Get Glowing

I wrote about my skincare faves way back when only my husband read my blog. That might still be the case. If so, this one's for you, Honey.

Because I like to experiment with different creams, serums, and lotions, beauty products are an ever-revolving door around here. Late this last summer, I stopped by an Origins counter within Macy's to look into their foundation. What I ended up with was a mini-facial and bunches of samples. And some products that will never leave the rotation.

I don't know why I didn't try their stuff sooner! It's lovely, gentle, high quality and mid-range in terms of pricing (more Clinique than Perricone). I can't imagine those crazy expensive brands could do a better job.

This is what I'm obsessed with right now:

1. Origins Zero Oil cleanser: My skin isn't breaking out as much these days, but I'm still oily. This is the perfect cleanser...non-drying, gentle, and overall lovely. I got a sample at the counter and had to buy a bottle when it ran out. 2. Kiehl's Abyssine Eye Cream: This was a Birchbox introduction, and I have since ordered the full size product. A little goes a long way, and my eye area looks and feels refreshed when I wake up. 3. Murad Clarifying Cleanser: This bad boy got me through some pretty rough skin days. It doesn't dry out my skin and definitely does the job. I use it now when my skin is acting up, and will always keep it on standby. Oh, and a single bottle goes a looong way (I'm going 18 months strong on the same one). 4. Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask: This was a "Sure, I'll buy it" at the Origins counter this summer. I finally got around to using it a couple months later and for the first time in my life I'm a regular mask user. It was love at first use. My skin glows like CRAZY for days after. It's on my face as I write this. 5. Ole Henriksen Enlighten Me Kit: I bought this set when I came back from California this summer with blotchy skin thanks to our rental Jeep. Despite liberal sunscreen use. It wasn't bad (my husband said I had to point it out in bright lighting for him to even see it), but I wanted to nip it in the bud. I used the 3-step part right away and am still milking the serum and night cream for all they are worth. My skin feels good and the spots (although not gone) are much better. The night cream is full size (or close), so it will be around a while. Definitely a good buy. 6. Ole Henriksen Truth Serum: This is an absolute favorite of mine. I have so many samples, I've never had to splurge on a full size bottle. Once the Enlighten Me serum is gone, I will be switching back to this at night. It makes my skin glow. Seriously glow. 7. Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega Bright serum: This is a fairly new friend. Sephora was having their 20% discount about a month ago and I went for it. Best. Move. Ever. Besides having my son, marrying my husband and getting a college degree. But you get my point. I use it in the morning and my skin looks amazing all day. And it doesn't cause my makeup to ball up like other serums. I can't imagine not using it forever. Amazing stuff.

It goes without saying that I have skincare ADD. I love trying new products, and the regular influx of samples thanks to frequent Sephora purchases and my monthly Birchbox keep my experimenting. In fact, I hoarded compiled so many samples last year that I was able to make up beauty bags for my sister and sister-in-law as Christmas gifts. It was so fun. I'm doing it again this year for someone, so I'll post on it soon.

What are your tried and true skincare must-haves?

Get Glowing

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Kiss and Makeup

I was fortunate in that I caught on to the idea of washing my face before bed every night by the time I was twenty one. By twenty six I had discovered the wonder that is anti aging cream. And my skin does not greet the sun without SPF. These days, however, I'm a full-fledged beauty addict. I am also fortunate in that, over the last 5 years, I've finally found what works best for me...and it only cost a small fortune. My skin hasn't made it easy, either.

Last time I was at Sephora, they announced my "Beauty Bank" had 1900 points in it. I wanted to simultaneously hang my head in shame while patting my own back. I'm a bonafide Beauty Insider, yo! As much as I hate to admit it, good quality (i.e. expensive) products are worth it in many cases. I'd spent years believing it was propaganda, meant to fleece the women of this country of their husband's hard-earned cash; but alas, there is some truth to it. Except for mascara. Five dollars max...but more on that later. In some ways I've actually saved money because I didn't have to go through twenty foundations to find one that matched; and if it aggravates my skin, it's gladly accepted back. So I thought I'd share a few of my favorite face and lip products.

First, I'm going to blow your mind with my expensive, hard to find makeup remover.  Yep, this is it.  Pampers Sensitive baby wipes.  The same thing you use to clean a baby's bum. Other makeup removing wipes are ridiculously expensive and typically give me a rash.  On my face.  I tested a few different varieties and settled on this one almost 10 years ago.  It removes all traces of makeup and gently exfoliate (you know, the rubbing part).  Also, it is wet enough that it doesn't pull on my skin.  Other brands were just too dry. I buy cases to make sure I never run out.

As I've mentioned before, I'm a sample whore.  Therefore, I have tried a zillion different anti aging face products and when I do buy them, I don't buy the same one twice.  Some people believe that mixing up your products keep your skin "guessing" and are therefore more effective, but I don't buy in to that necessarily.  I just have moisturizer/serum/face cream ADD.  There are about a million products out there and a good portion of them are really nice.  So I tend to go from sample to sample and keep one purchased product on hand for when I run out.  Pfff...like that would ever happen.  Still, I'll give you some of my favorites so far.

Serum:

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum

 This is one of those products that I've never had to buy.  I regularly receive packets and mini bottles because I always choose this when it's available as a promo or sample.  Sounds like a lot of work, but it is stupid expensive.  But awesome.  My skin glows like crazy.  A little goes a long way, so I've been able to avoid having to spring for a full size bottle.  I may have to if I ever run out because it's that good.  All of his stuff is, and apparently he knows it.  I apply it before bed every night.  I used to apply it in the morning, but it made my foundation ball up.  How annoying is that?  It's one of my product pet peeves.

Moisturizers/Face Creams:

Vichy Aqualia Thermal or Lift Activ Nuit

I got a special promo containing all of their products via my Birchbox subscription.  They are good size sample jars, so I've been milking them for a while. They are lovely and make my skin feel amazing.  As far as pricing, at just under $30 for the full size, it's pretty reasonable as far as high end moisturizers go.  I would definitely buy this stuff.

Kiehl's Abyssine Cream

Another Birchbox discovery.  I've already started writing about my sample super highway and will share soon.  Anyway, I've been slathering this stuff on for a while and love it like crazy.  My husband has commented on my "glowiness" a few times.  Still milking this sample, too.  Will definitely buy on my next full size rotation.

Philosophy Hope in a Jar

 This was in my full size rotation, so I've used a whole jar.  It's great stuff.  I wish I could eat it.  Maybe it would be good in a smoothie.  My insides would glow like my outsides did.  Too far?  Sorry.  I have been using a deluxe sample of Miracle Worker Dark Spot Corrector lately because I tend to get freckly.  That's what I tell myself.  They are just freckles.  They are just freckles. Age spots are scary and I don't feel that I've reached that age.  Denial is not just a river in Egypt, folks.

Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Nourishing Moisturizer

Sometimes a drugstore buy does prove its worth.  I've been using this for many years now and like it a lot.  I might even go so far as to use the word love.  It goes on great under my makeup, has a nice SPF factor, and never, ever stings my eyes or irritates my skin.  A bottle lasts forever, making it a permanent fixture in my skin routine.

Foundation:

Sephora Collection Oil-Free Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer

Okay, so it is technically a tinted moisturizer, but I use it exclusively as a foundation.  It provides good, sheer coverage that makes my skin look polished but not overdone.  Because I take care of my skin, I don't require anything more heavy duty and I like the fact that it allows my skin to "breathe."  I've used foundations (Clinique makes some great ones), but this stuff is so awesome that I've broken free.  I have accepted the fact, however, that I will need to upgrade to something with more coverage as I get older. For now I'm content.  I apply it with a cosmetic sponge so it goes on smooth and doesn't cover my hands in pigment. It lasts a really long time (my last one expired before I used it up) because just a little covers my whole face; making it worth the twenty bucks.  In the world of good foundations, I've discovered that is pretty cheap.

Blush:

Tarte Cheek Stain

I have been using this gem for years and adore it.  It imparts a natural glow and dewiness that regular blushes just cannot provide.  I just wrote the word "dewiness." Weird. I use the "Flush" color and it blends into my skin perfectly.  It looks really purple in photos, but it gives me a subtle berry glow.  One stick goes forever and ever, so it is definitely worth the price.  The words are all rubbed off on mine and it looks well-loved, but it just won't quit.  Think about the fact that it will last for years if you find yourself cringing at the price.

Hot Mama All-In-One Blush, Shadow and Highlighter

This is the only other cheek product I own.  Sometimes my makeup is more peachy, so a berry-hued blush doesn't quite match, leaving me looking a little prostitutish.  That is totally a word. That's when I turn to this.  I haven't used it as a highlighter or eyeshadow, but it is touted as being an all-over product.  I can attest to what a great blush it is, which is why I insist on keeping it around. 

Lips:

Philosophy Lip Shines

I have a full-fledged addiction to these.  They often come in sets of four, each with a matching body wash, so in past years I have broken them up and given a pair to my son's teachers during the holidays.  I bought a lip shine set this past Christmas to gift to relatives, but ended up trying several of them because I couldn't resist.  Then I had this moment not unlike after I eat too many cookies and sit all bloated going, "What did I just do?" I couldn't decide if I should wipe off the tip and send it anyway.  Yeah, yeah, I'm disgusting.  It was my sister, though.  If I had been selling it on EBay, I could have listed as being in "like new condition."

True story:  My absolute favorite flavor/color is Melting Marshmallow.  Last year I needed a new one.  When it came, it said "Marshmallows for Toasting" and I didn't think anything of it.  However, they drastically changed the flavor.  One night I was applying it as my husband and I were driving to a movie date.  It was dark, so my husband didn't see me doing it. All the sudden he swerved off to the side of the road.

Mario: "Crap!  We have a radiator leak!"
Me: "How can you tell?" 
Mario: "Don't you smell that?  It's radiator fluid.  The sweet smell."
Me: "Oh. It may be my, um, lip gloss?"

It was.  Now I don't apply it in the car.  Another time my son goes, "Who, might I ask, is eating french toast?"  It smells just like maple syrup, not marshmallows, so I get paranoid that people think I was just stuffing my face with breakfast pastries prior to seeing them.  So if you're reading this, Philosophy (I know you aren't), bring back the real marshmallow flavor!  Still, I love, love, love these.  They go on thick but not sticky (no awkward hair removal on a windy day) and moisturize like crazy.  I'll rub my lips and think, when did I put on lip gloss? because it lasts for hours.  Plus, there are a million different flavors and even more around various holidays.  I have probably consumed gallons.

Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in Bramble

This is a new friend. I really am more of a gloss girl, but occasionally I like to feel fancy.  I was at Sephora yesterday and decided to find a bold lip product.  The lady showed me a true red color.  I just wasn't brave enough to attempt an all out red lip, despite its return in popularity.  However, this color gave me the bold lip I was looking for, without making me feel too out there.  I'm wearing it in the above pic.  Bite Beauty's products claim to be "Natural Food Grade," and have the same amount of antioxidants as 5 glasses of red wine.  Hopefully without the red teeth.  I can pronounce all of the ingredients which is cool, and it lasted all afternoon.  I love it so much that I wore it to walk the dog this morning.  I said I like to feel fancy.

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

This stuff is a classic for a reason.  It is subtle but beautiful and universally flattering.  Enough said.

Tarte LipSurgence Matte Lip Tint

I first encountered this stuff in Sephora.  Shocking, I know.  I am super paranoid about contracting cold sores, so I don't generally sample lip products.  But considering I was thinking about putting down 24 bones for a little stick of lip color, I wanted to know if I'd like it.  I used a pad soaked in alcohol to wipe it off well and applied it with a disposable lip applicator.  I liked the color "Envy" and decided to buy it.  A couple of minutes later, my lips started tingling like crazy and I thought for sure I had contracted something.  I started furiously rubbing it off with another pad soaked in alcohol.  My lips nearly fell off.  Turns out it contains peppermint and I need to go back to therapy. Now I see it as refreshing and not frightening.  And I don't sample lip stuff.  Ever.  I'll just return something if I don't like it...which is one of the benefits of buying from places like Sephora.  I have wasted tons of money over the years on drugstore lipstick buys that I hated and had to toss.  Is there anything they can do to get the swatches to match the actual color?  Geez.

Okay, so my beauty hoarding tendencies are probably becoming apparent at this point. But in all honesty, I use only a handful of products.  Lotion, foundation, blush and lip gloss are about it in terms of my face most days.  That's what an addict would say, isn't it?  Just wait until I get to eyes.

Any favorites?  Share? Pretty please?

Kiss and Makeup

Monday, July 2, 2012

Who Are You Calling a Chicken (Skin)?

My skin is the bane of my existence. I often get "You have beautiful skin!" from people, many of which are total strangers. While I really appreciate the compliment, I always think "You have no idea what it takes to control its temper." The truth is, my skin has been stuck in the "terrible twos" for pretty much my whole life. My scalp constantly defies me, refusing to love those beautifully scented shampoos I lust after. Not only is my scalp afflicted with seborrheic dermatitis, but a few years ago it spread to my hairline and nose. Sexy. Fortunately, the face part was remedied by a mostly dairy-free diet. But it took 29 years to find the trigger. My hands break out in tiny, itchy blisters which I now know is called dyshidrotic eczema. I think my trigger for that is stress, but I'm pretty sure I've had a breakout in the middle of a yoga class. My allergist gave me the oh so helpful "We aren't really sure what causes it." Oh, okay. Thanks for that. Can I have my $20 copay back?

The skin condition that really chaps my hide, however, is the keratosis pilaris on my upper arms (otherwise known as "chicken skin"). It's the least irritating of the bunch physically, but it drives me NUTS! Now that I'm aggressively working to treat it, I see it everywhere. The guy who sits in front of me in my psych class, the girl who makes my latte...it's everywhere! While I should find solace in the fact that I'm not alone in this, I don't (it's estimated that 40-50% of people have it...yep, I Googled it). I want it gone. Period. I've dry brushed, scrubbed, lotioned, cursed, prayed, and threatened to no avail. I still look like a plucked chicken. At its best, it's just a smattering of red dots. On a typical day, however, it's purple-y, rashy and red. Oh, and did I mention frustrating? I want to wear tank tops and display beautiful baby's butt arms! No fair!

While I've far from cured it, I've found some helpful products; which I will share with those who bother to check out my rambling, possibly incoherent blog. I will say that the number one rule of dealing with this is consistency. No matter how great the product, if I slack off for a week I see a noticeable relapse. The bumps start to reform and the redness is increased. Do it every other day without fail. Okay, at least 3 times a week. Most weeks.

KP Duty scrub and lotion:

These products contain physical and chemical exfoliants. They are pretty pricey at $44 for the scrub and $36 for one tube of the lotion. I've never tried the serum, as it seems unnecessary at $42 for 1 ounce. I just can't imagine that it contributes that much more. While the scrub is pretty awesome (and lasts a long time which makes more economical), I go back and forth about the lotion. I have bought it several times (they have a 2-pack which saves a little off the price) and it does help soften my skin and reduce the redness. That being said, I used a really rich foot cream someone gave me, and the results were much better in terms of softness and redness reduction. I believe that a good thick lotion, used in combination with the scrub, will rival or even exceed the results seen using this lotion. That being said, these products have helped me a ton...but as you'll see with most reviews, it's definitely not a cure and requires consistent use.  Bottom line?  The scrub is really helpful, but play around with different moisturizers and find one that is both economical and effective.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream:

As I mentioned above, finding the right moisturizer involves a little trial and error.  Because I felt like the KP Duty lotion might be a little pricey for what it does, when I finished the tube I started looking around for something that a) was effective, b) wasn't crazy expensive, and c) lasted longer.  First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Cream fit the bill.  It is super moisturizing and soothing.  I even use it on my face during the winter months when my skin is itchy and grouchy, or when my acne products dry me out.  My skin glows like crazy after I use it!  This is a great all-around moisturizer, but it also does an excellent job of soothing what ails my skin.  A jar of this stays on my bathroom counter year-round and lasts about that long.  The red bumps on my arms flatten out and the redness eases when I use this on a regular basis and in conjunction with one of the scrubs listed here.

Pre de Provence Dry Skin Foot Cream:

This is the foot cream I alluded to above.  One of my husband's longtime friends owns a beauty store in Bozeman, MT called Indulgence (it is a fabulous place if you are ever in our old stomping grounds).  Upon telling them about my kp woes during a visit, they sent him home with this.  I was skeptical at first (hello, it's a foot cream!), but they were definitely on to something.  Pre de Provence's Dry Skin Foot Cream is a thick, rich moisturizer with a minty-ness that makes my skin feel really good.  It definitely helps to soften the bumps and ease the redness.  I will never, ever question their wisdom again and it will stay in my kp tool box indefinitely.

Lush Ocean Salt:

I forgot about this stuff for a while and recently fell in love with it all over again. Not for the faint of heart (this stuff will not show your face any love), I feel like I'm really sloughing off some grime when I use this. I apply it to dry skin in the shower (without the water running), as the chunks of salt will litter the bathroom floor. Let it sit for a minute or so, and rinse off (the salt can sting a little if left on sensitive areas like your neck and chest). Your skin will feel like silk! A bit pricey at $35 for 8.8 ounces (and I like to really slather it on); but it is one of the few items I would recommend splurging on. I haven't found anything else like it, and it significantly reduces the redness caused by my kp (the properties of the salt, maybe?).

AmLactin: 

AmLactin is a drugstore find that is chock full of alpha hydroxy acids.  This stuff is not new and has a great reputation.  I have used it all over my body to help with bumpy, lackluster skin.  It can sting a little on sensitive or really dry areas, but it does an amazing job of uncovering healthier skin.  The thicker cream in the tube is what works best on my arms as it seems to penetrate deeper and stay on longer.  This stuff is readily available, so it may be a good place to start.  I wouldn't use it right after exfoliating until your skin is used to it, as the acids could sting.  I've been attacking my kp for several years now, so my skin isn't bothered by it.  Just be sure to gradually build up to this point like I have.  Overall, it is a great product.

Dry brushing:

I tend to do this when I'm feeling lazy. However, I'm always glad when I do. I simply give myself a once-over with this bad boy and instantly feel, well, scrubbed. It kind of gives me an emotional scrubbing, too. I don't own this actual brush (though I do love Ecotools products and own many of their makeup brushes), but they are super-cheap in general. I got mine at Whole Foods, who I find to be both wonderful and full of themselves price-wise; but I scored an awesome natural bristle body brush for about $7-$8 and it is still going strong several years later. It also helps smooth my arms (and every other part of me) and reduce the redness. I used to think "Dry brushing? What is this mumbo jumbo?" Now, I'm a word-eating convert.

While I know I am not reinventing the wheel here, I though I'd share some of my tried and true kp helpers. Since 40-50% of you are struggling with this, too, I'm sure someone will at least click on this post out of curiosity. And if you have reinvented the wheel and found a cure for this, help a sister out! Comment! Share!

Who Are You Calling a Chicken (Skin)?

Sunday, June 10, 2012