Eye Cream and When to Start

There’s a misconception that eye cream should be used after the age of 30. That’s usually the age when fine lines start to appear and by that stage it’s already too late. Most of the damage to our eyes - such as sun exposure, late nights of hard partying and studying happens in our early twenties. Well I’m here to tell you that, good habits start young and the beauty of getting in early on the act is prevention.  Don’t let your youth fool you and start using an eye cream as early as possible.  Even if you think your eye area is still firm, an eye cream will keep the surrounding skin hydrated and supple, that way when start developing wrinkles they won’t look nearly as deep.  

The skin around your eye area is super thin and needs to be treated as gently as possible.  There’s a technique to it, and I provided a diagram on wear to apply the cream (please excuse my etch-a-sketch drawing). First, apply a small pea sized amount on the tip of your ring finger.  Your ring finger is the weakest of the bunch and won’t pull on the delicate skin.  Then, gently dot the cream along your bone lines. Start from your inner corner outwards until it is completely absorbed. Repeat this step on your lids. On the outer corners of your eyes, use circular motions. By doing so, you are smoothing out the fine lines and wrinkles. Remember, not to apply too much pressure so that you don’t break any capillaries.

I’m prone to dark circles and puffiness around my eyes, so to keep my eyes in tip top shape I use Exuviance Bionic Eye Cream by Neostrata Company ($55). The cream is light weight and is formulated with Vitamin K and Lactobionic Acid.  

Bite Beauty: Whipped Cherry Lip Scrub

I love Sephora and a couple of months ago I came across a lip line called Bite Beauty. I'm absolutely in love with this brand. What makes this brand so great is that all of their products contain a super-antioxidant called resveratol which is found in red wines, grapes, berries, and even dark chocolate. While I love all the shades of the glosses and lipsticks, I really love the whipped cherry lip scrub. It rubs on gently, exfoliates my lips, and the smell is so good you almost want to eat it. What's even better is that it's an all natural product, so you don't have to worry about swallowing any harsh chemicals.  It is a little expensive, $18 to be exact, but a little bit goes a long way and you won't be disappointed.

Acne Blues: Esthetician vs. Dermatologist

So you've come to a crossroad where you made the decision to seek out a professional.  You can no longer stare at your acne ridden face. Having pimples really blows and no matter how much make-up you put on, you still feel self-conscious. Whoever told me that acne would end after puberty was blowing smoke up my skirt! Acne is a menacing problem and everyone seems to have a solution and a product to fix it. The problem is there’s a plethora of professionals out there, so who do you turn to for advice? Do you seek out the help of an esthetician or get professional advice from a dermatologist?

Estheticians should be considered as a first line of defense. They are very knowledgeable about skin products and can help you establish a good skincare regimen. Estheticians can also perform deep cleansing facials, pore extractions, exfoliation treatments, and waxing.  Visiting your esthetician every 4-6 weeks may be what your skin needs to rid yourself from occasional breakouts.

If you find yourself defeated and over-the-counter medications aren’t working, you should see a dermatologist. The issues you are having with your skin could be hormonal or you may have a skin condition that requires prescription medication. While dermatologists can be both helpful and informative, the visits can be expensive and if you’re lucky, your insurance may pay for it. If this is an option for you, invest in your skin and find the root of the problem.  The pay-off may be well worth it, and your visit to the dermatologist can save you from purchasing useless products.

There’s no right or wrong way to tackle acne and the decision is yours to make. You should choose an approach that is comfortable to you. We’re our own self critics, so do what you need to do to free yourself from the acne blues.

Tatcha - Japanese Beauty Products

Has anyone every heard of Tatcha? It's a Japanese line of beauty products that's suppose to be really good. I want to try it, but right now I'm still using my Obagi and will continue to use it for awhile.  I'm thinking about ordering it for my mother for Christmas to test it out.  When I do, I'll be sure to write a review about it.  I've heard a lot of good things so I do have high expectations for this line.  If you have used it, please leave me a comment and tell me what you think.

Tatcha Aburatorigami Japanese Beauty Papers (Google Affiliate Ad)

Victoria's Secret: Rockin' Body Cream

Let me start off by saying, save your $12 ladies! The Victoria's Secret Rockin' Body Cream claims to make you look 5x sexier...Wow! If only I had the body of a Victoria's Secret Angel to begin with, maybe I would agree with this claim. The pictures I posted show my legs, but I really tried it on my rear end to see if my bum looked sexier. Obviously, if it only took $12 to make every rear end in America look sexier this stuff would be flying off the shelves. While it did make my bum look like a golden peach, it did not hide any flaws or enhance any of my good qualities.  All I needed was a cheap pair of fairy wings to complete my reject Victoria's Secret Angel wannabee look.

To be honest, I didn't expect it to make me look 5x sexier.All I needed was to spend a few more dollar's to get a free gift. There were plenty of other things I could have bought, but the "Look 5x Sexier" on the bottle really caught my eye.  Who doesn't want to look better in the $50 bra and $30 thong they just bought? Haha.  Hey, at least I can say I gave it a shot!

Hyaluronic Acid Day Cream by Derma E

Cooler weather means dryer skin, well at least for me. If you are looking for a light weight non-greasy moisturizer, you should try Derma E Hyluronic Acid Day cream.  It absorbs easily and a little bit goes a long way. When I use this creme my face feels hydrated, plumper, and it gives me that dewy glow. I use it both in the a.m. and p.m. during the colder seasons. This moisturizer is paraben free and the only downside is that it does not have sunscreen protection.  If you decide to try this moisturizer, don't forget to apply a sunscreen first!

For those of you that don't know what Hyaluronic Acid is, it's a natural substance found in the human body. It has been promoted as the "fountain of youth," but there's little evidence that supports this claim. I personally think it works wonderfully and despite the little evidence, it's still definitely worth trying. 

I found this product at my local ULTA for around $28.  If you search the web you can find this product for as low as $15 if you don't mind the wait for shipping.  

Aluminum-Free Deodorants

I bought Tom's of Maine wild lavender aluminum-free deodorant a few weeks ago and decided to give it a try. I have to admit, it was very disappointing.  While I love the smell of lavender, it was not enough to make me try it again. I'm a runner, so using a good deodorant is important to me. One might suggest I use a stronger deodorant like Secret, but I refuse to use any type of deodorant that contain harsh chemicals and aluminum.  I have had some medical issues, so I am pretty cautious on what I put in and put on my body. Anyhow, back to Tom's of Maine wild lavender deodorant. Again, it was very disappointing because even when applied a few times, it does very little to cover armpit odor  My armpits felt very sticky and my skin became a little irritated when I applied it after shaving. Overall, I don't recommend wasting your money on this product.

Currently, I have been using Crystal Essence lavender and white mineral deodorant roll-on. It contains no aluminum chlorohydrate or parabens and is hypoallergenic.  It is by far a better deodorant than Tom's of Maine. It provides strong odor protection and keeps my armpits dry all day long.  The lavender scent is lovely and not over powering.  I highly recommend this deodorant for anyone willing to switch to a natural deodorant.  You can find this product at most drugstores and will cost about $3-$5 for a 2.25 oz. bottle depending on where you purchase it from.

The Body Shop: Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover

If you want a product that removes make-up without leaving greasy residue, you should try The Body Shop's Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover.  This product is water based, so it's not oily like other eye make-up removers. While it is a gentle, it effectively removes water proof mascara without ripping out your eye lashes.  I have used this product for years and have not found a reason or a product comparable enough to switch. It's about $15 for an 8.4 oz. bottle, but the bottle will last you for about 6 months to a year.

Did you notice..Chamomile is spelled Camomile on the bottle? I guess they forgot to spell check before they did the labeling. Haha. Oh well, it's still an awesome product and great buy!

SkinCeuticals: LHA Cleansing Gel and LHA Solution

If you have oily or combination skin, SkinCeuticals LHA Cleansing Gel and LHA Solution are just for you.  My mom has really oily skin and at the age of 56 she still has break outs.  I have used this combination before and recommended it to my mother because it really cleared up my skin a few years ago. She has used it for about two weeks and so far has seen a significant difference in the quality of her skin.  Her face is brighter,she has less blackheads, and when she wakes up her face isn't as oily.  The cleansing gel alone will cost you about $36 for an 8 oz. bottle and the solution (toner) is about the same price depending on where you buy it. You can just purchase the cleansing gel if you want and will get really good results, but I still recommend the toner to remove excess dirt, oil, and to balance the pH in your skin. You'll find SkinCeuticals at almost any medspa, dermatologist, or high end beauty store. It really is a good line. Every dermatologist I have been too has at least recommended one SkinCeuticals product to me. SkinCeuticals is a little pricey but you do get your money's worth hands down.  You only need about a pea size amount of gel to cleanse your face and if you want better results, I would recommend using it with the Clarisonic Microdermabrasion or something similar to it.

EOS lip balm

EOS lip balms come in 6 varieties (summer fruit, lemon drop, strawberry sorbet, honeysuckle honeydew, medicated tangerine, and sweet mint) and all smell wonderfully and not over powering. They go on smoothly and don't leave film on your lips. These uniquely egg-shaped lip balms are so cute. They are 95% organic, paraben and petrolatum free..oh and 100% natural.  The great thing about the shape is that it makes it easy to find in your purse. I'm a big purse kind of gal, so I'm always digging through the bottom of my bag like Marry Poppins. The only downside is that the the lemon drop is the only one with a spf 15.  You can find these almost at any drugstore and will cost around $3-$4.

Peter Thomas Roth: Clini-Matte All Day Oil Control SPF20

Let me start off by saying that the Clini-Matte All Day Oil Control SPF20 is AMAZING!!! I can't say it enough.  It's hard to find both a sunscreen and primer in the same bottle that actually works. I use it around my t-zone area and cheeks (my shiny areas). I have been using this product for over a year now and I can't imagine replacing it with anything else. This is a great product and helps keep your makeup on throughout the day.  However, you still need to use a moisturizer with this, so I don't recommend using this product alone.  Peter Thomas Roth has a really good line and the Clini-Matte All Day Oil Control SPF20 is one that truly stands out from the rest.  I have found Peter Thomas Roth products at Sephora, Ulta, or you can purchase them online. It will cost you about $48 and will last for about 6 months if you use it everyday.  Just a little bit goes a long way and is great for both oily and combination skin.

Establishing a Skincare Regimen

I'm a self-confessed product junkie. I love trying on new skin care products and makeup. While I love experimenting with new products, I do however, recognize the importance of a proper daily skin routine. Before you buy a product you should determine your skin type. There a five skin types and they are:

Normal Skin: Your skin is smooth and firm to the touch with small or medium sized pores. Occasionally, you'll get a blemish or two, and your face doesn't get too dry or oily.

Dry Skin: If your skin always feels and tight and is noticeably flaky and bumpy in some areas, then you have dry skin.

Combination Skin: When you have combination skin, you really have a blend of all the skin types and tend to get oily around your T-zone area. The surrounding skin is pretty normal and less problematic.

Oily Skin: If you feel like you can fry an egg on your forehead then you have oily skin. When you have oily skin, your face is visibly shiny, blemish prone and your pores are noticeably large.

Sensitive Skin: People who have sensitive skin usually know they have sensitive skin. If this is you, your skin can burn easily, react to certain cosmetics with dyes or fumes, and have skin irritation if there's a significant change in weather.

After you determine your skin type, it is important to purchase only products that suit your skin type. Using a product that isn't appropriate to your skin's needs can prove to be ineffective and may worsen the situation. I should also note that you should read and follow the directions on the products carefully. If not used properly, your skin will not benefit from the time and money you invested in taking care of your beautiful face.

You should always cleanse, tone, and moisturize both in the morning and evening. Please wash off all that makeup on your face! You should never be too tired to cleanse your face. This can help prevent clogged pores and will allow your skin a chance to heal and breathe.

When the seasons change, so should your skincare regimen. It should not be a dramatic change but adjusted to treat a specific issue when something changes with your skin. During the summer, I'll use a lighter moisturizer and during the winter I'll go with something heavier.

Establishing a skincare regimen is just a step towards beautiful skin.  Many people like me need more than just cleansing, toning, and moisturizing to achieve healthy looking skin. As my blog grows, I will address what those specific needs are and what treatment options are available.

Obagi Nu-Derm system

The goal of the Obagi Nu-Derm system is to lighten blemishes, correct surface discoloration, and create softer more radiant looking skin. It also promotes skin cell renewal, improves circulation and helps rebuild the collagen in your face.

I started using the Obagi Nu-Derm system a few months ago from the recommendation of my dermatologist, and it has created impressive results.  The system has two separate routines, a morning routine and an evening routine. The steps are numbered 1-6, so it's quite easy to follow.  Both routines begin with the same three steps, Foam N Gel (1), Toner (2), and Clear (3). In the morning, after you use Clear (3), you apply the Exforderm Forte (4) and the Healthy Skin Protection SPF35 (6). In the evening, you follow the Clear (3) with a mixture of Retin A (prescription only) and the Blender (5). I know it sounds like a lot of steps, but once you get the hang of it the process is pretty simple. Keep in mind, that while using this product you should avoid the sun at all costs. Sun exposure can cause darker pigmentation on your skin and reverse the effects of this product.

While the Obagi Nu-Derm system is great for the skin, it may not be so great on your pocket book.  The Obagi Nu-Derm system starter kit can cost you a little over $300.  I would recommend that you seek the advice of a dermatologist before using this product because of the Retin A.  The Retin A really is the magic behind the Obagi Nu-Derm System. If you haven't used Retin A before, you're in for a rude awakening because your skin will peel like crazy using this product. The peeling part of it is not pretty, so I would recommend using plenty of moisturizer. However, patience is key to using this product, and the results are well worth it if you can fork out $300 every 3 months.

If you don't have blemishes or sun damaged skin, I don't recommend purchasing this product because there are other products out there (I will recommend in my upcoming blogs) that are affordable and really great for your skin. My dermatologist recommended this product to me because as a teenager I had acne prone skin, so I had a lot blemishes I wanted to get rid of that other products just could not do for me.

Here are some site's where you can purchase Obagi products online.  Keep in mind that Retin A is prescription only, so you will need to see a dermatologist to purchase this magic in a bottle...or should I say tube ;)

www.lovelyskin.com
www.dermstore.com
www.amazon.com
www.skincare-md.com