Happy New Year!!! And Updates

Hi guys!
I know I have been gone for a little while, and am a bit late, but I hope everyone's having a great New Year thus far!!

Real life has been super crazy with the holidays, and I have just started my final class before I have to drudge through the internship process, so while I am very excited to be 91% complete with my Master's degree, I have been super stressed.

So here are some quick updates going on with me:

Nails:
As I've said before, just because I'm not posting doesn't mean that I'm not taking NOTD pics. So here are a few to check out:

 For Christmas, I decided to re-awaken my American manicure side (since I had the length for it, albeit short-lived, lol).
Here's Essie Marshmallow and Mademoiselle

Pretty good for freehand, right? LOL.

Essie Angora Cardi. I loved this one so much, I went back and got Island Hopping too but haven't worn it yet.
Something about plummy colors this time of year. Can't resist.

This is OPI Suzi Sells Sushi by the Seashore. Love. Perfect for everyday.

And here's my New Year's Eve Mani. I was apprehensive to do a "Glitta" nail because I hate the removal process in general (despite the beloved foil method), so this was a nice compromise. I started out with Rescue Beauty Lounge Dead Calm and was putting China Glaze Dorothy Who? on the ring finger as an accent. It was so pretty, I decided to put it on all the nails. It was a fun, festive mani for me.

Blurred this pic to show the glittery-ness, lol.

And here's my current NOTD, OPI Over The Taupe. Very surprised by this one. Undercover hit.

Ok, now for Hair:
As of this past weekend, I am officially 12 months post relaxer (whoo-hoo!). I don't have pics at the moment because I am in need of a trim, and have been going back and forth for the past few days on whether I should trim or just cut the relaxed ends off. They are ranging anywhere from 1-3" in length, so if waiting I have roughly another 6-8 months to go.  Part of me thinks it is silly to keep them at this point, since in 6-8 months my hair is going to grow regardless (and possibly more easily if I cut now?), but then the other part of me thinks there is still no rush.  My BF of course is ready with the scissors and a joke at every turn, haha. Plus with this extremely cold weather, I kind of want to wait...but then I'm not really out and about too much lately because of classes so it shouldn't matter. So, I'll keep you posted.

Skin:
I had to modify my regimen last month because I was still breaking out right before my period which was interfering with my clear skin mission (to fully rid myself of all dark spots).  So I picked up my old copy of Dr. Baumann's book to re-hash the regimen. Then I picked up Murad's Clarifying Cleanser to use at nite and continue using my Prescriptives wash in the morning. I am not using the Murad T-zone gel at all and have not broken out yet!! Coming into month two. I literally just cleanse and moisturize, and use a scrub when I remember (maybe every 2 wks!) and my skin looks great. Moisturizing with Clinique's Age Defense AM and PM moisturizers. Oh and using Bliss All Around eye cream day and night. Love that stuff, but it's looking like it's been discontinued?! Sigh...Again no pics, since I haven't been doing makeup or anything, but hopefully will take some soon.

Whew! I think that's it for right now.  Like I said, things have been crazy, but thanks so much for reading my blog, gentle readers!

Take care :-)

Clinique Even Better: Perfect Skin in a Bottle?

Hey peeps!

I am always on the lookout for awesome skin care products. Now that I have the basics worked out, I want better...everything, lol! Right now, I am interested in products that give a glow or even out the skin tone. I have minimal spots left over from my skin freak out, nothing major, but who doesn't want "perfect skin", right?

Clinique has this stuff called Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector

Blurb from the Clinique site:

Dermatologist-developed to be safe, comfortable. Yet in clinical trials our serum was comparable to a leading prescription ingredient in creating a more even skin tone. A verified 53% improvement in skin tone. For all ethnicities: See results starting in as little as 4 weeks. At 12 weeks, see a visible reduction in dark spots, age spots, and traces of acne past.

Apparently, it's formulated to do what rx Hydroquinone does, but without the potential irritation. There's a patented ingredient, plus some lab-proven-effective natural ingredients to give the overall skin tone a boost.  Results take 12 weeks, and it retails for $49.50.

Since I already use 4% HQ which has been a miracle worker for me, I think this would be a good product to use during the off months when I have to take a break from it.  I haven't decided if I will try this or not, but I heard that Sephora's F&F sale kicks off on Oct 21, so if I do get it, I'll do so then.

Will keep you posted on what I decide.

A.

Prescriptives Update: The Power of the Consumer's Voice

Ok, so I am down to my last jar of Prescriptives All You Need For Eyes, and I unfortunately when I went to purchase the 2 jars that I had saved in my shopping cart, it wast already sold out. Ugh! Tonight I just happened to go on to the Px main page...lo and behold, what do I see?

News From Prescriptives - Product Update

We are pleased to tell you that due to the continuing high volume of online demand for certain Prescriptives products from our loyal customers, we have made the decision to resume production of our top-selling products at this time. We expect to have these products available for sale online at prescriptives.com over the coming months and will let you know about availability for purchase through email updates, and we will provide updates on this page as items become available. If you don’t currently receive our email newsletter, please sign up now. We sincerely appreciate your patience and loyalty and thank you for the opportunity to continue to serve you online at prescriptives.com.

 (source: Prescriptives.com )

Yes!!! So all of my (and apparently everyone else's) stocking up on products online paid off! I am very happy that I will be able to continue to purchase at least some of my fave Px products online now.  Hopefully this includes my beloved eye cream, and they will re-stock this before I run out. I would really hate to have to switch to Clinique or one of the other Estee Lauder brands. The others just don't compare :)

ttyl! <3

Skin care update: New regimen

Well after over a year of using this skin care regimen, I was left wanting more. So after talking to my friends about what's good out there and what's hype, I decided buy up the whole Prescriptives regimen for normal skin.
I know, I know. You are asking, "Why would you do that? The company's gone out of business?!" Hehe, I'm weird like that.

Well, as luck would have it, I have fallen in love with the Px products, and alas cannot repurchase. I did purchase back-ups so I'll be good for a while, but I do have some other brands in mind once I do finally run out.

Anyway without further ado, here's the new skin routine:
AM
Prescriptives All Clean Foaming Cleanser for Normal Skin (dc'd)
Prescriptives Immediate Glow Conditioning Tonic for Normal/Drier Skin (dc'd)
Murad T-zone Pore Refining Gel
HQ 4% (rx only)
Clinique Age Defense Moisturizer SPF25
Prescriptives All You Need for Eyes (dc'd)

PM
Clinique Rinse off Foaming Cleanser (to remove makeup)
Prescriptives All Clean Foaming Cleanser for Normal Skin (dc'd)
Prescriptives Immediate Glow Conditioning Tonic for Normal/Drier Skin (dc'd)
Murad T-zone Pore Refining Gel
HQ 4% (rx only)
Murad Perfecting Lotion
Prescriptives All You Need for Eyes (dc'd)

Twice a week, I use the Prescriptives face scrub and every Saturday I use Freeman's Avocado/Oatmeal clay mask (the best mask out there!)

And there you have it! The other brands I am looking to try out down the road are Shiseido, Clarins, and Fresh...

I have a break from class for the next few weeks, so I'll try to get back to posting makeup looks, yay. I do miss doing that :)

Holla! <3

Finally found my HG skin regimen

Took forever, but I got it!! *does happy dance*

AM
Clinique Liquid Soap Mild
Alba Botanica Sea Kelp Toner
Murad T-zone Pore Refining Gel
4% HQ (on dark spots only)
Pond's Age DefEye (what am I gonna do when I run out?!)
Olay Complete SPF 15 (sensitive skin)

PM
Clinique Rinse-off Foaming Cleanser (removes makeup/ss)
Clinique Liquid Soap Mild
Alba Botanica Sea Kelp Toner
Murad T-zone Pore Refining Gel
4% HQ (on dark spots only)
Pond's Age DefEye
Clinique Continuous Rescue Antioxidant Moisturizer

Plus:
*Also if needed, I apply Neutrogena On the Spot (2.5% BP) to my cheeks to prevent period breakouts
*MAC Microfine Refinisher: 1x/wk
*Freeman Avocado Oatmeal mask: 1x/wk

It may seem like a lot to some people but this has been a miracle for my face. I am now only wearing a mineral foundation by Prescriptives--no concealer--everyday. That's also helping my skin.

The Murad gel took a while to work, but it is basically a multi-tasker due to its ingredients, so all the other products are just for preserving the natural moisture barriers in my skin. Doing this decreased the oiliness in my t-zone dramatically.

Two things I learned from doing more research that saved my skin and made the biggest difference:
1) Use less product
2) Apply moisturizer to damp skin.

Even though skin care is very personal and varies often for everyone, those two tips are universal :-)

Skin care update

Ok, so the 3-step line is a no-go! It's been 3 weeks and I now have a rash on either side of my cheeks. I think specifically due to the clarifying lotion and the DDML. I say this because I have been using the cleanser for a long while already and enjoy it. I think with the drying weather and the fact that the ddml doesn't have any beneficial ingredients in it (meaning its only purpose is to maintain natural moisture, not really add or create moisture) my skin just freaked out (my cheeks are naturally dry). So I'm back to my Alba Botanica toner (green bottle) and using Olay moisturizer AM & PM. I've also added Murad's T-zone gel, so will update after a few weeks on that (I can already tell that things will be much better). I just have to use those high-tech (read: expensive) products. My skin (and hair) can't take anything less than that *deep sigh*

Happy New Year!!

Wow, I haven't posted in a little bit, but just wanted to wish every one a Happy, happy new year. Hope all that of your resolutions stick longer than 5 minutes, like mine LOL!

I have a new focus for the new year: Keeping it soooo simple.

I bought so many products (hair, makeup, skin) that I didn't have any room in my apartment to sleep or even walk around. So my bro and I cranked out a major cleaning session (with which I am still working on) and got my place so cleared out. It's like a totally different place!

On the skin care front, I am changing my regimen again. I am doing the formal Clinique 3-step regimen for #2 combination skin. It's just been a day so it's too early to tell, but so far so good in terms of skin texture and feel. Murad has been good to me, but I want to take a break from the chemical exfoliation just a little bit.

For those of you who are totally against all things Clinique (like I used to be) there's something you should know: Clinique's very technical way of 'doing' skin care. There's an amazingly helpful rep at Bloomie's in my area who is always checking on me to make sure that I'm taking care of my skin.

Here's what I've learned about the Clinique 3-step:
1. Cleanser: Make sure that you're only using a small amount of cleanser on your face. If you use to much that will dry out your skin. Massage gently, and rinse with lukewarm water. Pat dry, too.

2. Clarifiying Lotion: This is NOT a toner; it is an exfoliator. I still don't believe this, but whatever. I guess it does exfoliate because you are using a cotton ball to wipe your face, though. Oh, also this is only supposed to be swiped over the face and neck once! Maybe "toner" users swipe more than once. So you double-swipers out there are drying out your skin.

3. Moisturizer: Only meant to seal in the natural moisture the skin has, not for adding additional moisture. If you find your skin needs more, then you need an a moisture-adding product after. Have you noticed the other moisturizers say to use "after the 3-step"? This is why. I was also told to use this DD lotion or gel only "where needed" on combination skin. Unfortunately, my slightly oily t-zone gets dry too, so for now I'm applying the DDML all over. Hopefully over time I won't need it. *fingers crossed*

Also, I got the 7day scrub (rinse off formula) to use 2x/week. It's very gentle to my surprise. I am re-incorporating my 4%HQ to resolve my ever-looming PIPA. Oh and I'm using the Cityblock Sheer 25 in the am.

So Clinique says that you'll see results in 2 weeks, but I already feel a texture difference in my skin...this should be interesting.

Eventually I want to try some of their moisture-based products, but as we all know with skin care, ya gotta start out slow, haha.

Okay lovelies, will keep ya posted :)

Skin Update: Finally something works!!

It has been a long time since I've been able to not need to layer my face with foundation for coverage. And now all I need is concealer and loose powder : )

These pics are from FEB 2008

These pics are from tonight 9/22/08, after washing my face:

And this is with just a little concealer and powder : )

So what did it, you ask?

LOL!

You ready??

Patience, and diligence...

Ok, so after much discouragement from damn near everyone, I decided to go back to Murad Acne Complex. Once my skin got used to it (I had breakouts because of sensitivities) which took 2 months (I started using it on May 31, 2008), I changed out the cleanser for something milder, Clinique Liquid Facial Soap Mild. I also now use a facial mask 2x/week and a GENTLE scrub only once/wk. Most of the results came from the Murad Exfoliating Acne Gel, which will continue to remain in my regimen. As long as the rest of my products are MILD and GENTLE, and I use sunscreen daily (I just started rx 4% hydroquinone one month ago) my skin is happy and getting better each day : )

No breakouts, just focusing on the dark spots left over from old ones.

(Please Note: My regimen is LOOSELY based off of the OSPT regimen in the book "Skin Type Solutions" by Dr. Leslie Baumann, a book I've blogged about previously...)

If anyone has any questions about the details, more than what I have posted, just message me, and I'll get back to you.

But I just wanted to post this b/c...WOW, look at the difference in my skin : )

Thanks for reading!!

Want smooth skin? Exfoliate

Problem skin (rough patches, uneven texture and tone, overactive oily skin, or acne-prone skin) causes you issues when it cannot slough itself as quickly as it should, and sometimes it needs a bit of help. Regular exfoliation is the best way to do this, but what kind should you use? This is a personal choice, but here are some points to consider when choosing:

• Two types of exfoliators: manual and chemical. Manual exfoliators are the most familiar to people; these are "scrubs". Chemical exfoliants utilize alpha- or beta-hydroxy acids, and gradually break up the dead skin cells.
• Manual scrubs: If your skin is resistant and doesn't irritate easily, these work well for you. Look for products that contain gentle ingredients, and particles that are smooth ("microbeads" is a popular term). Anything that irritates the skin, or causes redness, should be avoided.
• Chemical exfoliants: If your skin is sensitive, or acne-prone, this type is for you. Salicylic acid (BHA) is a good example that helps to fight a multitude of skin issues (oil control, acne, dark spots, wrinkles, and sensitive skin to name a few). If you're looking into AHAs (glycolic or lactic acid), start out slowly, and be sure to use a sunscreen with SPF 30+ (really everyone should be using sunscreen regardless of their skin!)

Bottom line: Every skin needs some kind of exfoliation, but not every skin needs the same type. In addition, not every skin needs daily exfoliation. Some skins need 1-2x weekly, others can do it every day (again, depending on the skin and the product used).

No matter the skin type, keep your regimen SIMPLE and GENTLE! If anything causes your skin discomfort, stop using it. This is especially important if you are prone to dark spots, as this can perpetuate them.

Let me know what you think, and what products work best for you!

One more thing...

Before I forget! I decided to discontinue using Clinique Acne Solutions. Night before last I had a severe dry rash/burning incident, and decided that the best thing for me to do right now is to repair what my skin has gone through right now, instead of waiting for my skin to "get used to" the product. Usually that method doesn't work for my skin (being hella sensitive and all. Yep, I said "hella" :3)

So I'm going back to super soothing drugstore items. Here's the new skin care regimen, straight outta my own medicine cabinet, lol!

AM:
Wash with Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser
Dr. Dover SkinEffects Advanced Brightening Complex
Neutrogena Acne Stress Control 3n1 Hydrating Acne Gel
Zapzyt 10% BP (spot treatment)
Pond's Age DefEYE eye cream (I <3 this stuff! It's discontinued now, though, grr! I own 2.5 jars, hehe)
Dove Sensitive Skin Lotion (on cheeks)
Ambi Even & Clear Moisturizer SPF 30

PM:
Wash w/Aveeno OR Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne wash gel (I need to get the foam)
Dr. Dover SkinEffects Advanced Brightening Complex
Neutrogena Acne Stress Control 3n1 Hydrating Acne Gel
Zapzyt 10% BP (spot treatment)
Pond's Age DefEYE eye cream
Dove Sensitive Skin Lotion (on cheeks or all over)

Um, yeah, so basically I am going back to the regimen Dr. Baumann wrote up in her book for the OSPTs. As long as I prevent irritation and redness, my skin will heal (I seriously believe the Clinique BURNED off a layer of my face! I am flaking and red like a mofo), and then all will be well in the world.

Holla!

Skin Care, Re-designed

I have been reading this book, The Skin Type Solution, for a little while now, and I just wanted to post how much of a help it has been for me. I want everyone I know to read it. Dr. Leslie Baumann, renowned dermatalogist is the author and creator of the Baumann Questionnaire and the 16 skin types that better determine the methods needed to have great skin no matter what.

After taking the quiz, I determined that I am an OSPT (oily, sensitive, pigmented, tight) and that I actually could spend WAY less on my skincare routine than I thought. In fact, most stuff that worked for me came from the drugstore!...So um, yeah. Check this book out, seriously. Best $12 I ever spent, lol!

Click here to check it out at Amazon.