YSL 30 Day Skin Care Challenge Week 3: Forever Youth Liberator

We're on Week 3 of the YSL 30 day skin care challenge! I hope my naked face photos have been giving you a good laugh or are at least making you feel better about your naked face! I have to say, doing this challenge has forced me to become more comfortable sans makeup. I'm gonna say it, but I feel "liberated" almost (pun intended)! 

I'm happy to report that I'm feeling much better than last week and I even got some colour back in my face (thank you Mr. Sun for shining down on me)! So, do you see a difference? I don't see a significant change in my skin because it was alright to begin with. I have seen a difference in how smooth my skin feels and how even my skin looks. I barely have to wear any coverage. My skin also looks radiant and glow-y all day long. Now that I'm looking at all 4 pictures, my under eye circles do seem a tad lighter - a tad not a lot. In Week 1, the darkness covered the width of my eye. In Week 3, the darkness starts now from the middle to inner under eye. Not bad! 

Only one more week left and then you'll never have to see anymore naked face photos (maybe...)! 

YSL 30 Day Skin Care Challenge Week 2: Forever Youth Liberator

If you've been following my blog then you know that I've committed to a 30 day skin care challenge thanks to YSL's Forever Youth Liberator line. Why did I commit to a whole month of showing my face naked? I blame it on my crazy love for beauty products and will try anything that will maintain the only thing I was blessed with - good skin. Sure, I have the odd adult acne flare ups and flakiness (ok some fine lines too), but for the most part I've got some pretty smooth texture. Don't hate (wink, smile).

Don't get me wrong though. I definitely have those days when I my skin can look sallow and lack luster like this week. The end of week 2 has been rough. I've been battling a cold since Monday (when you have kids your home becomes a germ fest - I know gross!). Although I haven't been feeling my bestest, I've been making an effort to give my skin some TLC with YSL's Forever Youth Liberator line. Just because I am sick, doesn't mean I want to look sick and I think I've been doing a good job of that. None of the mom's realized I was sick all week until I started coughing up a lung today (yes, I will be visiting the walk-in today).

Here's my naked face Week 2. What do think? See any changes? Gah, I think being sick has sucked the colour out of my skin. That and Toronto has seen only rain for the last week or so. And I promise to put a little more effort into my hair next week!

I haven't really noticed a change in the darkness of my under eye circles, but my pores do look smaller, my skin looks much smoother, and my fine lines near my eyes don't seem as noticeable. They look like they've been getting some plumping action (or maybe that's just some PMS bloating - oh ya that's happening too).

Stay tuned for Week 3 where I'm hoping I'll be feeling much healthier than this week and looking thrice as beautiful!

Get-Clean-Skin Biore Winner!

The winner of the Biore prize pack is...

Julia!

Congratulations! Enjoy your products! You will be contacted shortly. Thank you to everyone that entered the give away! 

Beauty Review: Clean Face In A Flash!

I really try to keep to our nighttime routine. I really do - try. After the kids are tucked into bed, cleaning up is the last thing I want to do and sadly that includes my face! As a makeup artist, I always tell my clients "sleeping with your makeup is a no-no". I guess I should practice what I preach! Before Baby Z, I can honestly say I washed my face 90% of the time. The other 10% I blame on a late night out with too much wine (yup, that is a rare occasion). Now, I'll only clean my face if I've worn makeup that day - I know, I'm ashamed! I've said too much.

Clean Face In A Flash! by makeupjunkie13 on polyvore.com

Thankfully, beauty brands make handy cleansers called wipes and cleansing waters that clean your skin in a flash. I can remove makeup, tighten my pores, feed my skin anti-aging nutrients without using water (which means no mess around the sink - such a pet peeve of mine). My skin can breathe in some fresh air again. Yes!

Korres Pomegranate Cleansing and Makeup Removing Wipes For Oily and Combination Skin ($16 CAD): Korres is one of my all-time favourite all-natural beauty brands. I love the pomegranate wipes. The wipes leave my skin feeling refreshed and they effectively take off my makeup, although I usually take off my mascara with a separate remover. One little wipe can remove impurities, tighten pores, and give antioxidant protection. Cleaning your face takes less than a minute to do! If you're lazy like me, keep these at your bedside. 

One pack holds 25 wipes which won't last long if you use these often. It's a little pricey for a small pack, but you get what you pay for which means it's formulated WITHOUT parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petro-chemicals, phthalates, and GMO. It would be great if Korres comes out with a bigger pack! Now available at Shoppers Drug Mart locations across Canada. 

Biotherm Biosource Total & Instant Cleansing Micellar Water ($26 CAD): Who knew something that looks like a toner could actually cleanse your face? Another quick cleanser, Biotherm's contains Thermal Plankton Cellular Water and is paraben-free. It feeds your skin nutrients rich in minerals and vitamins. It cleans fairly well but sometimes I feel like I need to use two cotton pads to make my skin feel really clean. My skin looks radiant and even feels soft after. It's not as convenient as a wipe because you need to use a cotton pad, but it gets the job done fast. There's a lot of cleansing waters on the market and more continue to come out. It's pretty pricey compared to some others, but Biotherm is not a drugstore brand. Bioderm's version is on my 'want' list and I believe it's slightly cheaper. But if you want something that's a steal, try Marcelle's. 

What are your favourite quick cleansers? Are you guilty of not taking your makeup off every night? Be honest! :)

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them. 

Treating Stubborn Acne

It's Monday and today from Daily Glow (dot) com we have Dr. Jessica Wu giving us insight on how to treat stubborn acne. Also, if you're a newbie here you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed to get updates on posts =).

While I often recommend acne washes, lotions, and gels to my patients who are having breakouts, these at-home treatments are sometimes not enough to control the problem. For stubborn or severe acne, I perform these procedures in my office:

Extractions (also called acne surgery) help remove pockets of oil and dead skin. I use a few different sterile instruments to safely drain whiteheads, blackheads, and small cysts. Extractions must be done carefully by someone with experience or they can turn a small pimple into a festering boil, which can become infected and take weeks to heal. This is the reason doctors usually recommend that pimples not be squeezed; without the right instruments and technique, you can scar your skin.

Large cysts (such as those that result from hormonal breakouts) can be treated with dilute cortisone injections, which shrink the inflammation under the skin, often within a day or two. The amount of cortisone is very small, but the injection must be done by a skilled doctor — if not, it can cause your skin to become pitted.

Acne peels with alpha and beta hydroxy acids can help unclog pores and reduce blackheads, especially if there are many little bumps and pimples. My favorite solutions are salicylic, lactic, and lipo-hydroxy acids, which target the oil glands to loosen dead skin and oil. Peels generally cause pinkness and flaking for a few days. For an at-home treatment, try Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion and Peel System, which contains lactic acid, or Ren Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask, which contains four fruit acids.

Laser and photofacial treatments can help kill acne-causing bacteria and shrink pores, although the effect is temporary. For best results, these treatments are done once every three to four weeks, so they can become costly. However, little to no recovery time is needed. I often recommend lasers to reduce red scars after a breakout is under control.

How To Beat The Bed Rest Blues: Skincare

I know, I just couldn't stay away! Stoked that I got my new laptop adapter and now I can blog away! 

Everywhere I look, I see women in their hospital gowns, hair matted, skin pale and sallow, dark circles and puffy eyes. Granted, the majority of them just gave birth and looking hot really isn't their first priority. I'm bed ridden, but since I can still move around a bit I'm making an effort to look as "non-patient" as I can if you know what I mean. I refuse to wear a hospital gown unless I really need to and make time to fit in a skin and makeup routine. These to me are some of the things that will keep me sane and feel normal in a not-so-normal situation. 

Many of the beauty articles you're reading now are all about "How To Beat The Heat With These Products", but since my problem is being in a stuffy hospital with average air circulation, I need products that will make my skin look bright and radiant! Since the a/c is broken, we have fans blowing everywhere. To prevent my skin from looking lack-luster and dry, I've turned to a few must-have products starting with skincare!

1. Dr. Dennis Gross All In One Cleanser With Toner ($32 CAD. The Shopping Channel): Have I mentioned before that I love multi-taskers? I didn't want to pack a slew of beauty products so this cleanser was the perfect choice. It's a 3-in-1 cleanser that cleanses, tones and removes makeup even water-proof products. It contains natural Witch Hazel, Chamomile, Hyaluronic Acid, and Vitamins A,C, and E so it won't strip your skin. What I love most about it, is that it works for all skin types. If you have dry skin like me, you just need to massage into skin with dry hands for 10 seconds. Oilier types have to massage it in for 30 seconds. It applies really creamy, yet rinses off easily leaving my skin feeling smooth and clean.

2. Bobbi Brown Brightening Advanced Serum ($105 USD): I don't usually wear serums, but once I tried the newest star from Bobbi Brown I couldn't put it down. I seriously love the way it feels on my skin and how luminous my face looks after. It applies so silky smooth and feels super hydrating - some days I'll just apply this on my skin with no moisturizer. It's infused with Red Algae, Vitamin C Complex, and a unique blend of Grape, Mulberry, Scutellaria (soothing and anti-inflammatory properties) that even out the tone of your skin and make it look brighter. I've started noticing that since I've been using it, the tone of my skin seems brighter, texture smoother and my pores smaller. I apply this under my lotion to absorb and lock into the skin, but I think you're supposed to apply over your lotion according to the site. Either way it works lovely, but I'm still balking at the price. I believe in investing in good skin care, so if it's within my budget it's something I would definitely buy again. 

3. La Mer The Eye Concentrate ($165 USD): La Mer products are a luxury and definitely not apart of my everyday skincare regime. I was lucky enough to receive a deluxe size and thought why not spoil myself while I'm in the hospital! It's the perfect traveling size. It's a very rich cream so you only need a little at a time. With the dryness in the air right now, the skin around my eyes are loving it. I've only been using it for a little over 2 weeks so I'm not sure it's doing anything for my dark circles but they definitely look hydrated and radiant. 

4. La Mer Creme de la Mer ($135 - $1650 USD): My first experience with this luxurious cream, my skin was not in the best shape. I actually had a reaction from a medicine at the time when I started using this. You can read about it here. This time around, my skin is pretty normal despite being on the drier side but can I tell you - I don't like this cream - I LOVE this cream! Why must my skin have expensive taste?? It's just what the doctor ordered. My skin soaks it right up and after my skin looks glowing. Again, it's a deluxe size and I'm trying to savour it as much as I can but I know it will be all gone by the time I'm out of the hospital. I'm sure once that happens, my skin will need less moisture. If you can afford it, it's a fabulous cream. My skin just looks so much smoother and and more luminous.

5. La Mer The Body Creme Tube ($130 USD): Can't forget about the body! I received a deluxe size in the tube form which is so compact and portable. Again, it leaves your skin unbelievably soft and supple. I rarely have to reapply throughout the day because it's so hydrating. It doesn't leave a greasy finish like most richer creams. It has a light scent, but disappears right away. 

What's the lesson here? Use expensive skin creams while you're in the hospital and you will feel like a super star! It really is a treat especially when all I have to look forward to is laying on my bed all day. I believe if you don't take care of your outer appearance, it will start to affect the way you feel on the inside. Since I can't control when the baby will come, this is one area of my life I know I can control!

Have you tried any of these products? Do you turn to beauty products to get you out of a funk? Stay tuned for How To Beat The Bed Rest Blues: Makeup post!

Products were sent for editorial consideration and I truly love them.

My Spring Skin Prep Tips On The Style Glossy Canada!

It's starting to feel like Spring today! To get your skin in spring perfection check out my tips on The Style Glossy Canada! Click here to read the article.

Just in time!!

Ladies, here is Codi, a fellow makeup artist and dear friend to teach us more about our eyes and the skin surrounding. I love her and I know you do too. So here she is, take it away Code...

When it comes to the eye area, it surprises me that such a small area of the face can hold so many problems for so many women. Whether it's fine lines, deep wrinkles, crow's feet, dark circles, or puffiness.... it seems like the eye area is a small, yet major, pain in the 'keester' for many women.

That is why I am so overjoyed with the latest product from Lancome, and I know you will be too!!

Introducing......

Lancome Renergie Eye Multiple Action Ultimate Eye Care Duo

It is an eye cream and veil in one convenient gorgeous package!! *There's even a mirror in the flip top of the veil.* It's an eye care duo that combines 2 treatments for 6 visible anti-aging actions!

Skin truth
Youthful-looking eyes are the key to a youthful-looking face. The eye area is the most delicate part of the face, so it is the first area to show the signs of aging.

Lancome innovation
Eye care at its peak. Lancome introduces its ultimate eye care system, Renergie Eye Multiple Action, a unique combination of two treatments for six visible anti-aging actions.

• eyelids are visibly lifted
• the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is virtually erased
• the eye contour looks firmer
• under-eye bags are visibly deflated
• dark circles appear faded
• the eye contour looks illuminated

The eye area is visibly revitalized. In just 4 weeks, the whole face looks up to 5 years younger.

Each client that I have shown this new product to has been blown away by the results she has seen with just one application and has snatched this product up without hesitation. I, myself, could hardly believe the difference that it immediately made with some of my clients. Not only does it look amazing but the feel of both products is so light, and so soft. Now to be clear... the veil is not a concealer. It contains Sea Pine Bark Extract, a wonderful antioxidant, to help with puffiness and light-reflecting pigments to help illuminate and brighten the eye.

You apply the cream:

1. Under the eye

2. To the upper eyelid

3. Above the eyebrow

4. And along the crow's feet and temple

All these areas, both day and night.

You lightly apply the veil with your ring finger:

1. To the inner corner of the eye

2. On dark circles

3. And under the outer arch of the eyebrow

All these areas, only in the day after the cream. Then follow with foundation (and concealer if you wish).

The veil comes in Light, Medium, and Dark and the price is $75.00. I know, I know, some of you are thinking this is a little pricey... but I guarantee you it's worth every penny, and a little goes a long way! Also, to make it even better.....

THIS SUNDAY IS THE FIRST DAY OF FREE GIFT TIME!!!!

With any purchase of $32.50 or more you get the free gift! You get to choose which color of bag you would like (blue, green, or pink) and then you get to choose 6 out of 12 free items. There are skin care products (the genefique is an amazing serum), makeup, a bronzer, and the amazing Bifacil eye makeup remover.

This really is an amazing chance to try a remarkable product that will eliminate many eye woes, and get some other fabulous free stuff at the same time!

Happy eye area to all!!!
Codi

Review On the ProX Brush

Let me be clear....I LOVE THIS BRUSH!!!!!!! Got it? Okay great, I'm glad! The first time I used this brush I couldn't stop touching my face. It was the most amazing feeling ever!!! Now this post is a little two in one deal. Because I am going to send out major love about this brush I also have to issue a warning. Even though we need to exfoliate and deep clean our skin every now and then it is damaging to do it too often. Also, pLeAsE be careful what you are scrubbing your face with (see info below). I have used this brush for a month now. For the first week once a day then only once a week for the rest of the time. I also started this month using my Glimpse gel cleanser WITHOUT scrubbing beads and I STILL felt smoother than SMOOTH!!!!! With that  said, let me introduce you to my friend Kim. I have known Kim for YEARS!!! We grew up together, went to school together and upon coming to Utah have had SUCH fun girl's nights out spent reminiscing and eating yummy food. In her own words, here's what she's been doing professionally =):

-I got my Associates in Science from UVSC

-Went to Dallas Roberts and did 1200 hours education and hands on training.
-Did extended education on Laser treatments through a laser facility and got certified in that. I hope to work in the medical side of Aesthetics in the future. 

-I am now a licensed Master Aesthetician. 

Now here is what Kim wants us to know about exfoliation:

 Don't get confused by this info...exfoliating is a good thing BUT just not overdone.

Anything that lives has to die and if we don't do anything about it, then it will just sit there making the skin look dull and lifeless. Not to mention acne sufferers, dead skin cells can clog pores and that could worsen acne! Exfoliating the skin by using "mechanical exfoliation" in excess can cause more harm than good. Studies show that scrubbing often, can irritate the skin causing inflammation. Inflammation can cause premature aging on the young skin, and accelerate the aging process even further for the mature skin. Now a days this would be something to avoid. Many of the exfoliating properties used in "scrubs" are harsh ingredients like crushed walnut shells, powdered sea shells, ground up plastic. In a research done by the American Association of Dermatology, when they examined a face that had been exfoliated three consecutive days. Microscopic view proved that the surface of the skin was scratched, irritated and inflamed.

Industry Tip: dry skin tends to flake and have a layer of embedded dead skin cells on the surface, "scrubbing" for this type of skin should be done once or twice weekly. Combination to Oily skin types should "scrub" only once weekly. Sensitive skin types should avoid all types of "mechanical exfoliation"

March Favorites

Here are the March favs!!! I am looking forward to going out and buying some loot here pretty soon to bring you more options and MORE savings. By the way, do YOU have a request? Send it to my email and I'll getter done! =)

 Becky is up first with her March favs!

First up is the limited edition Urban Decay 15 year Anniversary 24/7 liner set. Out the door, it's crazy expensive at $92 but you're only spending just over $6 per full-sized liner which is a crazy good value. I'm a huge fan of Urban Decay's liners and all of them are super pigmented and smooth. I love that there is a big variety in colors as well, I'm able to wear something different every day. They also work well as a base! Also included with the set is their Sharpener which is worlds better than your standard cheap sharpener (who knew!). My only complaint is that the packing plastic that it's wrapped in has a strong smell to it and you have to let it air out for a week and store the pencils elsewhere. Also, Perversion (which is THE blackest black liner I have ever seen) clouds up my contacts when worn on the waterline.  

Next up is Benefit's Boi-ing concealer. I'm always trying to hide my under eye circles and liked Erase Paste because it brightens but sometimes it would start look look cakey on me after a few hours. After hearing how much Jen loved it in a post I decided to try out Boi-ing and this is MUCH better for me! You need next to zero product and I just pat it on and it covers up my circles and the redness around my nose just beautifully. 

(image from bellamakeup.blogspot.com)

I am in love with Tarte's new Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Wear Powder Blush in Glisten.  I bought it in a set off of QVC (my first purchase from there- it was at a lower price of $52 for eight items if you include the bag!).  It's a great pinky-peach blush with some shimmer but it doesn't make my pores appear any larger as other shimmers usually do.  This Blush lasts 8 or so hours on me which is much longer than normal blush.  When I usually do a quick touch up in the late afternoon (thank you oily t-zone) I'm always pleasantly surprised that I don't need to apply more blush  .  Love it!!  (p.s. the brush with the set is ah-may-zing!)

Also, I've been using the Olay Pro-X... I'm a fan!
Next comes Sariah with her favs:

 I have an eye cream that I love that I bought from Sephora. It's called REN. I am a "weeper" so my eyes are constantly getting a dose of salt water tears which is incredibly drying. This helps out with that SO much!
I have also been using a face wash by Clean & Clear that I love. It helps out with blemishes and breakouts like it's nobodies business! (Psst, this is Jen, I wanted to post this so I'll have to ask her the name of it later!)

A Dose of Daily Glow

 Every Monday I feature tips from the dailyglow.com. Dr. Jessica Wu is an amazing dermatologist to the stars and has so many tricks up her sleeve they just HAD to be shared with the ladies at Classy. Today she tells us about a homemade cookie foot scrub =). She writes:

I admit I have a weakness for Girl Scout cookies, and I can’t resist buying a box (or several) when I walk past the cute little girls selling them outside my local supermarket. My favorites are Thin Mints, which I keep in the freezer. I know, they’re high in sugar — but I try to limit myself to one or two at a time, and not every day. Plus, I like supporting the scouts in my neighborhood.

While cookies are not part of my Feed Your Face diet, cookie scrubs are featured in Chapter 11, titled “Food on Your Face: Food-Based Ingredients and Easy Recipes for Make-at-Home Remedies.” Your feet have been trapped in shoes all winter, so why not make this foot scrub to help get them in shape for spring? (It smells just like Thin Mints!)

Peppermint Patty Foot Scrub
- 1 cup coarse sea salt
- 5 tablespoons olive or coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup fresh mint, minced
- 3 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)

Mix thoroughly and massage into your soles, focusing on calluses and rough patches. For best results, first soak your feet in warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, or use the scrub after a bath or shower. Follow by applying a rich foot cream. Repeat every week to keep your feet soft and sexy.

Monday Glow Tips: A Healthy, Glowing Complexion

As you age, your skin becomes thinner and can begin to look tired. Environmental damage also can take the glow out of your complexion and leave you with dull skin. If you find yourself yearning for the dewiness of younger skin, there are ways to help restore the glow to your complexion.

Bad Habits Lead to Dull Skin
Your skin begins to age as early as your twenties. Skin starts to lose its elastic qualities and dead cells do not slough off as quickly, leaving you with dull, dry skin that has lost its glow. In addition to normal aging and your own genetics, factors that can cause your skin to appear dull include:

• Sun exposure. Over time, too much sun exposure can damage your skin, causing it to appear rough, leathery, and blotchy. Sun exposure is more likely to lead to dull skin if you have a fair complexion.
• Cigarette smoking. If you smoke cigarettes, the normal age-related changes in your skin happen even faster. People who smoke are more likely to develop a yellowish tint to their skin, and their skin often appears more leathery than that of nonsmokers.
• Low humidity. If you’re exposed to low humidity year-round because of overheating in winter and air-conditioning in summer, your skin can be left feeling dry and itchy.
• Stress. Being under stress can cause your skin to become drier and dull looking.
• Product overuse. Using skin care products that dry your skin, which may include soaps, antiperspirants, and fragrances, can leave your skin looking lifeless.

How to Banish Dull Skin
There are many ways you can help achieve the appearance of younger skin, but the best way to avoid dullness is to prevent it. Follow these steps to prevent a drab complexion or regain your glow:

• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater every day, even if it’s not particularly sunny; another option is to use a daily moisturizer with SPF 15.
• Avoid sunbathing and using indoor tanning beds.
• Keep out of direct sunlight between 10am and 4pm, when the sun's rays are the most intense — wear a stylish, wide-brimmed hat if you’re taking a walk during your lunch hour.
• If you smoke, stop; this can help improve your skin tone no matter how long you’ve been smoking.
• Use a humidifier in your home and drink water throughout the day to help keep your skin hydrated.
• Use mild facial cleansers instead of harsh soaps (or any soap you might use on the rest of your body) when you bathe.
• Switch from water-based makeup and powder formulas to creams, especially for foundation and blusher.
• Take lukewarm, rather than hot, baths and showers — and fewer of them — to avoid drying out your skin.

Techniques to Rejuvenate Your Complexion:

You can take more serious action to help restore the glow of younger skin by:

• Moisturizing. Use more targeted creams and moisturizers to give your skin back its younger look. Try over-the-counter products with alpha hydroxy acids or see a dermatologist for a prescription for Renova (or Retin-A if your skin is oily) to encourage cell turnover, brighten your complexion, and make it appear fresher.
• Talking to your doctor. Sometimes dry skin can be a symptom of an underlying health problem. Treating a health condition such as diabetes or kidney disease can sometimes help combat dull skin.
• Consulting a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. If a change in skin care products isn’t making enough impact, consider a medical approach to regaining the look of younger skin. Treatments include:
  • Chemical peel to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, helping to restore the skin’s glow and a more youthful appearance
  • Dermabrasion, a procedure to remove layers of dead skin and stimulate the deeper layer of skin (dermis) to rejuvenate, which will diminish the appearance of fine wrinkles
  • Laser resurfacing, a more aggressive procedure that uniformly removes a certain thickness of skin and exposes newer, fresher looking skin

If you’re concerned about dull skin, consider all the options for helping restore your glow. Often, a few changes in your skin care routine can leave you with a fresher, younger-looking appearance.
All content from everydayhealth.com via the Glow

the Daily Glow Wisdom

Feed Your Face: How to Eat When You're Eating Out

Eating the right foods for your skin can be tough when you're dining out. Get tips on how to make healthy, skin-friendly choices at a restaurant.

By Dr. Jessica Wu

In recent weeks, I’ve talked about the importance of eating well to keep your skin looking young and fresh. However, that doesn’t mean that you need to spend all day in the kitchen. Sometimes it can be a real pleasure to share a restaurant meal with friends and family — you avoid the stress of shopping, preparing foods, and cleaning up. Whether you’re hitting the drive-through, picking something up on the way home, or splurging on a night out at a special restaurant, here’s how you can make healthier choices for smoother skin and a tighter body when you’re eating out:

*Watch your portions: Restaurant portions tend to be large, so you may be getting more salt (which worsens under-eye bags and bloating), sugar (which breaks down collagen), and dairy (which has been linked to acne) than you realize. Ask your server to put half your meal in a take-out container, or split an entree with a friend.

*Choose foods in their natural state: The more processed your meal, the more hidden sugar, salt, and dairy it contains — plus, the fewer nutrients it’s likely to have. Here’s the test: Could you hunt it? Could you gather it? (And no, popcorn shrimp and chicken fingers don’t count.)

*Beware of condiments: Dressings and sauces tend to be loaded with butter, cream, salt, and sugar. Many of them also contain ingredients, such as spices and vinegar, that can aggravate skin conditions like rosacea, so ask for dressings on the side and dip your food into them. You'll get the flavor without irritating your skin, and you'll save on calories.

Glimpse Skin Care Line

*CoRrEcTiOn*

There are actually four colors provided for the mineral foundation not only three...whoops =)!

There is a wellness company here in Utah by the name of Xango. They are very well known for their wellness drink but also have a lot more to offer. For instance they contacted me a little over a month ago to see if I would like to try their skin care line or as they call it "topical skin nutrition". I like that =). I was not paid for my review but was given the complete line to try. Just click that cute little play button to see what I thought =).

Blemishes Be Gone Revisited

This is an older post but SO important and I didn't want it to get lost in the archives of "blogdom". If you are feeling weighed down by blemishes...chin up, try these steps and you can not just have a passable fave but a FlAwLeSs canvas!!!
I also want you to ask yourself these questions:
- Am I washing my face day and night and exfoliating?
- Am I over or under moisturizing?
- Am I using the right skin care and makeup for my face type?
- Am I eating unhealthily? Drinking enough water?
- How much sleep a I getting and how much unnecessary stress am I inflicting on myself?
There are a thousand more questions we can ask ourselves but these are the basics for a happy face and a happy body. Try them and see what a difference it can make!
*CAUTION* Scary images below! If you have just eaten, I recommend you wait at least an hour!!!!! I had a bad reaction to something but wanted to show you how to cover up blemishes really well. We all need it now and then right? =)

My February Favorites

It's cool to be fashionably late right??? Well, good cuz here I am on the 5th of March telling you what I loved in February. I keep wanting to do a live video for these but this time around I never found myself to be wearing makeup...go figure. I didn't want you to completely lose faith in me so I have opted for the pen (keyboard) instead.

First and foremost I wanted to go back to last month's post where Brook talked about the EOS Lip balm. I am now in LOVE as well!!! I got mine in February and it hasn't left my side! I can't wait to try the lemon one! I did get an email from a follower saying that she has something even BeTtEr!!! Get this ladies, it's called Sex Wax...yup, you heard those words from cute little innocent me. I'm going to let Corey explain it to you since she is the guru on the stuff =):

 "Let me introduce you to Sex Wax chap-stick. You see, I'm a beach girl and I use to work at a surf shop. One day at work I forgot my chap-stick and so I bought one we sold there. Sex Wax is actually a brand of surfboard wax but they branched out and decided to make chap stick (with SPF might I add)! Upon first applying I was not impressed. It was hard and difficult to spread on my lips. It also seemed waxy (go figure!) Anyway, I kept using it (I'm too cheap not to), and within a week it was my new favorite. Once you use it a few times it softens up and you get use to the thicker, waxy texture. I know what you're thinking, why do I want to use something I have to "get use to." Let me explain why I love it. I LOVE it because it stays on your lips WAYYYY longer than any others I've tried, it conditions and leaves your lips feeling super smooth, and sun protection is a plus! Most times I have to reapply chap-stick every 10 min. This one stays on and give me a piece of mind I guess you can say."
What do you guys think??? Could be a "March Madness" Fav!!!
Corey also shares another of her favs with us:

"I use something called "Balms Away (second picture)." BIG FAVORITE! It's a Vaseline type substance that you rub on and then wipe off. It moisturizes, and while you're rubbing it in you see the makeup breaking up and smearing so  you look like a scary spooky monster. (insert Jen laughing at this point) =) It's good stuff I tell you! "

 Next product I have fallen for and have seen results with is the Olay Regenerist eye lifting serum. Annie, you asked me in a comment about under eye products and I am really impressed with this one. I have only tried three others since I am new to caring about skin care (GaSp!) but this is my favorite of the three. I use it twice a day and I have noticed a difference when I put my makeup on. It just looks so much smoother and more hydrated. It was $19.99 at my local drug store and was listed as one of the 9 best eye serums by totalbeauty.com. Here is what some of their readers said:

"I can't believe how much I like this serum! It's moisturizing, but non-greasy and it really firmed up the skin around my eyes. My fine lines are barely detectable. I also like its slight tint and shimmer -- most days I can skip concealer." Another reviewer says, "I'm a senior woman and at this stage of my life I am always interested in anti-aging products. I have been using this serum for a long time ... actually, since its conception. I know it has made the area around my eyes look a little younger; however, what I really like about this product is the refreshing feeling it gives my eyes every morning. I look forward to this step in my morning ritual because it is such a pleasant product to use. Thanks, Olay!" Another says, "I've tried many other products for my fifty-ish, drooping upper eyelids and nothing really had done much. But after about four weeks of using this product, people started telling me I looked younger, and there was a definite improvement in my lids." 


I was very flattered when I had a reader ask if she could interview me for a project she was working on. She then proceeded to ask me questions about the blog on of them being how much do I make from it. That one made me stop and think...was I supposed to be? Oh dear, am I missing out on something? I have companies now and then send me things for review but I have never been paid for it. I thought to myself, "Self, you could have more giveaways at your blog that you personally "back" if you had some revenue coming in. I signed up for a program with Sigma and now when you go through the Classy Blog by clicking my link I get a small commission...I am very proud of my $5 thank you. Having done that I am saving up for some ReAlLy cool giveaways but also, I have come to love Sigma brushes! Long story to get to the fav but ya know, just wanted to be integrous about what happens when you click on my button =).

These two have been my favs this month. The E40 (top) and E25 are SO well priced!!! These two at MAC would be $51.50 (not including tax) but at Sigma they are $18. This is also not including tax or shipping but HoLy CoW!!!!! Plus every time, and I DO mean every time you spend $30 you get sent a trial of the E25 for free. I think it's a good deal! I am using these brushes like a maniac!
So that's it for February Favs. What were yours this month?

Wisdom From The Glow.Com

Don't fret Ethel, help is on the way! She looks like an Ethel right? =)

I was introduce to the Daily Glow website about a week ago and I must say that I am in LOVE!!!!! I get an email from them about everyday and I can honestly say that not one topic hasn't had me HoOkEd. Dr. Jessica Wu (dermatologist to the stars) talks about how to wash your face (I'll be sharing soon), how to de-frizz your hair, how to get red carpet skin, how to "feed" your face, etc. It even has a quiz to see which beauty icon YOU are. I'm Sophia Loren, who are YOU???
(pssst take it here) 

It's just PACKED full of goodies. I think that I am going to share some pearls of wisdom for them once a week for your listening pleasure. I think that Mondays are PeRfEcT because we can start the week off with an awesome tip that will get us going and keep us confident! Are you excited??? I am!!!!!

January Favorites

 Thank you to so many of you that shared your favorites for the month!!! Here are a few of them:

Brook loves the EOS Lip balm:

 "I have horrible dry lips this winter so I started using eos it's amazing! Love it. Read all about it on my blog cuteasabutton222.blogspot.com."

Casey clues us in with a new skin care line:

I sell Beauticontrol and we have a new Skin Spa Facial line out and I am absolutely loving it!!!! We have these skin sensors that prescribe your own line that you need! Visit her website here.

Angie tells us how she struck GoLd with these goodies: 

 What I'm loving right now....and how I got to what I'm loving right now......a few years ago I started using Origins Checks & Balances face soap, LOVE it.  It's about $18 a bottle (more than drugstore brands), but seriously, the bottle can last almost 6 months.  As I've learned, all of their products take minimal amounts to be effective.  I then started using their Modern Friction.  It's sort of a microderm in a bottle type scrub, and is awesome.  Then tried some eye creams, GinZing is AMAZING, for AM use only, takes the puff right out of your eyes if you have any whatsoever.  I have horrible allergies, so it helps tremendously.  And the newest thing they have, which I am IN LOVE with now is called Starting Over, found it a/b 3 weeks ago.  I've been using the eye cream (I think there's a moisturizer as well), it's botox (sort of) in a bottle.  You can feel it working.  You can apply it AM & PM below and above the eye (like on the bone just above the lid).  I've noticed a big difference, how soft my skin is in the "crows feet" area and just my whole eye area in general.   I'm telling ya, it's wonderful stuff!  

Here comes Ashley with great news!!! There is another primer we all get to try =)!!!

 As an emergency room RN in Las Vegas (the fifth busiest ER in
America), I need makeup which holds up for a 12+ hour shift. Aquatique
is an amazing eye makeup base. I get compliments on my eye makeup
(even at the end of my shift at times) from both co-workers and
patients. Plus, this base supposedly makes the eyeshadow waterproof
also, although I have never really tried that aspect out. (INSERT JENNI PUTTING THAT TO THE TEST BY STICKING MY HEAD IN A BOWL FULL OF WATER!!! LOL) I have
turned quite a few of my coworkers onto Aquatique!

Winter Skin Care Products by Tiffany

Winter is definitely a changing time for your skin. Having the heater on in your home dries your skin out and the weather outside isn't too "skin friendly" either. Tiffany D gives us some fabulous products to try that will help combat this season and keep us looking flawless and glowing! Commentary is by Tiffany and my comments will be in red =).

I am totally in love with Origins products as of late. This is their Starting Over Moisturizer. It's oil free which I love because it makes my skin feel comfortable, it's very very moisturizing but it doesn't give me that "extra layer" which I don't really like (who does right???). I use this at night after my normal skin care routine. It works well with my oily skin.

 

I have been using this in the mornings. It's Origins VitaZing with SPF-15 which is great for day to day. It says it's "an energizing moisturizer with mangosteen (fruit grown in Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Rare in the US since the actual fruit can't be brought in but is thought to have many healing properties. It's also found in the Xango drinks). This is the most unique moisturizer that I have ever used. A lot of times I don't even have to use foundation. It's not technically a tinted product. When it comes out, it's white but has tan beads. I use it and then my MAC Mineralized Skin Finish just to ward off shine. It evens me out as I apply it and you can see your skin brighten up...it's InSaNe!!! It has a citrusy sweet smell. Every skin tone can use it. I love it!!!

When I do apply foundation I still stick with my Makeup Forever Matte Velvet Plus (a MUST!!! It is like silk on your skin. I'll be doing a review on that soon) or NARS Sheer Glow (both can be found at Sephora).

The eye cream that I like is the Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Daily Anti-Fatigue Cream (mouthful much???). It's great because you don't need to spend a lot to get a great eye cream. I use it morning and night.

 (Sorry, couldn't resist putting our manly vamp up here using his EOS Lip Balm...Priceless!!!)
Also remember to take care of you lips, hands, your whole BoDy!!! It's really important. I use EOS Lip Balm and really bought it just because it looked so cute, but it's really great quality! I use it at night before bed and even under my lipstick and/or gloss. It's very non greasy so as not to interfere with your daily lip routine and it also stays on a long time too.

I love the Shea Cashmere Hand Cream from Bath & Body Works. I keep one in my purse and one by my bed. The more you use it the better your cuticles will look too =).

I also used to use many of the Bath & Body Works lotions and a lot of the Victoria Secret but I have all but ThRoWn them all away for the love of Renew Lotion!!! 

YES it's a Melaleuca product and I am SO sorry that you need to be a member to get the great prices but you can be a direct customer and buy whatever, whenever without needing to make an order every month. I highly look into it because you can also get the Nicole Miller (now Se Belle) bronzer!!!

Tiffany D can be found at her YouTube channel here. =)

Beauty Review: Sensitive Skin? Eczema? Then You Need Diane Lai!

 

Has the cold winter weather left your skin feeling dry and itchy? Do you find every skincare product you try makes your sensitive skin irritated and blotchy? Or do you suffer from eczema? 

My son developed eczema at the age of one and ever since it's been a constant battle until now. I had tried avoiding topical steroid creams such as hydrocortisone but creams from Aveeno or Jergens Baby would irritate and burn his skin. When his skin started breaking and bleeding that's when I gave in and was prescribed Betaderm. After that, his skin started to heal but I hated the fact that I had to use a steroid cream on my lil' guy. He hadn't had much flare ups but once in a while when the weather was really dry I'd have to reach for the Betaderm. 

Enter Canadian brand, Diane Lai's, all-natural creams and lotions for sensitive skin. I was definitely skeptical because other all-natural creams I had tried on him still made his skin burn. Not anymore! It was Diane's child who has sensitive skin that inspired her to create this soothing collection. The products contain no Parabens, Phthalates, Formaldehyde, artificial fragrance, artificial colorants, Retinols, Sulfates, Petro Chemicals, or Oxybenzone.

Both Soothe and Rejuvenate contain active ingredients organic shea butter, kernel oil, cold-pressed grape seed oil a natural moisturizer rich in antioxidants.

Rejuvenate ($45 CAD): This is a daily moisturizer that helps maintain soft and healthy skin. Rejuvenate is a lipid replenishing body lotion to smooth, protect and restore the skins natural barriers to reduce dryness, irritation, and scratching. 

Can I tell you how excited I was when my son didn't complain about having irritated skin?? I use it all over from head to toe and ever since the first slather I haven't had to reach for his Betaderm! The overall texture of his skin is so much smoother. It never left a greasy finish and soaked quickly into the skin. The bottle is 100 ml and all done now but it lasted for about 2 months.Whaaa! Time to buy one!

Soothe ($34 CAD): Since my bottle of Rejuvenate is all gone, I've started using Soothe as my son's body/face lotion. This particular cream is used to soothe red, patchy, itchy flare ups. You can also use this cream to alleviate itchiness from mosquito bites and pain from sunburns. It comes in a smaller 30 ml bottle and probably would last longer if I wasn't using it daily on him as a body lotion. I'm kind of sad it's almost done but I know I'll be picking this one up as well! 

If you don't believe me, ask my son! If he can tell me I look more beautiful with makeup, he'll tell you these creams really work! And for all you prego mommies out there, this collection is also great for minimizing stretch marks and soothing itchiness from a growing belly!

The products are only available online www.dianelai.com. Hopefully stores will start carrying this line! And I hope both products will come in a bigger bottle! It may seem like a pricey lotion for your kids but aren't they worth it?? ;)

Have you tried Diane Laine's products? Love 'em? Hate 'em? Want 'em?