Products I use on my face + My Skincare Routine!

Hey Everyone!

I often get asked what products I use on my skin, what's my routine, etc. In this post I'll talk briefly about the products I use on my face and what I use in my everyday routine. I never really had a specific routine, or was consistent with any skincare products until this past month. In late February, my skin was breaking out pretty bad, so I looked to all of my items of skincare (and added a couple new products) to help get my skin back to where it was. I've been consistent for a month now and I'm very happy with the way my skin is looking.

Cleansers

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil, African Black Soap, Facial Buffer Brush, Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, Exfoliating Facial Pads.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes - These are my favorite makeup remover wipes on the market. I've tried every brand, including discount brands, Garnier, L'Oreal, Ponds, Olay, etc. None of them work as well as the Neutrogena wipes in removing every last trace of makeup and mascara from my face. There are some people who don't like that these towelettes are so watery/oily, but I love that about them. If they were any drier, they wouldn't be as effective. I also find them to be moisturizing for my skin.

Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil - (pictured above in the small screw-top jar with the black lid) There are so many uses for Jojoba Oil, but for cleansing purposes, I love using for hard to remove mascara. Baby Oil works great too (not pictured), but I like using Jojoba Oil because it is very moisturizing for my eye area, and it has conditioning properties for use on eyelashes.

African Black Soap - African Black Soap is an all natural soap containing Coconut Oil, Raw Shea butter, Cocoa Pod ash, Water and Palm Kernel Oil. African Black Soap is used to treat acne, oily skin, clear blemishes, etc. I like lathering it all over my face and rinsing for a great cleanse. It removes makeup better than any soap I've used. I currently only use it 1-2 times a week on my face, because when I was using it daily, it was a little too drying for me. If you have oily skin, I think this is something you'd really like. I use it on my body as well when I'm showering.

Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser - This was a recent purchase of mine because I didn't own any specific "cleanser", and I wanted to give Cetaphil a shot because of the positive reviews. I usually use it after I've already taken off my makeup with the Neutrogena wipes and I would like cleanse/remove any oils or traces of makeup that the wipes may of left behind. I love that it leaves my skin feeling very fresh and soft.

Facial Buffer Brush - I use an exfoliation brush on my face 1-2 times a week with any of the cleansers listed. I don't use it any more than that, because it can be too drying for my skin.

Exfoliating Facial Pads - These come in many shapes and forms. I purchased the ones pictured above from Big Lots in a value pack. I use these pads a couple times a week with my cleanser for a gentle exfoliation, if needed.

 Blemish Control

Tea Tree Oil, Oxy Cleansing Pads, Witch Hazel.

 Gena Laboratories 100% Tea Tree Oil - Tea Tree Oil is a very powerful, natural antiseptic. It can be used on skin, hair and nails. A few drops can be added to your shampoo, body lotions, cleanser, toner, etc to fight bacteria. It can be very drying when used alone, which is why it's best to use it diluted with your favorite products. I like adding a couple of drops to my toner (Witch Hazel) to treat any breakouts. I also like applying a drop directly to any formed pimples to dry it up quicker.

T.N. Dickinson's Witch Hazel - Witch Hazel isn't a part of my everyday routine, but I do find it very handy and use it often. Like mentioned above, I like to use it with Tea Tree Oil on breakouts and I like using it with a cotton ball on areas that are prone to breakouts. I mostly use it on my forehead and chin.

OXY Cleansing Pads - Oxy Cleansing pads are my daily dose of BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid), in which I use after cleansing to deep clean my pores and prevent breakouts. Beta Hydroxy Acid is basically Salicylic Acid, which is found in most acne medications. BHA is able to penetrate deep into your pores, which contains sebum and exfoliate the dead skin cells that are built up inside the pore. Salicylic Acid, is basically Aspirin, which is an anti-inflammatory, and can help calm down certain skin conditions. BHA builds collagen, calms redness, treats acne and blackheads, prevents breakouts, unclogs pores, etc. Best suited for oily and acne prone skin. 

Chemical Exfoliants/AHA

AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion, Alpha Hydrox 10% Enhanced Cream.

Alpha hydroxy acids work by gently peeling away the uppermost layers of the epidermis, which is the top layer of the skin. This will allow the undamaged skin underneath to be exposed and create a smoother, more youthful appearance. Alpha hydroxy acid can be used to smooth dry or rough skin, help control acne and improve the texture of skin damaged by the sun. (Source: http://www.ehow.com/)

Normal healthy skin will have a pH of 4.5-5.5. An AHA product with a lower pH won't be as effective. An AHA with a higher pH, can cause potential skin irritations/side effects, so it's something to look at when choosing an AHA for your skin.

AmLactin - AmLactin Moisturizing Body Lotion contains 12% Lactic Acid (derived from milk). The pH is 4.5-5.5. Although it's a body lotion, I use it on my face to chemically exfoliate my skin, making my skin appear more radiant and fresh. I also use it to fade blemish scars & light freckles from past sun damage. I apply AmLactin after my Blemish Control treatments.

Alpha Hydrox 10% Enchanced Cream - Alpha Hydrox 10% Enchanced Cream contains 10% Glycolic Acid (derived from sugar). The pH is 4. This cream basically does what AmLactin does. It makes my skin appear more fresh and radiant as well as improves texture and skintone.

I switch off between both AHA products. They both seem to be moisturizing and neither one irritate my skin.

Masks

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque -This is a great mask to help dry up blemishes, clear blackheads and shrink enlarged pores. I use this mask whenever I feel my skin needs a little extra pampering. This mask contains sulfur, which is great for treating acne.

Aspirin Mask (not pictured) - (Review here) I don't use this much anymore because I now use Oxy pads for my BHA. 

Misc. Treatments

Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator, Isomers Age Defying Multi-Active Eye Treatment

Perricone MD Advanced Face Firming Activator - I don't find this necessary to use as often as I was before I was using a AHA/BHA daily. I loved this treatment because it made my skin look more even and radiant and made my pores much less noticeable. Now my AHA/BHA do this for me, so I only use this once in a while.

Isomers Age Defying Multi-Active Eye Treatment - This is a new product of mine, but I'm trying it out as my under eye treatment/moisturizer. I like it so far, as it does make my eye look less tried & my skin more smooth.

Moisturizers

Unrefined Shea Butter, 100% Pure Jojoba Oil, Smith's Rosebud Salve

Unrefined Shea Butter - I am obsessed with Shea Butter. It's excellent for moisturizing as well a healing. I like applying it on areas that are really parched, like areas around my nose. I also like to apply it to blemishes and under my eyes. (Not to mention smearing this stuff all over my body!!!)

Desert Essence 100% Pure Jojoba Oil - I love Jojoba oil as well. I like using it under my eyes to moisturize, or all over my face when my skin is feeling very dry. Jojoba really helped me through the winter months.

Smith's Rosebud Salve - My favorite product to keep my lips moisturized. I apply this to my lips before I go to sleep, in the morning and throughout the day. It keeps my lips moisturized all day more than any other lip product.

Estee Lauder Time Zone, Pond's Clarant B3, Olay Night of Olay

Estee Lauder Time Zone - I like using this moisturizer after my AHA to keep my skin from drying out. It quenches the thirst of my skin very well and makes my skin look more radiant.

POND'S Clarant B3 - I really like using this at night and in the morning (before I apply makeup). It moisturizes my skin extremely well and I love the smell.

OLAY Night of Olay- My favorite night cream ever. Nothing makes my skin feel as soft as this cream. It helps keep my skin moisturized.

I alternate between all of my moisturizers.

My Current Routine

Before bed - (take off makeup) Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

(Cleanser) Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser

(Blemish Control) Tea Tree Oil to blemishes, if necessary

(BHA) Oxy Cleansing Pads

(AHA) AmLactin 

(Treatment) Isomer's Age Defying Multi-Active Eye Treatment

(Moisturizer) Olay Night of Olay Cream

(Lip Moisturizer) Smith's Rosebud Salve

Morning - Wash face warm water & wash cloth

(BHA) Oxy Pad

(Moisturizer) Estee Lauder Time Zone

Apply Makeup

My routine has really been working great for me. I haven't had any new breakouts this month (which is extremely rare) and my skintone is much more even and radiant. My pores are less noticeable and my skin looks much healthier. I'll continue with any updates in the future!

My Nailcare Routine + A Few Tips for Healthy Nails!

I receive several questions daily about my nails, in regards to the health and upkeep of having them long. In this post, I'm going to address everything I do to maintain my nails, as well as a few tips!

Some background info about my nails: Through my adolescence, reaching adulthood, I never took that great of care to my nails. Although I always denied that I was a "biter", I was indeed a biter. I wouldn't bite my nails as they would grow, but I would bite my nails once they would chip or tear. I would also "pick" my teeth/gums with my nails, which was a terribly nasty habit that would cause breakage of my nails. I believe a lot of my biting occurred from the cause of nerves. When I'm nervous, I tend to want to bite at my cuticles. How gross, and embarrassing. In the past, maybe three-four years I kicked my bad habit to the curb because I was sick of having little third grader looking nails. ***You may notice from my NOTD posts that my middle fingernail looks a little funny. It looks like it may be chipped. My middle finger is actually crooked, as is my nail. When all of my fingers are straight, and I look down at my hand, my middle finger and nail curve slightly left, while all of the others are straight.

My natural nails

My Nail Routine
1) I remove my old nail polish once it has chipped. Most of the times it is around 5-6 days. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I use Acetone (any brand). I've purchased Acetone from CVS, Walmart & Target. They are all the same (to me). I use Acetone because it removes the polish from my nails much faster than non-acetone formula. Although non-aceone formulas are much more gentle.
2) I file my nails. If necessary, I will trim them. But I prefer filing them down because I tend to cut too much with a nail clipper. I bend my fingers with my nails facing toward my body, and one by one file the nail straight across. It's very important not to file quickly back and forth, or as many call it, "sawing" because it weakens your nails and can cause them to peel. You want to file your nail in the same direction. I do not touch the sides of my nails until the end. Once I bend my fingers and match up my cuticles and see they all match in length, I will slightly soften the corners of my nails so they aren't pointy. This only takes a couple of swipes with the file. I do not round them out. I use a standard medium grit nail file.
3) After my nails are filed, I buff them. I actually prefer not to use the buffer on the smoothest side. Although it makes your nails the shiniest/smoothest, it also makes the nail polish not adhere to the tips of your nails as well. I don't spend too much time buffing, I just do it until my nails aren't as sharp. I use a standard buffing block.
4) My cuticles actually don't require much maintaining. If necessary, I will gently push my cuticles back using a cuticle pusher. It's important not to push them too hard because it can cause dents in your nails. I usually skip the cuticle step, but it's good to do it once a week. It's nice to do it after a shower while they are soft.
5) I apply a base coat. I'm extremely guilty of skipping this on a normal basis. But when I do use a base coat, I use my Seche Base Coat. A base coat prevents your nails from getting stained. I always try to remember to use a base coat when I wear red polishes, because red stains more than any other color. A base coat also helps give your nail a smooth, even canvas for your nail color.
6) I apply my nail polish, slow and steady. I try to lay the brush down a tiny bit away from my cuticle for a more, "polished" (is that a pun? lol) look. Depending on the polish I used, I'll wait until it's dry to the (light) touch and apply a second coat.
7) After my polish has dried, I apply a top coat. My favorites are Seche Vite and Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Top Coat. I'll try my best not to handle anything in the next half hour that will smudge my nails (getting dressed, putting on shoes, cleaning, etc).
8) I usually apply a hand lotion after I do my nails because the acetone nail polish remover dries out the cuticles. If I feel that they need intense moisture, I'll apply a heavy cream to them at night. The only cuticle cream I own and use is Burt's Bees Lemon Cuticle Butter. Or I will use Vaseline, Shea Butter or any other concentrated cream.

Some things that can help maintain healthy nails:

• Don't use your nails as tools. Do not "pick" at things with your nails (example: picking off hard to remove labels, scratching residue off surfaces, picking your teeth, etc)

• When cleaning with chemicals or doing dishes, use rubber gloves. Too much moisture makes your nails temporarily soft and bendable. When your nails bend, your nail polish will chip. Also, harsh chemicals will weaken your nail. So toss some rollers in your hair and get some yellow gloves and be a complete fashionista! haha

• Keep a nail file with you in your handbag. At the first sign of a chip or snag, smooth it out right away. Any snags or uneven edges can catch onto clothing and other items and cause further breakage. I can't speak out of experience, but many people swear by glass/crystal nail files for a smoother result.

• Apply hand lotion daily. Not only does it help your hands, your nails get dry too and need some moisture (but not too much). Peeling is a sign of dry nails as well as brittleness.

• Biotin supplements aid in the health of your hair in nails. I don't take Biotin daily anymore, but when I did, my nails would grow much quicker. I would take 1,000-3,000 mg daily. Any more than that can cause breakouts - So, test it first. You can purchase Biotin from your local drugstore for a few dollars.

• Try drinking water more often - this is a must for your overall health, skin, everything!

My nails at a short/medium length

My nails at a long length

Guerlain Terracotta Brunette 02 Light Sheer Bronzing Powder Review!

Guerlain Terracotta Brunette 02 Light Sheer Bronzing Powder

Product Description: Whether you're a fair blonde or a dark brunette, you'll love Guerlain's newest formulation of classic, sun-kissed powder. Ideal for all skin types, this ingenious mosaic of five shades of compact powder includes a complexion highlighter to create a natural-looking glow.

Brunette 02 is a bronzing powder with a mosaic of five warm shades. There are three matte colors, a medium milk chocolate brown, a deep brown & a bronzed brown (terracotta). The other two colors are highlighting shades that contain frost/shimmer. One is a frosted peach and the other has a bronze base with golden shimmer. When all of the shades are smoothed together, the result is a warm bronze terracotta with a slight sheen. The shimmer is very natural and isn't very prominent when on the cheeks. 

Below, is the bronzer swatched on my hand. I applied it lightly on the left & a little heavier on the right. Applied lightly, it is a light golden bronze - perfect to add a little warmth to the face. Applied heavily, the bronzer gives much more of a bronze terracotta tone.

Left: Brunette 02 Bronzing Powder applied lightly, Right: Applied heavily. (Lighting: Indoors, sunlight)

(Lighting: Indoors, flash)

I received this bronzer in a swap earlier in the week and I've been using it for the past couple of days and I really like it! I'll be updating this post as I wear it to let you know what my thoughts are.

Have you tried any Guerlain bronzers? How did/do you like them?

NOTD: Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel in #130 Candy!

Two (2) coats of Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel in the shade Candy. One (1) coat of Sally Hansen Insta-Dri top coat.

Lighting: Indoors, sunlight (no flash) for both photos. The pink is slightly deeper with indoor lighting.

As you may have noticed, I've been posting a lot of NOTD's lately. Or at least, more than usual.. Whenever I have new polishes, I get too excited to try them out. The first little chip I see, off my nail polish goes and onto my next!

I purchased this nail polish from CVS, along with my other Revlon polish I posted about (Revlon Scented Nail Enamel in #325 Gum Drop) last week. I've actually been eyeballing this shade since Revlon came out with the "Top Speed" line. I thought it would be a perfect Summer and Spring pink.

Candy #130, is a medium toned (creme) pink. I would call it a "Flamingo" pink, as it's somewhat warm. You could also say it's a Pepto-Bismol pink. (yum!) I was actually slightly disappointed with the color because in the bottle, it looks like a pastel, vibrant bubblegum pink. On the nails, it applies a little darker, but still vibrant. Nevertheless, it is still a lovely color and looks great on my skin tone.

♥ (Photo Credit: http://www.gloriadeistpaul.org)

The formula is okay. The consistency is fine - easy to work with, but I find that it can look slightly streaky. With two coats, my nails were pretty much opaque, but my nail line is still slightly visible under the polish as a dark shadow. If you don't mind that, than two coats are great. Otherwise, you may want to apply three to avoid that as well as any streaks. The polish dries fairly quick, with a glossy finish. A top coat is necessary to avoid any dents, etc. 

This is one of those nail polishes that looks like shiny plastic/rubber on your nails, that you can peel off in one piece if you picked at it. I'm really hoping it's not one of those... I already have a chip on one nail and I only painted my nails early this morning. I did wash a ton of dishes though, which was most likely the cause. I'll update this post in a few days & let you know how well it wears.