Too Long, No Write

For almost three years, I was a fairly regular--albeit lazy--beauty blogger.  Since my husband has been home, I have just been busy.  I have been throwing my limited (limited, but growing) energy into other pursuits, and blogging has been the last thing on my mind.

Here are a few things I have been loving.  I haven't been voraciously researching new makeup, but sticking with the products and brands I love.  I am steadily trying to go more natural in all my body and skin products, but it's slow going sometimes!

FACE

Whenever I get to visit the outlet mall about a half hour from where I live, I always have to pop into the Cosmetics Company Store.  I see to be drawn to some new Bobbi Brown product every time I go in.  A couple of months ago, my husband talked me into buying this.  I kept waffling about it, but he knows he reluctant I am to make purchases sometimes. 

Bobbi Brown EXTRA Repair Foundation

Now, my skin is extremely combination.  Many things make my skin feel slick during the day.  However, when I keep it well moisturized in the morning, it tends to balance itself out.  My favorite product to moisturize with is Bobbi Brown EXTRA  Face Oil that I bought before my wedding last year (to layer under an oil free foundation with zero SPF.) My second favorite would be pure aloe vera gel.  Anyways, I do have to give a quick dusting of silica powder on my T-zone after using this, but I LOVE the smell and the sheer coverage.

 EYES

 Secondly, I am finally able to line under my eyes with a pencil liner.  It's a miracle!! I simply dust a little powder around my eye, and use Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP for short!) on the places I want to line.  I have been using CoverGirl LiquidLine Blast eye pencil in Blackest Black.  Properly prepped, it stays on great.  When I don't want to deal with ANY smudging, I go to my trusty Bobbi Brown gel liner.

HAIR

No, I did not do my hair myself here!  Yeah, right.  About a month after this, I chopped about four inches off of my hair.  My obsession with achieving ombre hair last summer has grown out beautifully, yet has taken a toll on the health of my hair.  I use a Pantene leave-in conditioner every time I wash my hair, and religiously use MorrocanOil.  I also still don't use heat anywhere but my bangs, except on rare occasions.

Well, that's about all the blogging I have in me right now.  I'll try to give product reviews here and there, so it doesn't go so long!

Nutra Sonic

So, my husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas. Since he is gone, it's up to me to get it for myself. I couldn't really think of anything. Then, was browsing the Costco website and saw they had a Nutra Sonic cleansing brush--including the cleanser, toner and three brush heads. I had never heard of the Nutra Sonic, but have been longing for a Clarisonic for a couple of years now. I began voraciously reading reviews, as I am known to do. I could never justify $200 for a sonic brush, but $95 as a gift during a deployment...hmmm. Plus, buying from Costco is always satisfaction guaranteed. You cannot beat their return policy should anything be wrong with it down the road either.

So, I went for it. Gulp, still extravagant But, WOW. This thing is amazing!!! My skin has never felt so soft, smooth and glowing. I have only been using it for three days, twice a day. I have been using the sensitive brush head on the lowest setting since my skin can get irritated. I'll keep you posted on the long term effects, but it's supposed to fight aging and acne. It gets my face crazy clean, and products penetrate the skin much more effectively.

I can take it in the shower with me, and it has a body attachment as well. I haven't used it yet, but look forward to trying it out.

The brush heads need to be changed every 3-4 months, depending on use. The brushes are also about 40% less than the Clarisonic ones. The charger is universal voltage, just like the Clarisonic Plus. I have read that the instructions are much more extensive with the Clarisonic, but I'm fine getting info online and paying less than half the price!

HSN does sell a travel version--smaller and only two speeds. However, it is $44.95.

Ok, must get back to feeling my face...

Some Product Disappointments

I'm sitting here listening to very nearby neighbors singing karaoke.  Not pleasant when you aren't singing too, and don't know the people.  They just finished Beatles "Yesterday."

Anyways, here are some products that I have been disappointed with.

This was very disappointing.  I can't figure out if it was this or a new sunscreen I've been trying, but my face broke out into tiny bumps all over it.  Also, it felt like pure silicone, and my pores felt suffocated.  I have read so many rave reviews, but wasn't sold.

Wow, this was so chalky white and greasy.  I have been wanting a waterproof, physical sunscreen.  I thought the newer technologies prevented it from looking like the Zinc of older days.  I got some samples of Dermalogica super sensitive suncreen, and loved it.  All physical sunscreen with no chalkiness.  Then again, it's $45.  I read that they used microionized particles to avoid that chalkiness.  I guess I'll stick with my Shiseido--with its super waterproof, chemical/physical SPF blend.  I just have to be sure to remove it fully with a cleansing oil or wipe.

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation
It seems like every blog I read, someone raves about it.  I was thinking it would be sheer.  Nope.  I like a very sheer coverage.  I don't like looking like I have makeup on, I guess.  This looked very makeup-y on me.  Very matte on me.  No likey.

Pickers Anonymous

Ok, so I have serious issues.  I have always been a bit of a picker in regards to ingrown hairs, or facial blemishes.  Over the last couple of years, it has steadily grown to be a bit of a sickness.  Aaron gets so mad at me for going to town on a small blackhead--which then turns into a massive underground cystic pimple...which then turns into a massive scab after I have squeezed it.  Then, I have a huge scab which turns into a huge scar.

It's so bad, and yet I keep doing it!

I've tried to tell myself to stop it.  The original goal was that I wasn't going to pick for the three weeks before the ball.  Well, I fell off the wagon approximately every other day.

When I told Aaron, he asked "When were you ever on the wagon???"

True.

Well, I did the same thing this week. It's so bad that the three year old I nanny for has been very concerned about the boo boo on my face.  Also, my niece asked about my "poor little owie" on my chin.

Now I have a HUGE scab right in the middle of my chin...prompting me to make a new commitment.  I will not pick for the rest of the year.  If I succeed in purging the puss of this terrible addiction from my life, I will reward myself with this:

a fairly inexpensive item I have never been able to justify purchasing

Cleansing/Massage Brush

Shiseido, $23

Can I succeed?  I severely lack will power in this area.  Before I got sick, I was super disciplined about everything.  Now, because I have to be so careful with my energy, I am alot easier on myself.

But my only goals for December are to break my addiction, and to catch up on two months' worth of Bible reading in 20 days.  I have gotten seriously behind and want to complete the year having read it in a year.

Wish me luck!!!

New Fave Tinted Moisturizer

Aveeno Positively Radiant TM SPF30

First of all, sorry for the hiatus! Last week was my last week of work for a bit and I was SO exhausted. Then, my niece and nephew have been at my house and I have been having a blast NOT working and hanging with them. I have barely been on the computer, which--if you know me--is a small miracle!

Anyways, over the past year, I have tested many tinted moisturizers. I have done everything from Stila's regular (too oily) and oil-free (too chalky), to CoverGirl (too beigy and clogged my nose pores), to Cosmedicine matte (terrible finish), to Benefit (too oily and limited colors), etc.

Two that I'm really loving are Shiseido and Aveeno. The huge difference is in price. S is $37 and A I got for $13. I've decided to take some time off from work for my health, and with my big Euro trip...I am into saving the money.

S is not oil-free, but sinks in so quickly. It is extremely subtle.

A is oil-free, is supposed to even skin tone over time, and really gives incredible coverage. As usual for me, I have to really blend into my chin or it flakes (side effect of regularly using Benzoyl Peroxide.) I am really impressed by it. I have really fair face skin, and went with the darker of the two shades. I would suggest getting it at Target, unless it's on sale at a drugstore. Otherwise, it was regularly $17--way too pricey for drugstore brand in my opinion.

I have loved the coverage so much that I haven't even been wearing mineral makeup over. A little powder and I'm good to go.

Adult Acne Glycolic Peel

Somehow I stopped using this as much during the drier winter. A few weeks ago, I eased back into it almost every other day and...wow, what a difference in my skin. It is smoother, clearer and brighter.

Still a miracle worker--a discontinued miracle worker. I got a few boxes at Marshall's last fall.

I love the combination of glycolic and salicylic acid in it. Works wonders.

Bacne

Summer's on its way...meaning more sweat. No other way to say it. Sweat can clog pores, and cause bacne (body acne.) This product isn't specifically made for bacne, but I'm really liking it. It helps fade scars in addition to preventing the bacne. I'm all about preventing breakouts on both my face and back. So far, this does the trick. The product I used to use was discontinued.

If you have a big breakout of bacne, try using a toner as well twice a day (something with salicylic acid, to unclog pores.) I highly recommend my favorite toner--for face, fading scars, body or ingrown hairs. It's amazing!


Acne Stress Control Gel

Shiny Face

I hate when my T-zone gets shiny.

My lifesavers:

Self Tanners

I found this guide helpful. A few of the products I had never heard of.

Ultimate Self-Tanner Guide

Cocoa Butter

I love, love, love the smell of cocoa butter. I used to use Vaseline Cocoa Butter lotion. I also really like body oils. I have a few of them...monoi scented, coconut scented, unscented. I find that I don't really wear them that often since I feel paranoid about transferring oil onto anything else.

That's why I feel very intrigued by this Palmer's Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Gel Oil...especially as we head into summer. I love having soft skin, and oil does that better than any lotion I've ever used! And, it has SPF 15, which will keep skin softer over the long run. It seems really new, and I can't for my life find a link or picture for it. Also, it has mineral oil in it, so don't use it on any areas that are acne-prone.

In my quest to find a picture of it, I came across the Vaseline Intensive Care Vitalizing Gel Oil. It doesn't have SPF in it, but, boy, do I love the smell of almond oil.

Scars, hyperpigmentations and sunspots

This post is mostly for Laura, who asked for these resources...

Last fall, a friend of mine asked for suggestions to get rid of what she called the "zebra stripe" on her forehead. Basically, a dark skin discoloration. These can be caused by sun exposure, hormones, and I don't know what else!

I did a little research and suggested:

1. A professional strength glycolic peel.
I am a huge fan of glycolic acid. I love the idea of chemically exfoliating the skin. It evens out the skin tone, physically smooths it out and brightens everything. I used to struggle with any tiny blemish on my face leaving a scar for months. Now, because of all the glycolic products I use, scars fade so much faster. You just have to remember to be super diligent about sunscreen, since your skin will be much more vulnerable and exposed, with layers gone.

She had great luck with this peel. Start it out at once a week for a few weeks, then twice a week if your skin can handle it. Never overdo it or you'll be peely for quite some time. I like to use a very mild cleanser anyways, but especially around the time of doing peels.

I am a firm believer in good skincare. And stuff like this means you have to wear less makeup!

2. A Hydroquinone Product
Hydroquinone is a lightening agent. It is sold over the counter in 2% dosages, or 4% with a prescription. My dermatologist once gave me some for the acne scars that used to plague me...until I discoverd glycolic acid, of course.
This product you use specifically on the discoloration. Again, ramp up the amount of sunscreen you use, as that's how many discolorations get so bad in the first place.

2% Glytone
Philosophy- A Pigment of Your Imagination (with SPF 18)

It Never Goes Out of Style

Hey everyone, I'm back from an eventful couple of weeks. I have tried to keep up with my beauty musings, but have a backlog of products I've tried, etc.

First of all, I have re-fallen in love with a few products, including the Glossing Cream (based on my one weekend without its amazingness.) I have acquired a couple of new products that I will have to write about.

I have been wearing my ear warmer (that I wrote about with uncertainty here) nearly any time I am not at work. It has quickly become a very practical seasonal signature accessory.

I am in awe of how long my spa birthday pedicure has lasted. It is blowing my mind. Seriously, still shiny 5 weeks later. I NEVER leave nail polish on that long usually, but with the cold weather and busy schedule, I didn't get around to changing it. I will write more about what I think the secret to its longevity is!

But, this evening, I am just thankful for pure aloe vera gel. I tend to be so freaked out about any sort of blemish or breakout, that I load up my already sensitive skin with harsh anti-acne products...causing peeling or redness. I have been trying to be more self-controlled about overapplying that stuff. Still, with the cold and dry weather, I have been having a bit of flaking around my skin. My favorite moisturizer--pure aloe vera gel. I know it doesn't make me break out, doesn't make me greasy and is incredibly cheap.

Miracle Mask

First of all, let me say that I am EXHAUSTED. The Olympics are killing me. I DO NOT understand why they have to be on until 12:30am. Ridiculous. I have been so tired all week. Tonight, I am determined to get some sleep.

In the meantime, let me rave about my latest find: Mario Badescu Drying Mask. The last two months, my skin has decided to act like I'm 16, not 26. I have been breaking out a ton around my chin. Very annoying.

I decided to try this and I am seriously impressed. I have been using it every other night. Let me warn you, it smells very potently of sulfur. But, totally worth it, especially on cystic acne (the deep kind that swells up and just sets up camp for weeks.) You are supposed to use it in combination with the Buffering Lotion, applying it before and after the mask.

The mask has completely calmed my skin down and speeds up the elimination process of those big, cystic breakouts (which apparently are hormonal when around the chin and jaw.) I still use my MB Healing Cream too, and a very mild cleanser so as to not dry out my skin too much.

Seriously impressed, I tell you.

Saturday Rituals

I love my long, leisurely Saturday morning showers. I usually take showers at night during the week, but like lounging in the morning on Saturdays. I do an extra long pumice on my feet, even though I already pumice every other day. I actually use shave gel on my legs. Today, I did my Ahava Liquid Salt and left it on for a few minutes, all the while imagining my skin releasing toxins. I exfoliate my whole body, and rinse my hair off with cool water (to make it shinier, I imagine.)

One product I have contemplated adding to this routine is Clean & Clear Soft In-Shower Facial. I have read some good reviews on it, but haven't been able to decide if I should add it to my already fairly aggressive AHA treatments (my glycolic/salicylic acid peel, toner and primer.) I already try to steam my face every couple of weeks to help clean out the ol' pores. But I have been wanting to try this for a few months, so may break down and do so!

If I Could Have Anything...

If I had $200 of extra money...no, wait...If I had $200 extra money and I HAD to spend it in a frivolous manner. Ok, if this was given to me.

Oh, I give up. Let's face it, I probably wouldn't spend $200 on the Clarisonic skin brush...but I lust after it all the time. Everyone has been raving about this for the last couple of years. It is made by the same people who developed the Sonicare toothbrush. It deeply cleanses and smoothes the skin, without harsh scrubbing. It is supposed to help with wrinkles, acne, blotchiness, oiliness, etc! How can such perfection be possible? I don't know, but I think about it quite a bit.

Until someone gives me this (even in that case, it would still pain me to have spent $195 on a skin brush), I may have to make do with the Neutrogena Wave. I have read some great reviews on it. I guess it is a similar gentle, yet deeply cleansing technique. But, you do have to buy the replacement pads for it.

New Cleanser

Well, this is new to me, at least. Clean and Clear Sensitive Skin Foaming Cleanser. I tend to be very faithful to my trusty, proven products. (I will qualify that...faithful to SOME of my proven products. Others, I will temporarily feel dissatisfied with until I have ruled out all other, newer products and discover once again that I am still pleased with what I had to begin with.) I have never strayed from my trusty Cetaphil cleanser...so mild, takes off all of my eye makeup, doesn't dry out my skin. I love it. Lately, though, I find that it doesn't take off all of my other makeup as well...and suddenly found myself wondering if I should branch out.

After some research, I did. And I am loving this. It removes ALL makeup, foams up so well and also doesn't dry out my skin. I'm going to try this bottle, and then reevaluate at the end of it.

I love my Mario

I truly don't think I could function without my Mario Badescu Healing Cream. I use all the MB acne products, and each product is for a specific type of breakout. But, I don't think a day goes by that I don't dab this stuff on.

Here is what the website says:
Sulfur based cream that will speed up the healing process of red, irritated acne skin as it prevents scarring. Balsam Peru helps to protect delicate, healing skin while it soothes and minimizes redness. Oil-free formula.

What I say:
I love putting this stuff on any part of my face that is irritated or red. It soothes, heals AND the sulfur dries up acne. Wow, talk about a multi-tasker. My skin gets red and plotchy/dry easily if I am too aggressive in my treatments. I love knowing that this will calm it down. It's creamy and the tub lasts forever. I have had mine for a year, and have about two-thirds left.

Toner and "Sex"

Like my provocative title?? It's actually more to remind me that I'm writing a post on two random thoughts.

I deviated from (cheated on) my normal toner, but definitely had a couple of skin explosions without it. I went back last week, and all is clear again. Phew. Anyone I have recommended it to has adored it. It prevents breakouts, evens out skin texture and color, and fades scars. Truly astounding. Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner.

On a different note, Laura left a comment about "Sex and the City." Yes, I saw it...six gratuitous sex scenes and all. I could have done without those, but other than that, loved a reunion of those four gals. Laura, I too wept openly many times! Strong female friendships, resilient women, inconstant men and loyal men...I know these themes well. I left so thankful for all of the brave, emotional, witty, loyal women in my life...and all the ways I am shaped by my friendships.

I was most moved by Charlotte's fierce defense of Carrie. Brennan Manning said, "a friend is someone who stays with you in the bad weather of life, guards you when you are off your guard..." My friends have certainly done that for me. I have had some pretty huge storms in the last couple of years, and have been guarded when I couldn't function emotionally or physically. I have clung to John Mayer's lyrics during many a storm..."The circle of your friends will defend the silver lining." Mine have circled around me, and fought for me when all my fight was gone.

Sunscreen...Worth It

I have lived in California for twelve years. Before that, Russia. Even before that, Indonesia. I am sure I have accrued years of as of yet unseen sun damage from years in the tropics as a child, and more from college/post-college years spent at the beach unprotected. I don't have freckles or alot of moles, but somehow this last year really changed my perspective on sunscreen.

Now, I'm just quoting snippets from many a magazine article written on sun damage...but apparently, it is the biggest ager. The sun exposure destroys the collagen in our skin--and collagen provides the elasticity as it is a connective tissue. So, basically, losing collagen equals saggy skin. Yikes! And apparently, age spots don't appear until years after the sun damage. Yikes again.

I wish I could say my incentive to use sunscreen is medical, but--unfortunately--my motives are purely superficial. And, looking at babies' skin...so soft, because it doesn't have years of sun exposure wearing its elasticity away.

That said, I have upped the sunscreen on my face. My favorite is mineral sunscreen. It is supposedly waterproof, and shouldn't break you out. Sephora carries one made by Peter Thomas Roth, but I found it too drying. Everyday Minerals carries it as a finishing powder and it is like $6--so reasonable. I went with Colorescience, the original. A full size is extremely pricey, but a few websites, such as Beauty Bridge, carry a $7.50 sample size. So far I like it.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Trial Size

My mineral makeup also has SPF 15 in it, but I feel the need for at least SPF 30. And I hate when the sunscreen makes your face feel all greasy. That's why I like this guy:

Neutrogena Active Breathable Sunblock

I would really like to try MAC's Prime and Prep SPF 50. It looks amazing. I will let you know when I do.

How Do I Love Thee, Mario Badescu

I LOVE Mario Badescu products. I recently ran out of my favorite product of all, the Rosewater Aloe Facial Spray. Turns out, no one actually carries it in store. Nordstrom only carries one product, and Planet Beauty lacked this alone! So, I had to pay shipping...something I try to avoid at all costs. Luckily, I found an online coupon for 15% off my order, so that was a sort of balm on my passionately-hating-to-pay-shipping wound.

When it showed up at my house, they had kindly included a full sample kit of products...five to be exact. They weren't the skimpy packet kind, but actual mini jars and bottles. That warmed my heart considerably.

And, let's just state again that this spray is so great. I use it both morning and evening...especially in the morning before my mineral makeup since I can be prone to little flakies around the nose and mouth.

Wonderful Spray

I also highly recommend the acne products. They are gentle, but oh so effective.

On a total side note, does anyone read my blog? I have been in a desert of commentless blogging. Not to sound neurotic and insecure, but post me a comment!!