Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts
I've been watching Celebrity Big Brother, UK and there is a woman called Alicia Douvall and she really made me think.I look at her and wonder if she sees what I see. I see a woman who can barely move her face and whose eyes seemed surprised as a result of extreme cosmetic procedures. It made me really think when she revealed she had 18 breast augmentations and still needed and wanted more work done.
I wanted lipo for my thighs, and breasts but in the time it took for me to gather the courage, I realised that I was being selfish. Right now there is a woman who's just been told she has breast cancer and I'm worried about looking perky whilst naked. My breasts are small and they don't sit like they used to but I'm getting older every day, I've lost and gained weight and the elasticity in my skin has played a major factor in my flabby bits. If saggy breasts, loose skin and all my other flaws are my greatest problems, I am very blessed and shall quit whilst I am ahead. Sure I may not attract a celebrity or even someone physically good looking, but in the experiences I have had, high profile people and I don't work. All that glitters isn't gold and I would take a simple, humble relationship with comforts of simplicity, than the "you're only dating them because..." That's another post.
What worried me, was when Alicia stated she could not live without her breast implants. She wants to walk in a room and have people want to "f*ck her" rather than be powerful and "fear her" and that is really sad. She has to realise she's more than that; however, have you watched YouTube videos? The beauty gurus used to speak about confidence, embracing flaws, and using makeup to create new looks and feel pretty. Now there are so many young vloggers who are having several cosmetic procedures such as: nose breast, fillers, Botox, and rhinoplasty. There are predominately young gurus under age 30 and have a following of girls as young as ten who look up to them. It's not their job to parent other people's children, but it's hypocritical to promote natural beauty, embracing imperfections and partake in these procedures. If you are blessed with a platform where others are stating, "you're my role model" because you accept your flaws but in reality, you don't it's not fair to misguide others. There's no shame in owning your flaws and having cosmetic procedures, sharing that helps prevent deceit. It's fine to say imperfections are a  part of life, but I had a procedure on my nose because I had been telling myself I was okay with it, but in reality each day it makes me feel self conscious. It isn't going to make me perfect, but I want to feel less preoccupied about my nose when meeting people or having interviews and not feeling like my nose is the focal point. I guess that women are our worst critics. We expect others to accept themselves but we comment on their flaws to feel relate-able. Then when they alter their appearance we call foul.
We can't stop ourselves from aging; but, the duck lips, frozen face, and encapsulated breasts make the process  more difficult. It seems that it becomes its own addiction and women can't see how they really look. Think about what Big Ang would look like if she left herself alone.
Accepting flaws still has to be done in order to prevent this obsession from becoming a lifestyle. Not one of these women seeking fuller lips have obtained that Angelina Jolie bee stung lip. The more one aims at perfections the further their goal as it's a moving target. All the procedures in the world won't help until one accepts they will never be perfect and we all get old if we're blessed to live long enough.


xo
I wish there was a way to discern whether or not products work prior to purchase.  There are samples such as those in magazines, or offered when purchasing online. Sephora do this often; however, there isn't time enough for you to judge the quality and efficacy with a pea sized amount
Recently, I saw an advert on telly about the "beauty graveyard" which is similar to the "products I regret purchasing" for everyday people.
I'm struggling with dry hands right now and it seems that nothing I do is enough. I drink loads of water to the point it's disrupting my sleep; however, I've been using Vaseline, nursing creams, water resistant lotions, etc. They work, but I don't like that my hands look old. I know it's shallow and superficial, but I have long, thin fingers with visual veins, I am happy to have hands, but they look like they belong on someone else's wrists.
I was looking at a quite popular bloggers photos where she was showing her beautiful and luxurious handbag; however, I didn't realise that the hands holding the Celine, were hers! I was shocked as she's quite young, but her hands looked like they were those of the Queen.
Back to the point of this post. I have so many skin care products that made promises to plump, hydrate, minimise pores, eliminate sag, and I've got cleansers which proposed the same.Why not use these on my hands?
Think for a moment, they are mostly meant to be good for the face so they can't be too harsh, and if they are supposed to be meant to assist with the superficial problems with my face, why not try them on my hands?
So many people are using the fillers, injections, etc, but they aren't doing anything to their neck or hands which are tell tale signs of sun damage, dry skin, aging skin and other issues in the beauty realm.
I'm going to give it a go tonight by exfoliating my hands and then using one of my skin creams on my hands and checking back in a few.

xo


great finish right?

I have been experimenting with some of the products I ordered for my skin.  I have heard about this Sofina Perfect; however, it was "Sofina Lucent" I was searching for and didn't realize there had been a name change.  I wanted a sunscreen that wouldn't add to the oil situation I already endure.  I can't stop my quest for the product that will help mattify my skin.  I had been using Shiseido, but I can't find it and am not sure if it's discontinued.
I ordered online from bobodave because he offered free shipping and since he's in Hong Kong, I thought that was brilliant as international shipping can get quite costly.  To be blunt, shipping can make or break my decision to order online.  I was quite impressed at how fast the shipping was.  It sailed through customs and although I had done research, I envisioned a larger bottle. 
I prefer this packaging over Shiseido's as it has a dropper type tip.  That's a good thing because this stuff is like water.  I applied it directly to my face thinking it would be similar to lotion.  It slid down my face faster than I could retrieve it and didn't stop until it rested on my shirt.  No worries, I get ready in my pyjamas.  It has a ball which helps mix the product when you shake it.  Everything about the product is in Chinese so I didn't read the directions, this was a decision based on reviews of the product on a skin board.  It retails for $17.20, which is much less than MAC SPF 50 Prep and Prime and Shiseido SPF 55.  With the Shiseido, I find when you wash it off, there is this wretched scent that hits you like a baseball bat, but this doesn't which surprises me as they seem to be identical products.  It goes on really well, I put it on after my moisturizer and my skin looks matte, smooth and foundation (for oily skin) didn't skip when I applied it. Many times oil free foundations tend to dry as you're applying it but this went well.  As far as keeping the oil away?  Sorry but while it's better than many, I still had to blot by 9:00 a.m. just 3 hours after applying.  Is it the product or me?  Probably me, but that was sort of a let down since I read about people who are oily as well not needing to blot until after lunch when they touched up their makeup.  Lucky girls, no joy for me. 
Overall, I don't regret the purchase, but I can't say it's going to keep the oils at bay since that wasn't my experience.  Again, the transaction was very smooth, this company has a Facebook, blog, and maybe a twitter, they have other products as well, which confused me as not only is there a name change but there are tons of other which might cause problems so I've included the one you want to pick if you decide to give this a go.  I would recommend this product for girls who aren't very oily, and it can be used as a primer, but don't expect it to act as a virtual sponge in preventing oil production.  Stay gorgeous!




This is the one recommended for oily skin











xoxo




I think I'll pull my hair out strand by strand if I read, hear or watch another ill informed person tell people how to "eliminate their pores."  I've heard it all. 
Rinse with cold water to close your pores... Guess what? Pores aren't like doors, they don't open and close.
To seal your pores, use toner...Only if you have them painted on your face can you seal them.  That would take polyurethane not toner.
I could go on, but I like to get right to the point.  You cannot get rid of your pores without sandblasting your face!!!
There are things you can do to minimize the appearance, but stop buying products aimed at eliminating or reducing the size of your pores.  Your pores are part of your skin, and they can be less noticeable if you keep them unobstructed.  Your skin gets oily, dirty, etc. and your pores swell.  Toners, lemon, apple cider vinegar are ways to give the illusion of shrinking them, but they are still there.  There isn't any miracle over the counter product you can use to make them go away.
Don't cry, all hope is not lost.  You know the strawberry nose epidemic?  The blackheads that form on your nose giving you that strawberry like effect?  Those can be eliminated, albeit temporarily.  I don't recommend Biore strips.  I used to love them until I started buying things from Asia.  This is how it started.  Wow!  I didn't know there was stuff out there that existed, and good on Wendy for being brave enough to put her nose out there.  I'm not about to do the same.  Though I did try that product and loved it, it's a constant chore for me.  Upon speaking with a dermatologist, I need sandpaper at least 2% beta hydroxy acid, salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide on a rotating basis.  I was told to avoid these:

(just say no)
Those tools, if not handled properly, will only wreak more havoc on your skin and may lead to scarring.  Great, pores, blackheads and scars.
I don't believe using those at home remedies will cause harm to your skin if used in moderation.  What I don't want is for anyone to get their hopes set up on spending money to obtain results which aren't possible without a visit to the derm.  It sucks, but oily skin is what it is.  We produce oil and others don't.  Instead of dry, flaky skin, we have a permanent shine and it increases which causes pores to adjust to the collection of sebum/oil.  It's life, we all have flaws, but thank God we have ways to photoshop minimize the appearance.
xoxo




Pores no More?

by on 12:52 AM
I think I'll pull my hair out strand by strand if I read, hear or watch another ill informed person tell people how to "eliminate ...
Grr... I finally opened this soap I purchased during the Christmas sale.  I had kept it in the freezer because I was quite upset the sales assistant transposed my Honey I Washed the Kids with Sandstone.  I wanted a small slice of Sandstone, to try, and a large bit of the HIWTK.  I cannot believe I paid $15.05 plus taxes for this crap.  I was sold this as a gentle exfoliator and specifically asked if it were gentle enough for sensitive skin.  In addition, there was supposed to be a clean citrus scent.  I didn't notice it at all.    I was basically looking for something to help with dry winter skin sloughing.  Well, this soap is like a gel/glycerin bar you see in many bath product stores, BUT, the lower portion is sand.  It's not even soft sand, it's like granite.  I have felt sand on my feet and this is not like that at all, it's like sand at the ocean.  It's so hard on my skin it's painful.  I have a right mind to throw it through the store window, ugh!  What's more, I am not using it in my bath, but when I used it in the shower, it gave me a bruise, and left sand on my floor board.  Great... Sand in the shower.  I wouldn't even give this away, but I will cut the sand portion off and use the other 2/3 of the bar because it was so bl**dy expensive.  I do not recommend this for anyone under any circumstances.  I will also reiterate I buy my products on my own and am not affiliated with anyone; however, I cannot stress enough not to use this on your skin.  I use a ped egg on my feet, and I used this after and it was still to rough and my feet are dry.  I don't think LUSH should sell this to anyone, but maybe there are people who can benefit from this.  I guess if I had to remove paint, or street art from a window, this may help, but it would definitely scratch the glass.

Note to self, never let anyone try to sell you something you have not investigated thoroughly, and always cross check your purchases.
  (see the sand)


xoxo





I bought this product after using up my MAC Prep and Prime MAC Prep & Prime SPF50.  I will review that later on, I cannot find my notes.  So, I heard about this product from a forum and thought I'd give it a go.  The reason I wanted this was not because MAC had done anything to my skin such as break outs or cystic acne, rather I had heard both MAC and Shiseido were good as primers for us oily skinned girls.  I've stated, and it bears repeating that my skin is an oil slick.  It's beyond rubbish and annoying in that I must blot every hour if not more.  First impression, the stuff is runny.  I didn't take a photo because I don't like the packaging.  It's hard and the stuff comes out like liquid.  It's not a lotion, it's not even thick as ketchup.  It runs down your face since I put it directly on my skin and the bottle is not to my liking.  It costs about $39.00 USD so it's not cheap.  I purchased mine here and was not quite sure if I should have gotten the cream or not.  (Please note:  They no longer have SPF 55 at Sephora).  I like that it is waterproof and is photo stable for protection against the sun and free radicals and it does seem to help keep my oilies at bay.  What I don't like is that you have to put something on top of this.  It will leave a bit of a grey cast on your face.  I put a powder on over it and it's fine and I haven't seen the ghost face in photographs which I've taken so far. I would recommend this to oily girls and those who are exposed to the sun on a regular basis.  If you live in a climate with stronger sun light you would benefit from this, but there are cheaper alternatives as well.  I don't know how long before you would need to reapply as I don't fancy the sun.  I do not get any compensation for anything so this is based off my experience and I've been using this daily for approximately three months.  I cannot compare it as extremely better than MACs so I won't commit to either one, but since I'm tallying how often I blot, this one seems to beat MAC by a few less blots during the mid day.


If anyone had told me I would be "that girl" you know "Lee press on nails" I would have laughed and then thrown in my style card forever.  Well... after reading and obtaining superior results from wearing protective hair styles, I wondered if it were possible to obtain similar results from sporting "protective nails."  I have been  wearing press on nails from KISS.  But the ones I sport have a "cuticle moons."  Makes the fake nails look more ahem authentic.
I have been wearing them for about three weeks and my natural nails are still strong.  I loved artificial nails, but they are expensive, and quite harsh on my own nails.  They tend to make my own nails weak and thin.  I have begun to take vitamins for my hair and nails so this is a great alternative whilst awaiting for my own nails to grow.  The unfortunate thing is, I prefer these rather than my own nails so I have to cut my nails to ensure my fake ones fit.  The fake ones are not long and the ones which are long are too long, I reckon I could cut them, but they also don't have the fake cuticles.  I guess too much fakeness? 
My method is different than the box.  I don't apply to clean dry nails, I cut my cuticles, and apply nail hardener.  I wait for that to dry and apply a stronger glue (the one in the box is not quite strong enough), then I attach the appropriate size nail and glue it down and press down for about a minute.  Finally, I allow my nails to "cure" for the night before I do anything with water so the glue can dry without manipulation.  I do this routine each Sunday.  The nails last me a good while before the glue has build up which prevents them from adhering properly.  I hope this helps someone!  It's all in fun, I have long thin fingers so the fakes give me a sense of having nicer hands.  The "piano fingers" or "ET phone home" jokes get old after awhile. 


natural nails with top coat

nails set out for each finger :)

nails applied with professional glue

Easy peasy and fake as a $3.00 bill!

xoxo

by on 1:15 PM
If anyone had told me I would be "that girl" you know "Lee press on nails" I would have laughed and then thrown in my s...
One more day until I have my computer.  I find the times I "sneak" on tend to be less fulfilling than previously.  Yesterday after work I went to a craft store to purchase items to make gifts for the upcoming holidays.  Holidays aren't the same not having family round, but I think it's not about what I want, but what can I contribute.  I will have fun baking, making cards, jewelery and other things for friends, so I'm still happy.  I joined a group for socializing and they kicked me out for not being "social enough" but, oh well.  So whilst out perusing, I went to the chainstore and was looking to initially buy a sea salt scrub.  I will write about the difference between the salt v. sugar scrub later.  But, I purchased two numbers, and St. Ives was one of them.  I have liked many of the products I've purchased by this brand.  Way back when I was young there was a peppermint mask or something like that I would use on my hair and it smelled and felt really nice and it had this tingle to it.  I graduated to other brands; however, every so often I buy something in their line like a face wash or whatever happens to be on sale.  I tried this polish and was first thrown off at the contents.  It's solid, which is unlike the runny, oily stuff you dig out with your hands.  There is no oil at all.  It's the texture of a sandcastle.  It's unique to me, since you have to dig it out literally!  A little goes a long way.  But, what I really like is that it doesn't make me itch, and there is no oil.  (I have a phobia that I will slip in the shower and bust my head open)  I do follow the instructions and apply to damp skin, but I don't use it on my typical areas of concern.  Women tend to overlook a few areas which are our age giveaways.  Our hands and neck are often overlooked when we think of skincare.  I exfoliate both and find that it keeps the dryness less visible in my hands.  As for my neck?  I have not been a sun goddess and always wear sun cream so I don't have signs of sun damage and I'm religious about including my neck when I do facials or moisture treatments. 
The pros:
works well, is inexpensive, does what it claims
The cons:
Wish the tub was a bit larger
Overall:
This is an easy 8.5 out of 10 point product
I would recommend it to my friends, I would repurchase and no skin irritation or residue
xoxo
The things you can stumble upon in the drugstore.  I am doing my best to go the all natural route when it comes to aging, but I don't mind being superficial to feel and look better as long as one doesn't go overboard.  I will say I will leave it to people who don't know me to offer criticism on my appearance.  For instance, I am a self declared forum addict.  Sometimes, if the person posting an image is well liked, people don't feel comfortable critiquing said person.  Well, I get that, but what good are you serving other than hosting your own fear?
So why don't I chime in?  That the fastest way to have ALL of the e-thugs call you a: hater, troll, rude, obnoxious, jealous, and so on.  So, I just learn from other's mistakes and it helps me in that, I learn from the plethora of knowledge and b) no one is cyber bullying me or digging up anything they can to try and humiliate me in the spirit of defending their eharmony.  I fear if I begin cosmetic procedures, I won't know when to stop.  I have been researching and these people know their ish.  They can tell you how many cc's for saline, how many vials for fillers and how much botox can get you in a financial pinch if you want to be wrinkle free.  Some have had their nose, breasts and liposuction all in the same day!  I am impressed!  But, for now, I'm going the safe route and try as long as I can working with what I have.  *Yay me* 
The new CVS by my house just arrived and they have so many clearance deals I can hardly pass up on.  I am learning to scale back on buying for the sake of a "deal."  Seriously, it's the whole MAC cosmetics style of marketing.  You launch a product with the term "limited" and it produces the scarcity principle.  "Oh my gosh, if I don't buy this, there will never be another chance and everyone will have it but me and I need to have this!!!"  So, you all run out and buy the products en masse (Volcanic Ash Exfoliator) and the one's who don't get it get bit by the "I have to have this now, because I keep hearing how great it is and now I want it even more!!!"  When in reality there are two givens in life:  The Rolling Stones on Tour, and MAC's LE edition (whatever the product) will be reincarnated at another time under a new name at worst with a nano slight shade.
So I got these Frownie's I had heard about and thought I would give them a good go.  I know I tend to make faces whilst watching or reading (squint) but at night?  I have no idea what goes on then so...yeah.
I got the small, match box sized box which looks rather vintage in style.  Heck, it's Frownie's it is vintage, we have Botox and La Mer as we hit 2010.  You tear off the construction paper like sheets which have the sticky side (think envelope/stamp circa 1990s) and dampen it.  Stretch the area with the furrow as if you are smoothing it and quickly apply the damp sticky side to it and leave it there for at least three hours once or twice a day for maximum results.  I haven't stuck to this, but the concept and reviews are good.  The paper feels quite uncomfortable and the edges are sharp.  I'd like this more if it weren't such a coarse sheet, seriously you can hurt yourself with the corners.  The sheet will stay put overnight and I think given a strict regimen this would work.  I won't say it will remove wrinkles, but you will be training your muscles to not make the expressions which create lines. 
Do remember, smiling is so much better for you than trying to avoid wrinkles, so take this for what it's worth, if you come across it, give it a go for a few nights a week.  Let me know what you do for your skin.

xoxo


Hey Gorgeous!

Yesterday, after work, I went to Sephora to find something to combat oil for the summer. To be honest, I'm oily year round, so I was on a mission. I told the sales assistant I had tried: Peter Thomas Roth, Smashbox, Urban Decay, Avon, Medi-Matte, Dermalogica and a list of others. I use Milk of Magnesia, but I really don't like the smell. It has started to make me quite miserable.
I have done research, but since I don't have acne, most of the suggestions from my dermatologist are not going to be effective. I have seen Accutane really do an about face for loads of felines, but it will not combat my oily skin.
I thought I would give Bare Escentuals Oil Control Primer a go since I have heard many wonderful things about this line. I did mention I am also one with sensitive skin, so the bismuth doesn't work so no need to try me with the foundations. She tried anyway, and I started to leave as I get the economy and need for sales, but why sell me something I told you doesn't work for me? Then she stated if I used a barrier (another product) it would work fine. So, in order to get one product to work, I need another product from a different line? Seriously.
So, after some negotiation and patience on both of our parts, I got good sample of this. Usually, I will try a product for six weeks to give it a full review, but I am at the point that I can tell in one day, how my skin will take. It's a primer said to absorb oil, it either works or doesn't, six weeks will not make a difference.
Here is the claim:
Prime Time Foundation Primer Oil Control
What it is:
An oil-free foundation primer for a shine-free complexion.

What it does:
Bare Escentuals Prime Time Oil Control is a water-based primer developed for oily, sensitive, or problem-prone skin to instantly smooth the complexion prior to bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation. The oil-, fragrance-, and silicone–free formula is clinically proven to control shine throughout the day, as well as to regulate oil and refine pores with minerals and natural plant extracts. The lightweight primer glides on seamlessly—leaving the skin matte, refreshed, and ready for foundation.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates

So, did it work? No, it did not much to my regret. I really wanted to love this product and say it would be a good product for us oily cats, but it isn't. I am near surrender to my skin and will continue using tissues as blot absorbers until I can figure something out. I cannot stress how important, no matter your skin tone, sunscreen is. No matter how oily, please use sunscreen until you are bathing in it as skin cancer is affecting people in their teens now. I have had good results with MAC's Prep and Prime SPF 50 and Shiseido's SPF 55.

Thanks for being you!


B.P.

Cherubs,
Welcome back and happy Monday! This is our first Monday of our First Thanksgiving together!!!

Black Panther is doing some research in the lab, and thus far, the results are good. I have a *slight* confession. I have the world's oiliest skin. I am not meaning the type of skin where at noon you "powder" or touch up, I am talking crazy oily! I have even gone to the derm, as I suggest anyone to do first, to do something about this. He prescribed me some products, but they slid right of *smiles*

Whilst researching a plethora of skin care boards, I heard that Milk of Magnesia aka MOM, worked wonders for oily skin. At first I thought nothing of it. I didn't know the demographics of the people who had tried this, and one must remember, anyone has access to the internet. Knowing their age, skin type, ethnicity, etc. all come in to account when trying to ascertain if something that works for one will work for the majority. On the other hand, what's another $3.99 plus tax compared to the Rolls Royce I spent on products already?

Right! The first time, I applied a very sparing amount and, as usual, by the time I got to work I was searching for a Kleenex to pat and blot. I considered taking it back; however, I was embarassed to purchase it in the first place. What would my reason be for returning it?? Exactly!

Last Friday, I tried it again, using a square cotton pad and used a liberal amount. I let it dry and dabbed my foundation on over it. It worked! I did have the oil production still, but nothing like I had previously experienced. Again, when I say oil, I mean oil. If I could create a mechanism for transferring the oil from my face into a container, gas prices would never reach above $.50 beyond the second coming. This is real talk. I could really help the environment and make a difference in the world but I don't know how to notify OPEC or Obama, so for now, I'll keep using MOM.

Be advised this stuff must dry and when it does, it will leave a white cast. In addition, please be very confident in your foundation color. I don't know that this is a forgiving enough process where you can go a shade lighter or darker with hopes your finishing powder will counter act the difference. I realize it's worthless without photos, but as a new blogger and having zero followers, I figured what was the point. This way when I do convince someone to have a look at this, they'll have plenty of catching up to do, and by then I may even have a youtube account, eh?

Be true and stay beautiful,

B.P.

MOM?

by on 1:33 PM
Cherubs, Welcome back and happy Monday! This is our first Monday of our First Thanksgiving together!!! Black Panther is doing some research...
As a freelance makeup artist, the one thing I have not been able to drive home enough is today's topic. I have those commonly asked questions each time I do a makeover/under. "What is the best...?" Or, "What foundation do you prefer?" The one that is a guarantee, "How can I make my face...?"
Well, it all starts with your own essence of beauty and not any brand or tool to apply makeup. Your essence is what makes you beautiful. Cliche' as it may sound, we do create our own unique "look" or have some phenotype that makes us different. I don't like my nose, long for sultry lashes, and wish my pores were smaller. My nose is a gift from my grandmother who went to be with God. My lashes may not be long, but they have a wicked curl and I can always add falsies, my skin is something that brings me to the crux of this post.
Beautiful, it is your responsibility to take good care of your body, but you really want to put your best face first. Our face tells people more than we think. It's the first thing we notice. It tells our story and holds people attention during conversation. Yes, beauty is skin deep and it's not all about appearance, but no matter what our circumstances it's always important to do things that will keep your skin it's best. You don't have to give up soda, chocolate, etc., but you do need to include more water in your diet. Start small, include a glass with whatever you snack on and if you still want a soda have one.
I absolutely loathe drinking water. So, I made a list of ways I could incorporate it into my day. I even spiked the water with lemon, lime and other things to trick myself into liking it. I still don't like it. I have no sugar based drinks in my home. This forces me to drink water because I don't like being thirsty and I can only drink so much soy milk, tea and coffee without getting sick and/or thirsty. I have relapsed and driven to the store many a night for a fix, but I make it a point to have a bottle of water on my desk each morning. Pretty soon I will drink it all, but it has yet to happen.
Cleansers! Keep your canvas clean love. I am blessed with great skin, but the down side is...oil. My organic moisturiser could give Rudolph's nose a run for the money during the worst snow storm. I keep napkins with me at all times. I did try blotting sheets, but they didn't feel clean. They stuck to my face and I had to use no less than ten at a time then I still found a napkin or paper towel so, I am sticking with the napkins. When I am in a store or washing my hands I grab a few extra and keep them in my car, purse, desk and touch up throughout the day.
As for makeup, I cannot express how important washing off your makeup is. It's not just hygienic, but it's really good for your skin. Even those who have dry skin should do this, and no matter how late, tired, or lazy you are, you can stop in the loo and take a few minutes to clean your face and get that old mascara off.
While on the subject of makeup, clean your brushes, or throw out some of those dirty sponges. How many times have you seen a woman take out a compact and put that puff on her oily nose and back into the compact? Nice! Don't do that, and don't touch up the oilies without removing it first. Remember to blot next time. A client who was preparing for her sister's wedding wanted me to do her makeup. I asked her the essentials and inquired about what she uses for foundation. She then proceeded to tell me about her "awful breakouts." I asked her to bring the products and when she did, I immediately looked at her kabuki brush. "How often do you clean this?," I asked knowing her answer already. "Oh, I don't clean it, my makeup is mineral." Huh... So let's just say, we did an overview on brush cleaning and she was mortified by the colour of the water and the length it took to clean. I didn't follow up on her skin, but I drove the message home about the effects of dirty tools.
Please remember, if there is a way you can do so, money is rather tight these days, see a dermatologist. I don't mean to take the joy away from makeup, I'm a junkie too. But, there are so many things a dermatologist can do to help you to look your best. Whether it's your skin's moisture level being too high (oily) or too low (dry), acne or rosacea, they can best determine the method for you. Plus, no matter your ethnicity, you can get skin cancer and early detection is the best for a speedy recovery. That concludes today's tips!
Stay beautiful!
xx