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*

Quick post regarding tutorials

Yeah, I don't do YouTube anymore. For various reasons, one being the drama. Don't need that in my life.

However, if I ever feel the "urge", I may post up some pic tutorials instead on here. I have not been in the makeup thing as much as I used to be, but I do intend on posting a pic tutorial on my everyday look--all Nars! Yum.

So keep ya posted on this as well :-)

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 :)