and providing them with a shout out here on the blog.  I guess they just get jealous that I give too much attention to the eyelashes or something.


Heregoes some info about zits and acne, with the intent that it will be helpful to those who constantly poke and prod at their face in hopes that alone will make them go away. 

Types of Acne:




Whiteheads- When the pores of your skin collect oil/sebum (which is a natural oil), you get whiteheads.  These clog your skin follicles and become lesions that are unexposed to air. Awesome.

Blackheads- When a follicle in your skin becomes clogged due to your body's overproduction of oil, a blackhead appears.  wah wah wah.

Papules- Are those awful, firm, pink bumps that are super painful and impossible to "express" as the derms call it because they don't contain any puss!  Ugh you can't even get a satisfying pop out of them. My friend Cara's worst enemy is the papule-she likes to pop zits a lot. Anywho...

Pustules- A reddish area caused by a reaction of the skin from free fatty acids with a whitish or yellow center composed of puss. 

Nodules and Cysts-  Nodules appear on large parts of your body and are vicious! They reside deep in the skin for months/years and are really mean to you.  Cysts also like to hang out beneath the skin.  They are typically inflamed blackheads or whiteheads that spill out into other pores, and as your bodies defense system produces puss as a reaction, you begin to hate them more and more.

All this info was found on acne.com by the way...I'm no where near well informed enough to make these assertions on my own.




Here are some of the most common ingredients in acne medication...I figured it would just be easier to copy this from 10acne.com then to try to explain this myself.

1. ISOTRETINOIN

This ingredient can reduce oil or sebum production, soothes the inflammation in the form of pimples, pustules and cysts and can also help unblock the clogging of pores. However, use of this product can also result to side effects such as dryness and scaling of the skin, particularly on the lips.

2. ALCOHOL AND ACETONE

This is a mainstay ingredient in cleansers as well as astringents. They are effective in removing dirt and oils from the skin. They can cause stinging or a burning sensation on the skin. Some dermatologists would advise against using these products on your face if you have severe acne, however, it can prevent the increase of break-outs if you use it regularly at the onset of acne.

3. SALICYLIC ACID

This ingredient aims to dissolve comedones or whiteheads through the removal of dead cells inside the hair follicles. This in turn prevents the pores from being clogged allowing oil or sebum to pass through unimpeded. It has the effect of stinging and in the first few days of use, it can cause mild redness. Some products have a maximum of 2 percent salicylic acid in their preparation. However, for some people, a stronger mixture can be prepared depending on your skin’s needs.

4. BENZOYL PEROXIDE

This is considered the most active ingredient in acne treatment. It is basically an anti-bacterial ingredient that helps remove bacteria in the follicles. It also has the effect of dissolving comedones which is an early sign of acne. Some products have Benzoyl peroxide ingredient from 2.5 to 10% worth. Again, it depends on the severity of your acne. This is recommended for early onset acne and for prevention. Side effects would include dryness and scaling in some and redness and swelling in others.

5. SULFUR

This is rarely used alone as a product. This is actually included in acne products as an additional help to reduce acne. They remove dead skin cells and excess oil. A keratolytic preparation has drying effects on the skin. It can also cause soreness, especially at the start of the treatment. If this persists, it is advised that use of the product be discontinued until the side effects subside. A change to a lower dosage can also help.

6. ANTIBIOTICS

Some acne treatment products have antibiotics in them to help kill bacteria and prevent the spread of acne. Some doctors also prescribe antibiotics to help prevent scarring. Antibiotics (such as tetracycline, tretinoin and sodium sulfacetamide) come in oral or as topical medication. They must be taken regularly and within the period prescribed. A more natural remedy is tea tree oil which also has antibacterial properties but is usually in topical form like oils, creams and gels.

Some Over the Counter Products That Fight Against Acne:

Proactiv- this skincare system uses benzoyl peroxide to help fight acne.  Speaking from personal experience, the whole process was too much for my skin, as mine is relatively sensitive.  But when I just used the cleanser and the green tea moisturizer, I definitely saw positive results.  I especially like to use it in the summer when my skin is more oily.


Find it: In those little Proactiv machines at the mall, online, infomercials.

Say Yes to Tomatoes- What I'm currently using.  The cleanser and moisturizer are quite affordable (about $10 and $15), and over 95% natural.  This system gains its acne fighting ability through the lycopene in it, which is responsible for giving tomatoes their color and also helps fight free radical damage and promote healthy skin cells.


Find it: Drugstores,online.

Philosophy- On a Clear Day Skin System.  Next on my list of facial products to try.  This salicylic acid based system seems worth trying, as I love basically anything else from Philosophy.  


Find It: Sephora, Online, the QVC channel (thanks for letting me know that one, mom)

Juice Beauty- My sister swears this natural skincare line saved her skin after she had a bout of craycray acne when she was studying abroad.  Her favorite things to use were the Green Apple Peel and the Blemish Clearing Serum.  And the line is all natural. PLUS!


Find It: Online, Sephora, Whole Foods.








What You Can Do In Your Beauty Regimen to Prevent Acne/Breakouts:




-Clean your makeup brushes on a regular basis.  After every use I spray my Sephora Daily Brush Cleaner onto my makeup brushes, and every few months I'll give them a rinse with some gentle soap and lukewarm water.


-Use Mineral-Based Makeup. Because it's good for your pores!  And won't promote nasty oil build up as much as traditional makeup will.  Maybelline, Physician's Formula, and Bare Escentuals all offer great mineral based products.


-Apply that SPF!  If your makeup or moisturizer doesn't already have SPF in it, apply sunblock for Pete sakes.  There are an ASTRONOMICAL amount of studies that say excessive exposure to sun is bad for the skin.  And when there's too much of mr. golden himself, the sun will dry out your skin, causing the next point...


-Don't over dry your skin. I know when I have a zit I feel like letting my skin dry out by not using moisturizer and way to much toner so I can be all, "hah!  Try to make a zit without any extra moisture!" And oh my skin proves me wrong.  When you deprive your skin of the moisture it needs (which may be more for some and less for others), it decides to have the last laugh and over produce oil on its own, giving you even more breakouts.

And one more note...

Stress and sleep deprivation cause eeet!ness on your skin (chemical stuff here in da body, people).  So, get some sleep like I should be doing and chalk up your latest procrastination act to "prevention measure against acne"




So, now that you've had your fifteen minutes of fame, you can go away now zits.

Drugstore Favorites Part 2

The Best Blush

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends

Why?  Think back to when you would color as a kid.  Did you also have a hard time picking a realistic skin color for any of your illustrations or was that just me?  I felt like the yellow, brown, peach, white, etc.  didn't really capture a realistic color when used by themselves.  But when you mix just the right amount of various colors, bam! Way better.  Much like mixing a bunch of different tones with crayolas, this blush does the guesswork for you.  By sweeping your brush over the different shades you automatically get a dynamic color!

Best Bronzer(s)

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Powder 

Why? As explained above with the blush, different tones are a plus.  Especially with bronzer.  In my experience, I prefer to buy a bronzer that has multiple tones or a touch of shimmer, so that my complexion doesn't look sallow or ruddy.  This bronzer is apparently "mood boosting" with it's violet scent and probably some made up chemical they put on the box.  But the hearts are so darn cute and the color looks lovely, so I guess they can call it whatever they want.

I also love:

Physicians Formula Organic Wear 100% Natural Origin Bronzer

Why? I really like this particular bronzer because it comes in 3 different shades-that way you can find the appropriate shade for your skin tone.  Because it's definitely not flattering to look like you smeared clay across your face (if it's too dark) or drew on your cheeks with chalk (if it's too light).  And it's partially organic and comes in a biodegradable container.

Best Lipgloss

Neutrogena Moisturshine Lip Smoother

Why? This lipgloss is super sheer and available in a ton of different shades.   It's also moisturizing, unlike some lipglosses that just sit there looking goopy.  Plus, SPF 20!  Celebrate with me, people who get cold sores from lip sunburns!

The Best Lip Balm

Chapstick Original

Why?  Never underestimate the power of chapstick, even Napoleon Dynamite doesn't.  Besides costing the amount of money you could find under your couch, it's a great overall moisturizer when you're in a pinch.  For instance, I've used chapstick on my cuticles when they are all dry and ragged, windburn on my face, on my flyaway hairs, even on my ashy ankles-ha!

The Best Lipstick

Maybelline New York Color Sensational Lip Color

Why? There are 48 shades to choose from!  You're bound to find something you like with that kind of selection.  The color goes on smooth and it doesn't make your lips feel dry like some lipsticks can.  I especially love Very Cherry- it's a perfect scarlet red.

The Best Nail Polish

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color

Why? This nail polish is just pretty darn fantastic.  First of all, it's fast drying.  And for those of you that don't have the time or patience to sit around and literally watch paint dry, you have found your soul mate with this product.  Second of all, the pigment is so intense that two coats are not necessary.  Third of all, the brush applicator is fantastic and distributes the product evenly.

-Oh and P.S. Urban has 20% off their shoes for the next few days. woop woop

I need these shoes in my life.

I really enjoy it when people give me topics to write about on my blog-so feel free to let me know!

A Perfecto Base

(cue heavenly music)

I love primer (which is a base that is applied under makeup)!

It is your third best friend in the makeup world (first best friend is the eyelash curler, second is concealer).

  And my absofantasicallyobsessed favorite is Smashbox Photo Finish Primer.  

Out of all the primers that I've ever tried, this one is the best.  A close second: Tarte Clean Slate.

What a good primer should do:

-Go on smoothly and not flake once it dries

-Make your skin really smooth (which is nice, especially if your skin gets dry and ashtastic like mine does in the winter)

-Provide a good base for your makeup. You shouldn't have to reapply often because the primer helps hold it in place.  It also means your eyeshadow shouldn't crease in your eyelid, which is so annoying!

They even make primers that help mask skin discoloration.  Think about opposite colors on the color wheel:

-If you have facial redness, like me (ughugh rosacea), a primer/ powder with a green base can balance out the redness. That way, you don't have to apply a ton of makeup to cover it up. 


Try Physician's Formula Multi Colored Face Powder in Green

or this one from Smashbox






 -If you have sallow/yellowish skin, a lavender powder/primer can help take away sallowness yellowed skin can give you.


Try Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer in Color Balance

-If you have deep, dark, evil under eye circles, like I have as well, using a yellow base does wonders in counteracting those awful monsters.




Try Physician's Formula Gentle Cover Cream Concealer in yellow.

Or this one from Smashbox.

Just remember to apply foundation/powder over these color correctors, or people may look at you weird.

Hope everyone is having a good holiday season and doesn't get caught under the mistletoe with someone creepy.