July 2014 Beauty Favorites

My first youtube video is here!!! I finally started a channel and this monthly favorites will be my first video. Please enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!

How I Take Care Of My Skin

This one is going to be a long one folks so grab a snack and take a seat.  My skincare routine is probably the most asked about question I receive regularly on my blog and different social platforms.  It's no secret, I have quite the multi step regimen but after much trial and error, I have found some underlying principles and rules that keep my skin looking its best.  Now I preface this post by saying that I am not an expert, doctor, or esthetician - I am simply one girl (with oily skin) staring in the mirror asking her skin to be as good as it can be.  And while you can search my blog for tons of great specific product recommendations, this post will be an overall conceptual explanation for how I approach taking care of my skin.  My extensive routine may not be for everyone, but this is what works for me, so remember that you can adapt some of my experience to what works for you.  The kicker with my skincare system however, is my skin is constantly changing and will continue to change for the rest of my life.  So the trick is trying to treat what my skin needs now, rather than trying to find the perfect recipe that will last me forever.  This is a major reason why I don't use the exact same routine every single night.  If I am testing out a new product, I will usually add to my routine 4 nights/week, maybe 5 for at least 4 weeks to see effectiveness.  But my skin is never (ever) the same from day to day due to external factors (stress, weather, NYC, life in general), so using the exact same line up every night does not work for me.  I do however, try to balance out ingredients each night, trying not to overload my skin with too much of the same thing all at once.  For example when using an acid based cleanser and toner, I may finish up my routine with a soothing mask and hydrating moisturizer. Remember however, this is what works for me - and many of you may have differing opinions for your own skin.  That's cool.  Diverse skincare routines is what makes the world go round, baby.  I have now rambled way too long, so let's get into the good stuff.  Here is a look at some of my best practices for taking care of my skin, and after each category, I will list a few of my favorite products.  Click on each product link for more information. 

1. Cleanse - I cannot cleanse enough.  And surprisingly I find that my skin does not dry out from my cleansing routine mainly because it's geared towards properly removing my makeup so not a single bit of residue remains.  I always begin with a face wipe of some kind to initially help me remove the first bit of my makeup.  Naturally it never gets everything off (eye makeup especially) so I always follow with a cleansing oil.  Cleansing oils are my holy grail products - and a huge key to how my skin stays looking so great.  Nothing breaks up makeup, dirt, grime and oil (eek, my face is disgusting, right?) like an oil based cleanser - and any amount of eye makeup I may be wearing comes off effortlessly.  Finally I finish with a third type of cleanser depending on what my skin needs that evening - perhaps an acne/glycolic wash or a gentle milk rinse to make my skin feel great but never stripped.  

• Wipes I love: Ole Henriksen, Dermalogica Pre-Cleanse
• Cleansing Oils I love: Shu Uemura (holy grail), Nude, Shiseido
• Cleansers: Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel, REN Foaming Cleanser, Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

2. Tone - Why? What? Who? How? This is exactly how I felt about toning when I began my skincare journey.  And then I just dove in, did some research and tried out different types.  Voila - I am now in love with toners.  Typically, they are designed to remove any remaining traces of dirt/makeup, balance the pH of the skin and prepare the skin to receive the following treatments/serums/creams that will follow.  Since I have oily skin that is acne prone, I tend to gravitate towards ones to help me remove bacteria so I can prevent future breakouts.  But if my skin is particularly dry/irritated/sensitive that day due to who-knows-what, then I treat it accordingly.  

• Acne specific toners: Mario  Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion (holy grail)
• Hydrating Toners: Murad Hydrating Toner, Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater

3. Exfoliate - This step by far has made the most difference in my skin over the past two years - helping me achieve radiant and even-toned skin. I do love getting rid of those dead skin cells, but I read a great article a few months ago which mentioned too much exfoliation can have a negative effect.  Eureka! That was me - I was exfoliating in some form almost every night - and multiple times over.  It was a miracle I had any skin left.  So I began to really look at what was in the products I was using each night, and to make sure I was not overloading my skin with peels, scrubs and then acidic based ingredients in my products.  The two main types of traditional exfoliation I do regularly are chemical (peels) and manual (scrubs) - and I use each once a week, normally on Wednesday and Sunday nights.  The rest of the week I may have cleansers, toners, serums, creams with exfoliating properties, but traditional peels/scrubs I save for once each a week.  

• Peels: Perricone MD Blue Plasma (I swear by this stuff), Arcona Raspberry Resurfacing Peel
• Scrubs: Tatcha Deep Rice Enzyme Powder, Clarins Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, Kate Somerville Exfolikate

4. Mask - This step for me truly embodies the notion of treating what the skin needs when it needs it.  If my skin is dry that day - a hydrating mask.  If I have a breakout, a pore refining mask.  If my skin is dull, an exfoliating/refining mask.  And a great tip that I learned from a close beauty blogging friend is that you only have to mask the part of your face that needs it.  For example, the t-zone may need that clarifying clay mask, but the cheeks and forehead may be dry and need a hydrating mask.  Mix it up.  Don't layer the masks - just use them on the parts of the face that will benefit the most.  

• Pore Clarifying - Boscia Luminizing Black Mask, Mario Badescu Drying Mask, Mario Badescu Silver Powder (not really a mask but amazing blackhead treatment)
• Hydrating - NARS Luiminous Aqua Gel, Dermalogica Multi Vitamin Power Recovery Masque, Tatcha Luminous Sheet Mask
• Exfoliating Mask - Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask, Ole Henriksen Blue/Blackberry Enzyme Mask
• Calming Mask - Mario Badescu Calma Mask

5. Eye cream - Many people feel that using their face cream around the eyes is a suitable treatment for this area.  Like I said before, I am no expert, but I do prefer to use a product designed for the eye area as I feel it may be more sensitive to the needs of that particular skin.  I liken it to using shampoo for your hair and shower gel for your body - while you can probably use one product for everything, you may not necessarily get the same results.  

• Hydrating - Tatcha Ageless Eye Cream
• Exfoliating - Perricone MD Blue Plasma Orbital
• Depuffing/cooling - Mario Badescu Ceramide Eye Gel

6. Serum - Often packed with a higher concentration of active ingredients, serums pack a serious punch when delivering results.  They are usually more potent than your typical face moisturizer and are best used under a day or night cream.  I have the least amount of serums in my arsenal mainly because they are the priciest of all skincare items, so I like to choose only a few that are effective for treating different conditions.  Hydration is a major concern for my skin, because while its oily, it can also be dehydrated - so a moisturizing serum is always in rotation.  I also love an exfoliating/retexturizing serum which really aids in brightening the skin and making it look refreshed.  Lastly,  I always need to have an acne treatment because I still break out after all these years - stupid hormones, ugh. 

• Hydrating - Mario Badescu Hydrating Serum (amazing stuff)
• Brightening - Sunday Riley Good Genes
• Acne treatments - Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion, Mario Badescu Drying Cream

7. Moisturizer - My goodness - where to begin with this final category. This is probably the category I am the least loyal to because I am always trying something new.  With that being said, I again take the "treat what you need" approach to moisturizers.  If I am dry, irritated, red, broken out, dull, or feeling like I need a whole new face (kidding, but there are those days), I will reach for the cream to address the concern.  Yes I have a few favorites that I can't live without, but for me, this category is forever just trial and error.  You win some moisturizers, you lose some moisturizers.  

• SPF day options: Mario Badescu Oil Free SPF 30, Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30, Perricone Photo Plasma SPF 30
• Hydrating/Soothing: Tatcha Rich Moisture Silk Cream, Neal's Yard Remedies Beauty Sleep Concentrate, Kiehls Ultra Facial Moisturizer
• Anti-aging: Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer

So there you have it folks - a more thoughtful approach as to the "whys" behind how I take care of my skin.  I feel that understanding this concept is more empowering than the products themselves.  Now that I know how to give my skin what it needs when it needs it, I feel more comfortable navigating all the trials and tribulations that my skin will go through over the years.  Let my future wrinkles be warned. 

  
Shop the post:

Need more sass?  Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Beauty Bits: Cleansing Oils And Balms And Why I Love Them

  If you have been reading my blog for a while now, you are familiar with my undying love appreciation for cleansing oils.  I find them to be one of the most effective ways to remove my makeup, deep cleanse and keep my skin looking the best it can.  Surprisingly however, I have never mentioned cleansing balms on my blog and how wonderful they can be for any and all skin types.  So I felt it was time to join forces in a post and feature both cleansing oils and cleansing balms and rave about them both.  Being super (super) oily, I initially feared both of these mediums for the obvious reasons - oil and balm on my face? Are you crazy? But that fear quickly turned into adoration after using them and seeing first hand how great my skin began to look.  With both cleansing oils and balms, they cut through makeup effortlessly and leave my skin less oily afterwards then other cleansers.  Why is that?  The reason I have found is because when oil is removed/stripped from the face, it stimulates the sebaceous glands to produce more oil thus creating a vicious cycle.  Here is a look at some great cleansing oil and balm options:

1. Boscia Makeup/Breakup Cleansing Oil - Still new to the Boscia brand, I have tried a few of their products and they continuously amaze me each time.  This cleansing oil is both affordable and is a pleasure to use as I barely have to do any work when removing my makeup.  It's cuts right throw all my makeup layers in a second and even waterproof mascara doesn't stand a chance with this oil.

2. Tatcha Cleansing Oil (c/o) - Good ol' Tatcha - still one of my favorite brands of all time.  Their enzyme powder is my holy grail and I became a fan of their cleansing oil upon first use.  Especially when my skin is feeling a bit irritated or sensitive, I find this cleanser to give me a deep, thorough cleanse while still treating my skin with kid gloves, and leaving it soothed and soft.

3. REN Purity Cleansing Balm (c/o) - A product that both cleanses and conditions the skin in one? Yes please.  This cleansing balm easily removes makeup, especially when used with the muslin cloth included.  This is one that I often travel with because when I am away from home my skin needs something to help cleanse but keep it balanced and this always does the trick.

4. Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm (c/o)- I am quickly becoming a fan of this UK organic brand, and I can add this cult classic to my list of favorites from NYR.  Saying this product is multi-purpose is an understatement since it can be used as a cleanser, exfoliant or rich moisturizer, and is incredibly gentle.  Dry, chapped, winter skin has met it's match in this product. 

5. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm - As still one of the strongest skincare brands in the market, Clinique will always be great for basic, effective skincare staples.  And this cleansing balm is no exception.  What applies as a thick balm, quickly dissolves into a silky, rich oil that removes makeup in a pinch, leaving skin feeling smooth and soft.  Makeup residue need not apply.

Shop more cleansing oils and balms:

Need more sass?  Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

A Bit Obsessed: October 2013 Beauty Favorites

A monthly favorites with this many bold lip choices?  It's shocking, truly.  But I can't help myself.  I have found so many great bright shades that I am reaching for them almost every day.  Of course I balanced this out with two neutral eye shadows, to make sure you guys still knew it was me.  And a few nail products and one skincare product also made the cut.  Here's the rundown:

1. Neal's Yard Remedies Organic Eye Makeup Remover (c/o) - Rarely do I use eye makeup remover, since my preferred method of cleansing each night is with a cleansing oil, but after giving this one a go, I was happy to welcome it back into my regimen.  More than anything, I found this remover to be so soothing and I would actually soak a cotton pad in the solution and hold them on my eyes for approximately 15-30 seconds.  Not only did it remove the makeup, but it refreshed and nourished the eye area.  

2. Bite Beauty Lipstick in Fig (swatch above)- How many Bite Beauty lip products can one girl acquire?  I'm on a personal mission to find out.  Pepper was a previous favorite (see post here), and now Fig - a subtle pink shade that wears beautifully and makes my lips actually feel better after using it.  

3. NARS Velvet Matte Pencil in Damned (swatch above) - The name sounds a bit daunting but this deep berry shade is the epitome of an easy to wear vampy lip.  I know, that almost sounds like an oxymoron, but trust me - whether worn as a stain or more opaque, it is a must for fall/winter.

4. Bite Beauty Cashmere Lip Cream in Sancerre (swatch above) - Another Bite lip product?????  I wasn't kidding about this brand - I am collecting them all.  A matte, full coverage lip that delivers bold color not for the faint of heart.  I blot with a tissue after, but the color is intense and lasts all. day. long.  Just try to remove it.  Seriously.  Try.

5. Guerlain Ecrin 4 Couleurs Eyeshadows in Les Fumes (swatch above) - I find myself becoming more and more drawn to Guerlain, and with each product I try, my love for the brand is solidified more.  I have heard people rave about these eye palettes before, and now I know why - look at those swatches!  Butter soft, richly pigmented and so easy to blend - I am a bit mad at myself I didn't discover them sooner.  Now that I know better, I will do better (AKA buy more). 

6. NARS Eye shadow in Edie - Alright, I got this color just a few months ago, and I swear I am going to hit pan any day.  I use it THAT much.  It is the perfect base shade - and frankly, while it may not be as exciting of a color as some, it is soooo necessary. Not too shimmery, not too matte - it's just right. 

7. Julep Polymer Top Coat - I'm that girl that goes to the nail salon with her own polishes - yes I am.  But ever since discovering this top coat, my manicures have never lasted longer.  The finish is much like a gel polish, and dries faster than anything I have ever seen.  And chipping? What chipping?  I have to reallllly, try to chip my manicure when wearing this top coat.  I already have a back up for when I finish.  To be without would be a tragedy.

8. Butter London Wallis - I can't lie, I have A LOT of nail polish.  But in my defense, I do a weekly blog feature so......so there.  With all that polish, I tend to forget about shades that I have used and loved, and recently I stumbled across this Butter London shade again and was reminded of why I bought it in the first place.  So unique, so different - it is truly one of my favorite nail color of all time.  A little bit grungy, a little bit glam - here is a swatch to convince you.  See???  Amazing.

Shop October beauty favorites:

Need more sass?  Follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.