I often get compliments about my skin (thank you, thank you, far too kind) and when asked about my skincare routine, I’m not afraid to spill on what products I use. I love skincare and I blame one of my earliest work experiences at Lancôme. It was around the launch of Génifique and my former boss took me through the process of making a splash around a new product. I learned all about the tedious press release writing process but the most fascinating bit was hearing from R&D learning about the product, the benefits, the ingredients, etc. Yes my mother, the OG Beauty Guru, always stressed important grooming habits but it wasn’t until that time where I was fascinated by the science behind skincare.
Fast forward several years and I’m still enamored with the world of skincare. Instead of writing press releases, I do my own research and use my face as a petri dish (just kidding). I am, however, always looking up ingredients, what would and wouldn’t work on my skin type and tone and trying to move forward. So it should be no surprise that my skincare routine includes more than just a cleanser. I’ve documented my morning summer skincare routine, because I use different products seasonally and during the evening.
This doesn’t even count when I’m trying to pamper myself. I’ll save that for another video 😉
When it comes to skincare, I’m as serious as serious gets. I never try no to go to bed with makeup on, use sunscreen religiously and do not pick at pimples. However, sometimes my skin like to revolt and I’ll get a monster of a zit that REFUSES to go away no matter how many times I use a cleanser/moisturizer combo with salicylic acid.
That’s when I whip out the big guns. Say hello to my little friends…
Okay, so it’s a lot of little friends but they WORK!
1. Clarisonic Mia I’ve already waxed poetic of the wonder that is the Clarisonic Mia but in cased you missed, here it is again: OHMIGOODNESS THIS IS AMAZING! Clarisonic delivers such clean and baby bottom smooth skin within seconds! The Mia is a one-button, one-speed device that can be taken with you practically anywhere. The brush is super soft and it removes makeup and dirt like nobodies business.
2. ZENO HOT SPOT This little heating device originally scared me to pieces but now I can’t imagine my life without it. The Zeno Hot Spot has a built-in computer that controls the treatment tip which delivers a small dose of heat when applied directly onto the pimple/zit/problem area. The heat destroys the bacteria that causes acne. The idea of applying heat directly on my face had me nervous but 2 ½ minutes later I was a happy woman (with a much smaller sized pimple!). It only takes one use for me to see results so I tend to use it at night and wake up to a pimple free face.
3. Nutritioniste Skin Renew The Brusher Gel Cleanser I use this a) when I’m feeling to lazy to use the Clarisonic or b) when I’m washing my face in the shower as opposed to over the sink. While you can use the Clarisonic in shower, I’ve seen one too many movies where the pretty girl gets killed due to an electronic device landing in her tub. Call me chicken. Simply squeezing the product releases a cool gel that you allows you to apply directly on your face using the scrubbing brush. While it looks harsh, the brush tip is rubbery and doesn’t scratch my skin at all. The result is skin that brighter, soft and blemish free.
4. CLEAN & CLEAR® ADVANTAGE® Acne Spot Treatment Immediately after cleansing, I apply acne treatment directly onto my skin to allow it to sink in and really treat an area.This clear gel dissolves surface oils on the skin and allows acne fighting medication to go in deep and clear pimples fast. It contains salicylic acid, which is a known acne fighting ingredient that helps unclog pores and prevent future clogging by helping the skin´s natural renewal process. While this is a spot treatment, I’ve been known to apply it rather generously all over my face. I like to think of it as beating the system.
5. Lumene Vitamin C+ Pure Radiance Day Cream I’ve been a fan of Lumene ever since I was introduced to it last year, so I sort of had high expectations for this moisturizer. I’m happy to report that this does not disappoint! This moisturizer is rich and leaves skin looking rather glowy. It contains arctic cloudberry seed oil, which is full of natural antioxidants that nourishes and protect skin. The one downside is that it doesn’t contain sunscreen, so I normally spray 6. Neutrogena Fresh Cooling Body Mist Sunblock SPF 45 directly onto the moisturizer and then apply onto my skin. When used alone, it can feel a little greasy so be careful not to spray too much.
There you have it- my secret to clear and beautiful skin. I never realized how much of a process this was but I’d rather have great skin than having to rely on wearing thick, heavy makeup. What are some of your skin concerns? What do you use to fight acne?
Disclosure: some samples were provided for possible review. Please don’t forget that you can still help the people of Haiti, donate to the Red Cross today. Thank you.
While skincare is the most important part of my beauty regimen, sometimes I get lazy. Plain and simple. I come home, lay in bed with a magazine and a box of Entenmann’s cookies and rebel. Sort of.
For the past month, I’ve been using Clean and Clear Makeup Dissolving Facial Cleansing Wipes ($7.99) on my lazy days.
What it claims - New CLEAN & CLEAR® Makeup Dissolving Facial Cleansing Wipes instantly lift away all traces of oil, dirt, and makeup instantly without over-drying. Simply wipe your face with the soft, pre-moistened cloths for makeup-free skin in one easy step. No sink, towel, or headband needed. Just drop a box in your purse or gym bag and make your pores feel clean and happy wherever, whenever.
Rather than go to the bathroom and ruin my cookie/ magazine reading marathon, I simply use the cleansing cloth to wipe down my face down and toss in the trash (which is actually across my room causing a slight disturbance in an otherwise perfect laziness routine).
With 25 wipes in the package, this is a total steal. While nothing beats the old soap and water routine, I like having something on hand that’s quick and refreshing. These oil-free wipes are perfect for my oily skin as they don’t leave any residue and there isn’t an over the top odor (it’s actually quite pleasant). The cloths are soft and do not irritate or burn my skin (another plus). I most love these wipes because it truly removes makeup better than any wipe I’ve ever tried. There isn’t a trace of makeup left on my skin (it even removes waterproof mascara).
I totally recommend this and am officially inducting it into MissWhoever You Are’s Makeup Bag Must Have.
For the Good Girls
If you’re truly dedicated and persistent, you avoid wipes altogether. On the 4 nights out of the week when I’m not practicing über laziness, I use Clean and Clear’s Makeup Dissolving Foaming Cleanser ($7.99)
What it claims: Some soaps can over-dry your skin. New CLEAN & CLEAR® Makeup Dissolving Foaming Cleanser has a rich lathering foam that gently lifts away dirt and makeup without leaving an oily residue. This oil-free formula is gentle enough for daily use.
Here’s a little tip. It’s actually something I practice everyday as part of my makeup removing routine. I normally lather up my face twice: once to remove makeup and a second time to make sure that not only my makeup is off but that any other impurities are gone as well.
The foaming cleanser is basically step one in my routine. It’s oil free (again..LOVE) but I must say that my face felt a little bit tight after use. I immediately follow this up with an exfoliating cleanser (also from Clean & Clear though not part of the makeup dissolving line). This is a gentle foaming cleanser that really does it’s job in removing makeup.
Eye Won’t Have Any of It…
Eye makeup removers are a very touchy subject. I am 100% dedicated to my Lancôme Bi-Facil and I hardly ever stray. Clean & Clear’s Soothing Eye Makeup Remover ($7.99) is an affordable option and does a decent job in removing eye makeup
What it claims: CLEAN & CLEAR® Soothing Eye Makeup Remover gently conditions as it dissolves long-wear eye makeup. Its oil-free formula, infused with a combination of cucumber extracts and aloe vera, soothes and refreshes the delicate skin around the eyes.
I wasn’t a major fan only because I felt that it was a bit too much for my eye area. There was a slight residue that I was not a fan of. In terms of it’s ability to remove makeup…A+. It really does get all of it of, I’m just not a fan of the icky residue around my eye area.
Or maybe I’m just too stubborn to admit that something can be better than my Bi-Facil 😉
If there’s one beauty secret (or not so beauty secret) that you take away from this blog is that the drugstore aisle can be your best friend. I LIVE at my local CVS/Duane Reade. It’s hard not to when a) there’s one located on just about every block in NYC, and b) the deals in the beauty aisle are just too sweet to pass up.
Whether you’re combating dry, oily or in between skin, most skin types require targeted products to reveal its true beauty. You can pick the best products for your skin type, and budget. All during your lunch break.
What to look out for at CVS: 1. Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser, $7.99 From oily to dry and sensitive skin, this gentle yet balanced formula leaves any-skin type feeling squeaky clean.
2. Burt’s Bees Peach And Willowbark Deep Pore Scrub, $8.99 Clean your pores the natural way with this gentle exfoliating scrub, enriched with ginger and seaweed extracts.
3. Olay Daily Facials Express Wet Cleansing Cloths All Skin Types, $5.99 For a woman on the go, these towelettes are perfect to help keep your face clean and free of impurities.
4. Clean & Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets, $5.49 For a quick touch-up anywhere, these small treasures help remove unwanted oil from your face without smudging makeup, zapping shine and leaving skin feeling fresh.
All products are available nationwide at your local CVS/pharmacy or online at CVS.com.
What to sign up for at Duane Reade:
Definitely sign up for the Duane Reade Rewards Card. For every dollar you spend, it counts as one point and once you reach 100 they give you a $5 coupon good for purchasing anything at the store. This may seem absurd but when you visit them, say, on a daily basis the reward points add up really quickly. I tend to spend my $5 on makeup. So it works out pretty well.
Honestly, for beauty deals I go to CVS (they always have BOGO deals!) You can buy tons of makeup/skincare goods for under $20. How’s that for spending wisely???
So it’s that time of the month where I dish on what beauty products kept me going for the month of June!
June was a very quiet month in terms of beauty products that managed to woo me primarily because for most of June I was dealing with a case of swollen eye. While the swelling went down, there was a rather noticeable bump on my eyelid that caused a major freak out throughout the month. It has since gone down (thank God because my health insurance has been cut and it gets expensive visiting an eye doctor in NYC).
As with May, I have been focusing more on my skin instead of actual makeup. For some reason, my skin decided to really act up this month causing breakouts galore. Pair that with a swollen eye you’ve got a girl who wore little to no makeup…for a month!
Orlane Absolute Skin Recovery Repairing Night Cream I received a sample sized version of Orlane’s Absolute Skin Recovery Repairing Night Cream ($300 for a full sized product) a little while ago and let me just say…I have fallen in love. I use such a tiny amount for fear of using it all up and being unhappy for the rest of my life (because let’s face it, my college student budget can’t really get another one of these!).
The Absolute Skin Recovery Repairing Night Cream is one of the best night creams. Period. I really think that it’s effective in moisturizing the skin. The cream is silky smooth and very concentrated. The smallest bit of product should be used (about a dime-sized worth) and is quickly absorbed into my skin sans the heavy, greasy feel. Perfect for putting on before going to bed. The fragrance is a bit relaxing and not overly perfume-y. When I wake up in the morning, my skin still feels a bit hydrated which is quite honestly the best thing to ever happen to my skin. Ever.
I’ve only been using it for a month so I can’t really say much about it’s anti-aging properties. That and the fact that I’m only 21 years old, so my skin is already “young”. I believe in starting an anti aging skin care regimen early so I’m not trying to “fix” anything later. The packaging is the icing on the cake. I love looking at the little glam silver jar housed on my vanity (keep this in my bathroom cabinet..pfft..I think not!)
Clean & Clear Advantage Fast Clearing Spot Treatment So the frugalista in me loves the drugstore aisle (LOL). I bought this a couple of months ago after experiencing a serious breakout situation. I only use it in times like these where my face decides to take a journey into PimpleTowm without letting me now. I do feel like it clears up my face right away. The best thing about this product is that it does not dry my skin like some other acne spot treatment products.
Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment is a transparent gel that is applied to the skin (after washing) twice a day (morning and night). It is supposed to dissolve surface oils on the skin, allowing acne fighting medication to penetrate deep and clear pimples fast. It contains salicylic acid which is an acne fighting ingredient that helps unclog pores and prevent any future clogging by helping the skin´s natural renewal process.
I didn’t experience any irritation, dryness, or problems while using it. You can smell the alcohol in it which gets kind of annoying but it’s totally tolerable. I recommend this product to anyone looking to clear pimples fast.
There you have it! I’m still using the same skincare products from May’s Favorite Things, so check that out here!
