Perfecting oily, acne prone skin 101

Ok. Lets be honest here... We all get breakouts at some point. Some of us more than others. Frustrating I know. But, what about those of us who get breakouts and are oil prone? Is there anything we can do that won't cost a fortune or a trip to the dermatologist? Yes.

I personally tested this regiment and highly recommend it to anyone who has tried it all with no success.

Within 2 days I started noticing results. (May very person to person). My acne started clearing up and the oil in my skin decreased. Even the scarring from previous blemishes began to fade.

So, what products did I use and how did I use them?

*First of all if you wear make-up REMOVE it prior to washing your face with a MAKE-UP REMOVER. NO, NOT BABY WIPES!

Products needed and their purpose:

Dr. Bronners Magic Soap in Tea Tree.
This can be found at Target, Trader Joe's or American Apparel. The Tea Tree is great for soaking up deep down oil.
OR: Neutrogena Rapid Clear Foaming Scrub Microclear. This works just as well as Dr. Bronners.

Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1 Fight & Fade Toner.
This can be found at Walmart or Harmons. This product does exactly what the title says. Not only does it tone the skin but, it also dries up any and all forms of acne while fading existing blemishes.

Oil Control Lotion.
I prefer the M.A.C. brand but, all major skin and/or make-up lines carry a variation. Just make sure the one you pick up is perfume free. This lotion keeps oil prone skin ph balanced.

Face Protect SPF 50.
Also a M.A.C. brand. The one you pick up must have an SPF of 50, be a primer and made specifically for the face. This product not only provides high-level broad spectrum sun protection but it is also oil absorbing.

Microfine Refinisher.
Another M.A.C. product. This is a very fine facial scrub that can double as a mask that rinses off after 5-10 minutes and safe to use on a daily basis.

Exfoliating Gloves.
This is to be used with Dr. Bronners Magic Soap. These gloves are great for exfoliating dead skin from the face and body and alleviates that extra step in the shower.

Cotton Ball or Pad.
To be used with the Toner.

When and how to use these products:

*Washing your face is crucial. This should always be done both day and night. No exceptions!

AM Regimen:
1. Using your DAMP Exfoliating Gloves, massage the Tea Tree liquid soap (or Rapid Clear Foaming Scrub) into a lather onto your entire face and neck. Rinse with cool water. (This step can also be used on the entire body especially the chest and back if these areas are acne prone)

2. Remove gloves and gently massage Microfine Refinisher in skin. Rinse with cool water.

3. Pat dry with a clean towel.

4. Apply a pea sized amount of both the Oil Control Lotion and SPF 50 to the tips of your fingers and gently massage into skin.

PM Regimen:
1. Repeat steps 1 and 3.

2. Apply the Toner to a cotton ball or pad and sweep across the effected areas of the face. (This step can also be used on the chest and back if acne occurs there) Your skin may feel a little tight after this step. Don't fret. It will pass. It's just the toner doing its job.

You should start seeing results very soon!

Smokey Eyes 101

Achieving a smokey eye doesn't have to be complicated. Following a few simple steps and using a few tools is all you'll need to look like a pro did your eyes every single time. So, pull out your soft kohl liner, a fluffy eye shadow brush, and if desired a skin tone shimmer eye shadow and/or a color shimmer shadow and your angled brush and lets get started!

SMOKEY EYE 1:
-Smudge your liner over the entire bottom lid from corner to corner.

-Blend and sheer out liner using a fluffy eye shadow brush from lash line to brow bone in a circular motion.

-Repeat if bolder color payoff is desired.

-OPTIONAL- Add highlight color to inside corner and/or brow bone for a more dramatic effect using your fluffy eye shadow brush.

-Line bottom lash line and sheer with fluffy eye shadow brush.

-OPTIONAL- If a 3rd color is desired, place it in the center of the eye and sheer out from corner to corner.

-Line your top lash line from corner to corner (angled brush is optional for this step)

-OPTIONAL- Line water line.

-Apply mascara and/or false lashes.


SMOKEY EYE 2:
-Smudge your liner only in the outside corner.

-Blend and sheer out liner towards your inside corner using your fluffy eye shadow brush (up towards your brow bone if desired).

-Repeat if bolder color payoff is desired.

-OPTIONAL- Add highlight color to the inside corner and/or brow bone for a more dramatic effect using your fluffy eye shadow brush.

-OPTIONAL- If a 3rd color is desired, sheer it across the entire bottom lid then up towards your brow bone using your fluffy eye shadow brush.

-OPTIONAL- Line bottom lash line and sheer with fluffy eye shadow brush.

- Line your top lash line from corner to corner ( with or with out angled brush).

-OPTIONAL- Line water line.

-Apply mascara and/or false lashes.

For a fun approach line your bottom lashes with a bold shimmer shadow like Teal, Purple or Gold. And remember a smokey eye doesn't have to mean Black.

Fall lacquered up 101

Who says your Fall Mani's and Pedi's have to be drab and boring?

These new Fall hues are fresh and crisp and are thought to be this seasons most wanted accessory.

These super sexy colors come in Jewel tones like rustic Oranges and Reds, Deep Plums, Purples and Blues, striking Olive Greens and Mustards and luscious soft creams. Any line of polishes carry a variation of Bold shimmers, eye catching metallics, ultra mattes and high shine lacquers. The only troubles you'll have is choosing a shade and finish.

Yes we all love the French manicure and the bright summer varnishes but unfortunately it's time to embrace the change of season and start sporting the new upscale fall trend... That is sure not to disappoint.

Sun Protection 101

So, Summer is finally here and we all rush outdoors to enjoy the long awaited warmth. The only problem is most of us don't think about the hidden danders of skin cancer caused by the sun (or tanning beds for those who couldn't wait).

Skin cancer (Melanoma in particular- The most prevalent in Woman in their 20's) is a scary thing to think about but has doubled in the past 20 years due to negligence of proper skin protection and ignorance of prevention information.

Don't be a statistic!

There are simple ways of protecting yourself this season as well as all year round.

TAKE NOTES!

A lot of people, especially woman, use SPF infused moisturizer or make-up. Sounds like a great idea in theory but in reality most of these products don't give you more than an SPF of 7. Even when it says 15. And they don't last you the whole day. And who is really going to reapply every 2hrs with so much going on in our busy schedules?
Your best bet is to mix an SPF with your moisturizer or layer your moisturizer on top of your SPF. (That means your SPF goes on FIRST!)

A few great products to consider adding to your safe sun routine would be: (All with helioplex and UVA/UVB Protection)

Neutrogena Spectrum+ Advanced sunblock lotion SPF 55, 70 or 100 Helioplex 360
Oxidative damage protection.

Neutrogena ultra sheer liquid daily sunblock SPF 70
Lightweight. Works alone or under moisturizer and make-up.

Neutrogena Healthy defense daily moisturizer SPF 50
Lightweight moisturizer that nourishes and softens skin. Provides anti-aging protection.

Neutrogena Ultimate Sport sunblock spray SPF 100+/ Sport Face SPF 70
Water proof. Sweat proof. Wont rub off or wipe off. (Personal favorite)


M.A.C Cosmetics Prep add Prime Face Protect SPR 50
Feather weight. Fast absorbing. Oil free. Invisable.


YES. Tanning beds cause cancer.

NO. They are NOT a good source of Vitamin D.

Don't believe the hype that tanning beds are safer than the sun. They are actually worse. They leave you with skin damaged for the rest of your life. (No matter how many minutes spent) And increase your cancer risk by 75%.
The Ultraviolet radiation is proven to cause premature aging.

Self tanners and/or Spray on tanners would be the better alternative.

Some suggestions:

Decleor Self Tanning Milk and Gels for face and Body
Hydrating. Non-streaky. Non-Orange. A bit of shimmer.

Adonia Bronzing Serum
Great scent. No streaking. Non-orange. Gentle on skin. Easy application. Doesn't stain clothes.

Neutrogena Instint Bronze sunless tanner and bronzer in one streak free foam
Flawless coverage. Non-Streaky. Develops natural looking golden tan. No orange finish. Absorbs quickly.

Being sexy doesn't mean putting your body or health at risk for skin cancer so use extra precautions when in the sun. Hat and sunglasses are great additions. And be sure to check your skin for new or changes in freckles and moles. These may be signs of melanoma.

This post is for EVERY skin color. Yes. That means you too my darker skinned friends.

UVA= Burning rays that cause skin cancer
UVB= Premature aging and DNA changes

Foundation Breakdown 101

Never mind color right now... Finding the right foundation for your skin type can be a pain in the ass. Some of us want one kind of foundation all year round while others want options for change of seasons.

So, here's the breakdown.


FOUNDATION COVERAGE:

Sheer
Light weight. Minimal coverage. Barely Noticeable.

Medium
Light to medium coverage. Build-able.

Full
Opaque. Covers almost any imperfection.



FINISHES:

Matte
Oil absorbing. Natural to Powdery finish.
Great for normal to oily skin.

Satin (Illuminating)
Natural skin finish. Light reflecting properties.
Great for all skin types but exceptional for dry and maturing skin.



FOUNDATION:

Tinted (Moisturizer)
For someone who doesn't need a lot of coverage but wants something to even out skin tone.
Ideal because you don't have to put on moisturizer and then foundation (but I still recommend moisturizing as to not over dry the skin.)
Lightweight.
Great for all skin types

Liquid
This texture is build-able and usually comes in all coverages and finishes.
Long lasting.
May come in smudge or water proof/resistant.
Great for all skin types.

Mouse
Liquid makeup with air whipped in.
Light weight and smooth like whipped cream.
Great for dry and maturing skin.

Spray on
This is a very build-able foundation and easy to layer because its quick drying.
Usually comes in all finishes.
Great for combination skin.

Cream
Some creams dry to a powder finish. (Usually matte creams also known as cream to powder. Oil absorbing.).
Others are more moisturizing.
All hydrate the skin.
Gives you a natural coverage with a silky finish.
Great for Dry,normal and combination skin.

Mineral
Gives you a natural light to medium coverage with a slight luminous finish.
Enhances the look of a dull dry complexion.
Great for all skin types. exceptional for dry and maturing skin.



Powders (all come in loose form):

Sheer- Light coverage. Allows skin to shine through.

Translucent- Mattes the skin while still keeping its natural glow.

Mineral- Natural to natural matte finish. Can also be worn as your foundation.

Foundation- Usually a medium to full coverage powder. One step all in one.

Bronzing- Enhances skin tone and the look of a tan.

Illuminating- High frosted iridescent finish.


Concealers:

All concealers are medium to full coverage, come in liquid and cream forms and can be sheered out with moisturizer for a lighter coverage.


All foundations and powders can be mixed and matched to your preference to achieve the look that best suites your needs and skin type.

Guy Brows 101

Matus
I love a man that takes care of him self.
Dresses well. Grooms his man parts. (YES I said it!) Moisturizes. Clips his nails. Maintains his hair. Great hygiene and grooms his brows.

Now... when I say Grooms his brows I DON'T mean gets them arched so much they look better than mine. I mean "done" for a man.

Guys, there's definitely a right way and a wrong way to go about grooming your brows. Please leave the waxing to the ladies and the other parts or your body. It just looks way too feminine!

Let tweezers be your friend. Pluck only the few hairs needed to clean up your brow area. You'll have full control of hair removal as not to go overborad.
The pain may take some getting used to so feel free to numb the area before you get started.

5 Spring Must Haves 101

Python/Snake Embossed Heels: Talk about sexy. This pattern works with any outfit. Casual or Dressy. No wonder they're so popular this season.

Denim: We all know Denim never goes out of style but this season, it's EVERYWHERE! Pants, Leggings, Shirts, Vests, Dresses, Bags, Shoes, etc. So mix and match and go crazy.

Feminine Florals: This look is flirty, fun and feminine. Great for your daytime dates, hanging out with the girls or being the center of attention at any party. (Keep your bags, shoes and accessories solid)

Cut Out Dresses: Any style or color, Cut Out Dresses are Fab for spicing up your evening out. It shows off just enough skin to keep them guessing.

Soft Nudes: These barely there hues can make every woman "Feel like a WOMAN"...Romantic, Chic, Feminine. Doesn't get better than that.