Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sigma Brushes: Affordable, Comparable to MAC Brushes
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Diminishing Acne Scars
Acne scars will be the death of me. I've fought a long and hard fight against them but always seemed to end up back where I started again. Until now. The battle finally looks like it's coming to an end..
I've suffered from acne for a good chunk of my teenage years. I am now 22 and still face the few occasional pimples but nothing compared to the pizza face I had in my younger days. I would buy every type of acne treatment on the market and when that didn't work, my stubborn self would resort to popping my pimples. For some reason, I thought a temporary flaming bump was way more atrocious to look at then the aftermath it would leave behind. Little did I know these pesky little scars would follow me up until today. Since then, I've tried whitening creams, glycolic peels, sulfuric masks, scrubs, masks, you name it.. but nothing would work. It's pretty bad that I actually started thinking about saving up a motherload to get laser treatments. Until I noticed that maybe I wouldn't have to... and I have a couple products to thank for that.
1. African Black Soap - I recently purchased Madina's African Black Soap because of the great reviews it received on the web. There's some debate about this soap not being the "original" pure African Black soap but I definitely love what it's doing for my skin right now. Formulated with cocoa butter and vitamin E, it's targeted towards diminishing blemishes and marks. It also can be used for your body wherever you need to even out your skin. It's only been a few days and I already see an improvement in the fading of my scars. If this doesn't work for you, it still makes an excellent cleanser as it removes virtually EVERYTHING from your face. My face always feels squeaky clean after using this every night. It also helps that it smells creamy and barely leaves a print on my wallet.
2. Bio Oil - This product has also received a lot of acclaim on the web. I was hesitant to use it at first because I have oily skin. I thought Bio Oil would just make my face oilier and break me out even more but I was wrong. This was the first successful product that has aided TREMENDOUSLY in fading my acne scars noticeably. Yes, even my friends/family members have seen the difference in my skin. Although it might be a little steep ($10-$13) for a drugstore product, the results are amazing and a 2.5 oz bottle will last you probably a year. After cleansing I just dab 2 drops using my fingers and rub it onto my scars, every night and morning. This product requires patience and results won't happen if you decide to give up after a few weeks. I've been using this for about 3 months and my skin is slowly reaching the level I want it to be. Trust me, it will be so worth it the day you wake up with glowing flawless skin.
3. Exfoliation - Along with cleansing, I try to scrub away dead skin cells every once or twice a week. I either use the Aspirin mask (mixed w/pure Aloe Vera gel), St. Ives Apricot Scrub, or St. Ives Green Tea Scrub. Exfoliating at least once a week is so essential for renewing your skin.
4. Water - Water is the winning beverage for your face and body. It flushes out toxins and wastes out of your system but also hydrates your skin to deliver the nutrients it needs to speed up the healing process. While 8-10 glasses of water alone will not magically cure your acne/scars, it plays a huge role in the process.
5. Giving your face a break - Let's face it. We all love makeup. But foundations contain way too many foreign chemicals and ingredients to be keeping on your face 24/7 (Whether I'd like to admit it or not, me not removing my makeup properly before going to sleep at night was a huge contributor towards my acne/scars). If possible, skip the foundation and/or concealer or choose a couple days out of the week you can to avoid it. Let your skin breathe and regularly wash your makeup brushes before applying for the next time! Also be sure to wash your pillowcases every week, or sooner!
These products/routines have definitely aided in clearer skin for me. What are some products you recommend that have worked for you?
I've suffered from acne for a good chunk of my teenage years. I am now 22 and still face the few occasional pimples but nothing compared to the pizza face I had in my younger days. I would buy every type of acne treatment on the market and when that didn't work, my stubborn self would resort to popping my pimples. For some reason, I thought a temporary flaming bump was way more atrocious to look at then the aftermath it would leave behind. Little did I know these pesky little scars would follow me up until today. Since then, I've tried whitening creams, glycolic peels, sulfuric masks, scrubs, masks, you name it.. but nothing would work. It's pretty bad that I actually started thinking about saving up a motherload to get laser treatments. Until I noticed that maybe I wouldn't have to... and I have a couple products to thank for that.
1. African Black Soap - I recently purchased Madina's African Black Soap because of the great reviews it received on the web. There's some debate about this soap not being the "original" pure African Black soap but I definitely love what it's doing for my skin right now. Formulated with cocoa butter and vitamin E, it's targeted towards diminishing blemishes and marks. It also can be used for your body wherever you need to even out your skin. It's only been a few days and I already see an improvement in the fading of my scars. If this doesn't work for you, it still makes an excellent cleanser as it removes virtually EVERYTHING from your face. My face always feels squeaky clean after using this every night. It also helps that it smells creamy and barely leaves a print on my wallet.2. Bio Oil - This product has also received a lot of acclaim on the web. I was hesitant to use it at first because I have oily skin. I thought Bio Oil would just make my face oilier and break me out even more but I was wrong. This was the first successful product that has aided TREMENDOUSLY in fading my acne scars noticeably. Yes, even my friends/family members have seen the difference in my skin. Although it might be a little steep ($10-$13) for a drugstore product, the results are amazing and a 2.5 oz bottle will last you probably a year. After cleansing I just dab 2 drops using my fingers and rub it onto my scars, every night and morning. This product requires patience and results won't happen if you decide to give up after a few weeks. I've been using this for about 3 months and my skin is slowly reaching the level I want it to be. Trust me, it will be so worth it the day you wake up with glowing flawless skin.
3. Exfoliation - Along with cleansing, I try to scrub away dead skin cells every once or twice a week. I either use the Aspirin mask (mixed w/pure Aloe Vera gel), St. Ives Apricot Scrub, or St. Ives Green Tea Scrub. Exfoliating at least once a week is so essential for renewing your skin.4. Water - Water is the winning beverage for your face and body. It flushes out toxins and wastes out of your system but also hydrates your skin to deliver the nutrients it needs to speed up the healing process. While 8-10 glasses of water alone will not magically cure your acne/scars, it plays a huge role in the process.
5. Giving your face a break - Let's face it. We all love makeup. But foundations contain way too many foreign chemicals and ingredients to be keeping on your face 24/7 (Whether I'd like to admit it or not, me not removing my makeup properly before going to sleep at night was a huge contributor towards my acne/scars). If possible, skip the foundation and/or concealer or choose a couple days out of the week you can to avoid it. Let your skin breathe and regularly wash your makeup brushes before applying for the next time! Also be sure to wash your pillowcases every week, or sooner!
These products/routines have definitely aided in clearer skin for me. What are some products you recommend that have worked for you?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
The Look 4 Less: ELF Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder Duo = A Cheap NARS Dupe!
Ever wanted to get a hold of the NARS Orgasm/Laguna Blush & Bronzer Duo but hesitated to shell out the $39? Dying to achieve that healthy glow - all year round? This is where ELF's Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder comes in.
Don't be fooled by the picture. That is indeed ELF's product, although the colors and even packaging (including mirror) are identical to NARS'. Here's the kicker, ELF's is a FRACTION of the price! Can you believe it? Three lovely smackeroos for a dead on NARS dupe!
For those who aren't familiar with the NARS duo i'm referring to, it is a highly coveted and hyped blush and bronzer compact that provides the most universally flattering shades to compliment any skin tone. Orgasm (the blush... get your minds out of the gutter!) is a peachy pink hue with golden shimmer and Laguna (the bronzer) is a warm natural looking tan with a hint of shimmer.
Okay sure, there's a teeny weensy catch. NARS' Orgasm is slightly more of a pinker hue than ELF's (in the pan at least). ELF's shimmer factor is also more subdued, yet still provides that beautiful glow that we all crave. Needless to say, the similarity is clearly evident. Well, it's enough for me and my burnt out wallet to give NARS the boot, at least.
So, ELF's duo is cheaper by a landslide, and the color payoff is about two times more pigmented than its opponent. (With that being said, it should be applied with a slightly lighter hand.) It lasts all day and does everything the NARS duo can do but better. I think it's clear who the winner is here. Oh and for the record, I am in NO way endorsed by ELF.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
REVIEW: Milani Shadow Wear Eye Shadow Quad in Autumn Earth
Fall is right around the corner and it can be tricky to find the perfect colors to compliment your eyes this season. Well look no further! Milani eyeshadows are what I believe to be the most underrated shadows at drugstores. Their quality is comparable to high-end department store brands with wonderful color payoff.
This quad is the perfect collection of shadows to introduce the fall season. The colors consist of a frosty shimmery white color (ideal for a highlight), a beautiful shimmery clover green, an orangey-gold color (comparable to MAC's Amber Lights) and a dark shimmery copper color with reddish undertones.
I've worn this quad regularly and can honestly say it is a must-have in my makeup bag. The colors last all day without creasing on your eyelids and are so flattering, especially on brown eyes. At first impression, the orangey color did not look wearable for my skintone but I was pleasantly surprised when I found that it worked fine. In fact, it was probably the color that made my eyes pop the most :)
If you have not heard or tried Milani* shadows, make this quad your introduction to the brand OR any of Milani's gorgeous 7 other quads, if these colors aren't your cup of tea. I'm dying to try Exotic Berries and Dreamy Baby next!
Have any of you tried Milani's other quads, or this quad in particular? How did you like them? Let me know!
* Milani eyeshadows are available at select drugstores ranging from $3-7 (try Walgreens or Harmon!)
REVIEW/FIRST IMPRESSION: MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation SPF 15
I am by no means a MAC foundation fan. I've always felt their foundations were too heavy for me, not to mention a few have broken me out. I strayed away from them until I came across this one. The gel-based formula got my attention because it was more suitable for my oily skin so I gave it a go. Upon first application I immediately felt a difference. I loved the texture, how non-greasy it was and how it just glided onto my skin. The shade NC30 was also a perfect match for my skin tone and didn't oxidize on me. The coverage is buildable depending on your needs and it comes in a nice slim tube which I like. I can throw it in my purse and not worrying about making a mess. I think I paid about $28 which is pretty steeper than I usually spend on foundation. I would definitely repurchase if the price was lower.
REVIEW: E.L.F. Studio Powder Brush
Ever apply liquid foundation but your face always just ends up looking cakey, no matter how little you apply? Or do you need your foundation to cover up those acne scars but just isn't doing the trick? Well this is THE brush for you. WOW.
I've read so many rave reviews about this brush and had to try it out for myself. After ordering it off the elf website (eyeslipsface.com), I tried using it to stipple on my Revlon Colorstay foundation and wow. My skin looked amazing! It gave me the perfect coverage to cover up my acne scars and really gave me that second skin look. Even my mom complimented me on how well my foundation sunk into my skin (She's always the one to say how it looks caked on).
This brush paired with any liquid or powder foundation gives your face that airbrushed finish. It's also a steal at $3! So much bang for your buck! I'll continue to repurchase this so as long as the elf gods do not discontinue this gem.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Welcome
Hello loves or whoever is reading this blog!
I've decided to revamp my blogger from personal to public to share my thoughts with the world. Here you will find reviews on beauty products I'm enjoying, restaurant recommendations, tips on relationships, possibly even some tutorials, etc. Anything goes. Be sure to check back often to see what's up =) In the meantime feel free to leave a comment below on any requests on blogs.
- Andria
I've decided to revamp my blogger from personal to public to share my thoughts with the world. Here you will find reviews on beauty products I'm enjoying, restaurant recommendations, tips on relationships, possibly even some tutorials, etc. Anything goes. Be sure to check back often to see what's up =) In the meantime feel free to leave a comment below on any requests on blogs.
- Andria
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