My new "Organic", "All Natural" skincare routine!

As someone who has struggled with acne for years, I have tried every products in the book yet always gained the same results. Every time I tried a new treatment my skin would clear up for a month and then go back to the way it was before, except usually much worse. I've tried almost every well known acne product on the market (Clean and Clear, Proactive,Clear Pore, Neutrogena, Panoxyl... the list goes on) After running in too many failed attempts at clearing my skin I decided to do some research as find the true problem with my skin.

Note: I have combination skin (Dry flaky patches and oily t-zone)

I learned over time that their are 3 main causes of acne. Nutrition, Cleanliness (of face towels, hands, pillow cases---anything that touches your face on a daily basis) and harsh chemicals that you find in many common cleansers on the market. These chemicals strip oils from your skin that help it stay moisturized and balanced. By using cleansers and creams with harsh chemicals I was just causing my skin to produce more oil to overcompensate for my dry skin. By cutting out acne products from daily routine I was able to not only keep my complexion clear, but also restore its moisture.

One of the things that I found most interesting while researching my face product ingredients was that the Proactive brand contains parabens which came as a surprise since most companies are marketing towards paraben and sulfate free products. The parabens in proactive can have an effect on your hormones, thus making the skin produce more oil. So I decided I would only buy skin care products that contained mostly natural ingredients.

Now while I am using mostly organic skincare now I still occasionally use my nitrogen face lotion and proactive toner just because they aren't as harsh on my skin. I also pair the cleanser up with my DDF face brush which helps exfoliate and deep clean my pores.

Some affordable organic products that I came upon were Yes To and Avalon Organics which are available in most grocery stores. I purchased a moisturizer, night cream, cleanser, and serum fromYes To and a Vitamin C Toner from Avalon Organics.  After several weeks of using them, I have noticed a difference in my skin.I don't get cystic acne as much as I used to. The only thing I have a problem with currently is the scars.

Both Say Yes and Avalon Organics are cruelty free as well!

REVIEWS :

What: Yes To Cucumbers Makeup Removing Wipes

• Great for those with sensitive skin! These wipes are very soothing and cooling on the skin.
• They smell amazing.
• Removes makeup easily, including mascara.(no need to scrub)
• Packaging is very convenient (it has a hard plastic lid so they don't dry out)
• $5.99
• 98% natural

What: Yes To Cucumbers Gel Cleanser

• Gentle formula, yet effectively removes makeup
• doesn't really lather up though
• keeps skin from drying out
• smells a little weird, but its not unbearable.
• $9.99
• 96% natural

What: Say Yes To Cucumbers Daily Moisturizer (Non-SPF)

• Pleasant cucumber scent, but very light
• Very soothing/moisturizing
• Thicker consistency
• A little goes a long way.
• Has a pump!
• $14.99
• 99% natural

What: Yes To Carrots Night Cream

• This product is fragrance free.
• Intensely hydrating!
• Very thick consistency
• Gentle enough to use under the eyes
• Only complaint is that it comes in a jar/can be contaminated by fingers.
• $12.99
• 96% natural

What: Yes To Blueberries Intensive Repair Serum

• doesn't smell like blueberries, yet still present
• little goes a long way
• Has a pump!
• has a slightly tacky consistency when dry but nothing to worry about
• layers nicely under moisturizer
• firms the skin 
• $19.99
• 99% natural

What: Avalon Organics Vitamin C Toner

• Smells like oranges!
• Has a lot of natural extracts that are good for the skin
• balances skin
• $8.67

Note: Say Yes has different products for different skin types 

• Cucumbers= sensitive
• Carrots= dry skin
• Blueberries= fine lines and wrinkles.
• Tomatoes= acne prone
• Grapefruit= uneven skin tone

Review:Mario Bedescu Whitening Mask

I decided to purchase this mask after reading an add in Ulta's monthly catalog. It claimed that this it was good for fading acne scaring. I looked up several reviews in order to make sure that it would actually work. Most of the reviews on the Ulta website claimed that it would reduce the appearance of scars. Unfortunately, most of these reviews were written before the Mario Bedescu brand changed the formulation of this product. The new formulation contains mineral oil and beeswax which are known to clog pores and create acne. With sensitive skin, mineral oil is a no no for m! I realized this subtle change after I had already made my purchase, but I decided to try it out anyway. The first couple of days I only used it in small patches to spot treat on the areas around my chin and mouth (where I have the most acne scars). After the first application, I could't really tell whether it faded them or not. I didn't have any issue with skin irritation until I applied it to my entire face. My skin started to break out and stayed splotchy and red for several days. The beeswax left a residue which didn't wash off with my normal cleansing routine, which I believe caused the irritation. I also did not find the scent to be pleasant. Kinda smelled chemically to me. After that incident I went back to only applying it to the scarred areas, but it still caused some acne bumps to appear. This product may lighten scars over time, but I don't find it to be worth the risk of breaking out your face. If you have sensitive or acne prone skin I would not recommend this product to you.

What are your opinions on the Mario Bedescu brand? Leave a comment below. :)

Review: Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm

I'm a total sucker for a good deal when I see one. When I saw that my local Marshalls carried more expensive haircare brands such as Joico, SheaMoisture, and Macadamia Natural Oil I went nuts. I came across this treatment balm in the clearance section for only $6 which is a total steal because originally this product costs about $18.99 in stores. The product description says that it hydrates course, dry hair and contains nourishing ingredients such as olive butter, murumuru butter, and shea butter. The tube contains 8.5 oz. of product so the product will last you a while.

The directions on the back said to leave it in for five whole minutes so I put it to the test. After washing my hair with my shampoo (skipping conditioner so that it didn't effect the results) I applied a     walnut sized amount and worked it into my damp hair. The consistency was thicker than most hair masks I had tried before so I hoped it would be extra moisturizing. It also had a pleasant fragrance that smelled slightly floral, but also slightly fruity.I couldn't quite pin-point what it smelled like exactly. After leaving my hair up in a clip for roughly 5 or 6 minutes I rinsed out the product and immediately noticed a difference. My hair felt more hydrated and was easy to comb through. It also made my locks smoother and less frizzy. I would definitely re-purchase for the full price if I ever ran out , but I'd much rather buy it for the discounted price.

Review: boscia Tsubaki Cleansing Oil- Gel

After constantly telling myself that I was going to save my Sephora VIB points to get a bazillion free samples, I finally caved and redeemed them. One of the sample size items I received was this 1 fluid onze bottle of cleanser from boscia (who's name I butchered when I told the cashier that I wanted the sample). I had seen the boscia brand before while shopping at Sephora and had always heard good things about it. I have always wanted to try higher end skin care to see if it produces a noticeable difference in my skin's appearance. After receiving this sample I want to purchase a full size bottle of this cleanser! The consistency leans more towards gel than oil. It removes oil from my skin yet it doesn't dry it out. When I wake up in the morning my skin looks brighter and more even in tone. I kid you not it's magic in a bottle! It also kept my acne prone skin from breaking out which was a plus.

Have you tried this product? What are your opinions? Comment Below!

Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Showdown

Who doesn't love a piping hot cup of hot cocoa during the chillier months? I for one am an absolute hot cocoa addict during the winter time; so when I received this Swiss Miss hot cocoa set as a gift I got super excited. Each box is a different flavor of hot cocoa. The set includes your classic milk chocolate as well as Mint, French Vanilla, Dark Chocolate, and Caramel Cream. I drank a different flavor every day and ranked them from least favorite to ultimate goodness. :)

1. (Least fav.) French Vanilla: Honestly, I couldn't taste much vanilla in this one. There might have been a slight noticeable difference if you drank it side-by-side with the milk chocolate one, but on its own I couldn't tell.

2. Milk Chocolate: This one is technically tied with the Vanilla one since they taste very similar. The only reason this one is ranked higher is because it actually lives up to its flavor.

3. Caramel Cream: My first reaction to this hot chocolate was that it tasted like smores. Over time it did taste more and more like caramel. One of the better flavors in the set. :)

4. Dark Chocolate Sensation: This one is a lot richer than your average milk chocolate cocoa. Those who prefer dark chocolate will really enjoy this one. 

5. THE WINNER IS......

Mint Chocolate: It came as no surprise to find that this was my favorite flavor out of the set. I love Starbuck's peppermint mocha and this reminded me of it. The taste reminds me of thin mint girl scout cookies. Absolute delish!

What are your favorite hot cocoa flavor combinations? Have a really amazing recipe? Comment below! 

Spring 2015 Launches I'm Most Excited About!

A new year, new products!

One of my favorite things about entering a new year is the new product releases from my favorite cosmetic brands. Here is a list of some of the products I'm looking forward to trying this season.

1.) New Spring 2015 Shades of Too Faced Melted Lipsticks

Velvet, Strawberry, Sugar, Frosting Villain, Chihuahua, Melon, and Jelly Doughnut

 I think I'm most excited for Melon, Frosting and Velvet. Villain is also a very intriguing shade, but I don't think I have the guts to wear it.  

2.) Physicians' Formula Argan Wear Bronzer

I love organ products so this one should be fun to try! The product design is also very beautiful and remind me of Morocco.

3.) E.L.F Mineral Pressed Bronzers

There are four different shades to choose from: Baked Peach, Tan Toffee, Caramel Cabana, and Beach Bronze. I'm most excited about this release because some of the shades are lighter, therefore better for fair skin. 

4.) Nyx Color Mascara(New shades)

Shades are: Purple, Blue Dream, Brown, Forget Me Not, Pear, Mint Julep, Pink Perfect, and Reef. The shades are super fun and original, unlike any mascaras I have seen. I can't wait to see the swatches of the lighter shades!

5.)E.L.F. Skin Care Line

E.l.f has currently launched a "pre-shop" in order to allow customers to pre-order their skincare products. The line includes their Illuminating Eye Cream, Soothing Serum, Daily Hydration Moisturizer, Nourishing Night Cream, Exfoliating Scrub, Hydrating Cleanser, Hydrating BB Cream, Hydrating Cleansing Cloths, Hydrating Face Primer, and Hydrating Mist. The exciting thing is that the highest price is only $12. Most of the products are $8 or less.

Please comment below if you have tried any of the products above and let me know what you thought! :)

A Belated Holiday Tutorial/ Fun Party Makeup

I know I'm a little late for a holiday inspired tutorial, but I couldn't resist sharing this look I created yesterday using some of my Jesse's Girl loose pigments. Here is a step-by-step photo guide to recreating this edgy ethereal look.

The following products you will need to recreate this look:

(For the Wet n' Wild palette I only used the top right shade for this look)

 

 

1.) First I applied Urban Decay Primer Potion in Sin to my whole lid (excluding the brow-bone). I used Sin to add some warmth to the cool-toned shadows. It also helps enhance the shimmer in the shadows.

 

 

2.) Then I took flat C-brush from E.l.f and gently patted on BareMinerals eyeshadow in 1990s. I believe this shade is discontinued so you could use any black-based shimmery plum shade.

 

 

3.) Then I applied a matte cream shade to my brow-bone using the Lust palette from Wet n' Wild. Be sure to blend into the crease as  with a clean brush.

 

 

4.) Then I used a damp shadow brush to apply Jesse's Girl Dust in Ultra Violet to the main part of my lid.

 

 

5.) Then I applied a silver glittery highlight using Jesse's Girl Dust in Starshine. This pigment is more glittery than shimmery leaving a magical effect to the look.

Then apply your favorite mascara and eyeliner and your done! :)
For those wondering I used L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara in Carbon Black.

 

Enjoy!

Review: Hair Food Moisturizing Hair Mask

I am am an absolute sucker when it comes to hair masks. I am currently growing out my hair which means that I am not getting trims as frequently. This makes it very important that I keep my hair from drying out and splitting at the ends. Hair masks are like conditioner on steroids. They provide extra moisture and can prevent breakage and split ends. When I saw this new line of hair products in Target, I was immediately taken in by the packaging. It's like gourmet products for your hair! When I read that the hair mask was Honey and Apricot scented I was sold (I love the smell of honey!!!). It was a plus that this product was free of parabens and mineral oils that usually act as cheap fillers in shampoos and conditioners. The product line also includes shampoos and conditioners in strawberry ginger scent and kiwi scent.

The consistency of the mask is similar to that of conditioner except it is a bit thicker. The results didn't wow me, since I've had better results from other hair masks (For ex. One n' Only Argan's hair mask). It did manage to soften my hair as if I left conditioner in my hair. The smell however, made the product worth the purchase. The aroma stayed in my hair throughout the day. I also skipped a wash so that I could test it's longevity. The scent lightened, but was still present the following day.

All in all, if your looking for a hair mask that produces noticeble results I would not recommend this hair mask. But, if you are looking for a product that will leave your hair smelling beautiful I definitely think it is worth the purchase.

December Favorites :)

1. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry

This is my go-to lipstick for when I want to rock those dark vampy lips that are trending this season. The formulation is creamy and lasts throughout social gatherings and holiday dinners.

2. Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

I can throw this cream on under my eyes to brighten up the under-eye area when I don't feel like putting on makeup. This cream leaves a cooling sensation that wakes me up on my groggiest of mornings and leaves a pink pearlescent sheen.

3. Benefit PosieBalm

This is the sample size of the lip balm that is included in the Sephora Favorites Set. I absolutely adore the rose fragrance in this product. The balm is rich and creamy (more so than a Revlon lip butter in my opinion) and lasts for a decent amount of time. The packaging is also adorable with the posie print.

4. Tarte Cheek Stain in Flush

This has been a favorite of mine for several years. The shade perfectly mimics the appearance of flushed cheeks in the winter. I apply it with a damp makeup sponge for a sheered out look.

5. Fekkai Luscious Curls Cream

This doesn't exactly do what it claims, but I like the way it gives my hair texture. I have naturally wavy hair and this helps keep my tresses frizz free while adding some extra volume. 

6. NARS Blush and Bronzer Duo in Laguna/Orgasm

This is also a deluxe sample from a Sephora set. I really love the bronzer shade because it doesn't show up too dark on my skin. I also love the warm, not too shimmery glow that the blush gives my cheeks. The blush is a very versatile shade that can go with any makeup look as well.

7. L'Oreal Voluminous Lashes Mascara in Carbon Black

Probably one of the blackest mascaras out of all the drugstore brands. It lengthens and separates my lashes without creating clumping. It also makes them appear thicker.