Tag Archives: oatmeal

“I Hit Pan” + “Look What I Found” Items

16 Oct

I would think the majority of people I know in the makeup and skin care industries understand the term “I hit pan”. It’s a simple way to say that you have used your favorite makeup product so much that you can see the silver from the container it is in. In other words… you better go shopping. I actually experienced that a few times in the past couple of months. In the process of restocking some of my almost-empty faves, I have also discovered some great NEW items that are now must haves. Let’s take a look at what needs restocking and what is new on my vanity:

RESTOCKING…

1. NARS Smooth and Protect Primer SPF50 – I have tried a lot of primers over the years. Some have worked, some haven’t done such a great job. This came across my way several months ago as a sample in an Ulta order. I loved how it went on, hiding and blurring pores and imperfections on my skin. Because it is necessary for this redhead to keep the bad rays of the sun as far away from my skin as possible, this has actually become one of the steps in my daily skincare routine. When I realized I was using a clothespin to get as much as possible out of the draining tube, I figured it was time to get another. (Ulta, $36)

2. RAD Soap Co. OUCH Salve – I fell in love with the RAD soap company after picking up one of their body creams (you can see the review here)! When I stopped by their flagship store which isn’t far from me at all, I picked up some favorites as well as this little gem. I was told it cuts healing time of small scrapes, scratches, bites, blisters and more WAY down. And it is true! I actually use this on my tattoos when they are healing. It keeps new ink moisturized and helps it to heal easier. I knew I was getting more work done on my leg tattoo so I picked up a second jar. Good thing… I’ve finished my first and I’m on to the next! (Radsoap.com, $10)

3. Make Up For Ever XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner – I will admit, I have collected my share of liquid and pencil eyeliners over the years. I am always looking for the ultimate stay-all-day liner for my bottom waterline. Many work great, but not all have that kind of stay power. I finally admitted to myself that it would just be better to stick with the first long-lasting one I tried. This one! Because I don’t use it for anything else, it lasts! Plus you only need a little for a deep matte black look. All the others can take a back burner as I replenish this treasure. (makeupforever.com, $21)

4. Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream – I am a firm believer that every bath or shower should immediately be followed by a rich, emollient body cream. I have a few favorites and usually will change them up with the seasons. One thing that I noticed needs a little extra TLC is your tooshie. You know, your bum. Buttocks. Behind. Derrière. Rump. Fanny. Rear end. You get what I’m saying. Not many people would say that it is feasible to buy a special “cream” just to moisturize your bum. But if you think about it… it is probably the one place (not counting your face and neck) that needs a cream that will keep your skin smooth, soft, firm, and “tight”. I remember friends saying, “You could bounce a quarter off that a$$!” This cream? It helps to make that happen. Stocked with guaraná – an Amazonian plant whose fruit contains the most potent forms of caffeine on the planet. That, mixed with cupuaçu butter, açaí antioxidants and coconut oil will help give you irresistible touch-me skin. You will love this fast-absorbing cream that is lightly scented with pistachio caramel leaves, and formulated to leave your skin feeling its smoothest and tightest! (Sephora, $45)

5. Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Crème – I think we all know the day when we realize we need a concealer in our life. It’s not a good day. It might be needed after a night with very little sleep, tired eyes from studying, droopy eyes from allergies…you name it. And you’ll notice it. I’ve tried many concealers over the years, but this came to me as a sample in a Sephora order and I’ve been hooked ever since! To me, the formula is a bit drier than many concealers I have used and this seems to help keep it in place longer. It has a great applicator, but I use it only for “dotting”… I will use my finger or use a good small concealer brush to press it in. Because you need so little, one tube lasts and lasts. I don’t think I’d switch at all now. I found my saving grace in Kant’s concealer and it couldn’t have happened at a better time! (Sephora, $26)
 

NEW FINDS:

1. RAD Soap Co. VIBES Natural Deodorant – Ever since I was a teen, I have always had a hard time finding a deodorant that is effective, smells gentle, and doesn’t leave nasty white marks on my clothing. Let me just say it has been VERY difficult over the years to get that in one product. When I went to get my OUCH Salve, I found this off to the side. I’m trying to find products for my vanity that are more natural, so I took a sniff of the Oatmeal & Vanilla bottle and was hooked. Of course, the real decision maker was going to be if it worked or not. It did! Easy to use, completely natural and perfect for those with sensitive skin. I went through a hot summer using this and was not disappointed. It’s nice to have an environmentally friendly product that works as good as this! (Radsoap.com, $10)

2. Miss Spa Chocolate Self-Heating Clay Mask – It is a fact that face masks are ALL the thing right now. You have peel-off masks, detoxifying masks, deep treatment masks and so many more. This mask was included in my H2BAR subscription box last month, and it took me no time to order more! Dark chocolate is very good for your face AND body because it has a high level of antioxidants to help repair and protect your skin from damage. The clays work together to absorb any excess oils and the lactic acid helps shed dead skin cells. And that awesome warming feeling? That is your circulation being stimulated to help get good blood flow to your face, which assists in an even glow to your skin. Smells decadent too… just don’t lick your fingers! (Ulta, $4)

3. Wet n Wild Perfect Pout Gel Lip Balm – If I sorted out all of my lip products in my vanity, I would say that I probably wouldn’t need a new type or color for years. YEARS! Does that stop me from trying new ones? Hell no! I found this at my local drug store. Of course, it has a “new” sign on it and I had to stop and look. Over the past few years, the rage has been the long-lasting matte lipsticks. Although it is fun to mix and match the colors, the fact remains that they are extremely drying to my lips. For times like work or a pick-me-up walk, I like having a lip product that will not just give my lips some long lasting hydration but also great color. I picked up one of these in the shade Love which is a pinkish rose and loved it. I could put it on without a mirror and it lasted, keeping my lips looking and feeling great. I picked up two more colors before the end of the week—Rule and Tease. A great grab and go items when you need to make your lips feel and look good. (Wetwildbeauty.com, $3)

4. TOULLGO 3D Fiber Lash Mascara – I have never hid the fact that I cannot master the technique of the false eyelash AT ALL. The glue is messy, I can never get them in the right spot, half sticks & half doesn’t, and every other problem that goes with them. I have good long lashes, but they are thin and straight. So I am always looking for a way to get a false-lash look without the hassle. This mascara is a two-step process but doesn’t take much more time to apply. I love the look I get from this product. My eyes look dramatic without any clumps, fiber fall out, or running. I will definitely buy this again! (Amazon, $15)

5. Embryolisse Re-Densifying Eye and Lip Contour Cream – I have been using products from Embryolisse and TwinMedix for years now, and I am happy to say that my skin has never looked so good. I have a smooth, even-toned complexion that looks younger and younger each day. When my awesome girl, Michelle, told me I should really give this eye cream a try, I agreed. In the back of my mind, however, I was skeptical. I am always looking for the “miracle eye cream” and as much as I have seen a slight improvement with most creams, nothing has really floored me with a dramatic change. But I did what I promised Michelle I’d do. And like other eye creams I have used in the past, I was slightly pleased with the results. But it was only week two. I think I was looking for a miracle… not an eye cream. So, regardless of what I saw, I kept using it. After a while, I did notice that the skin around my eyes was firmer, less fine lines, and my dark circles definitely weren’t as dark as they were. Had I found my miracle? I’m not sure. But I am sure that I will be using this regularly—day and night—to keep my younger looking eyes around for a while. The price may seem steep, but to slow the aging process of my eye area down is seriously priceless to me. Plus the bottle lasts forever!! (Embryolisseusa.com, $55)

With fall finally here, we glamouristas need to take some time to evaluate our skin care, hair care, body care and makeup to see if we need to make any changes to keep up with the changing seasons. Lower temperatures and frequent changes in the humidity can wreak havoc on our standard beauty routines. Check to see if you need to incorporate some extras or eliminate some items that may or may not be needed now. Also check your makeup colors that you are currently using. You may find that you need to push the pastels to the back of your vanity and bring out or pick up some deeper colors for the cooler months. Have a fabulous fall everyone and rock your sass!

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The Kitchen Facial….

28 Jan

If you’ve ever been in a Macy’s, Bloomingdales or Sephora, then I’m sure you can see how someone could easily spend hundreds of dollars trying to keep themselves looking young. Between cleansers, moisturizers, toners, masks, scrubs, firmers, softeners, lifters, tigheners, and everything in between, the world of skin care and glamour is enough to make any consumer crazy… and bankrupt! Are all of those funky ingredients necessary when it comes to keeping you looking your best? Depends. Some people swear by the “’what’s new & what’s hot” mainstream products. Others, like myself, find that the more involved a product is, the more likely my sensitive skin is to flip out from it.

After a nasty breakout from an anti-aging night cream last winter, I researched online what I could use to calm my skin down. I made a homemade mask of specific kitchen products, slathered it all over my blotchy face twice a day, and watched as my skin went from raging red to peaceful pale. This triggered me to look up other natural items and recipes that might help keep my appearance at an even keel. The information I found would change my skin care routine forever.

Since my troubles mainly occur in winter because the cold temperatures, dry indoor heat, biter winds and the nasty snow glare turn my face into a dry flaky mess, this is when I put away my department store cosmetics and start hitting the refrigerator and cabinets for the goodies that help me the most. The recipes?… Simple. The cost?… pennies. The results?… priceless.

Here is my skin care regime from now until further notice:

breakfast1Cleanser/Mask: “Breakfast In A Jar”

½ banana mashed, 1 tbs. heavy cream, ½ aloe leaf pulp, 1 tbs. finely ground oatmeal, 1 tsp. honey.

Not only does this cleanser work great for removing makeup but it also smells great and softens the skin. The bananas and heavy cream are rich in protein and fat which helps moisturize and smooth the skin. Aloe pulp has healing properties and is an anti-inflammatory. The oatmeal has soothing properties to calm any redness or irritation. And the honey? Honey naturally moisturizes, is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and contains a natural acid which helps the skin’s cell renewal. Once you mix all of the ingredients together, you put the “goop” in a jar or small Tupperware cup and keep it in the refrigerator till ready to use. The bananas will cause the top layer of the cleanser to turn dark after a couple of days, but that doesn’t mean it is spoiled. Scrape it off, and keep using it. I suggest you make a new batch every 7-10 days to keep it fresh. To use: put mixture all over your face, let it sit for a minute or two, Rinse with cool water. Use morning and evening. (FYI—sometimes it is easier to buy a small jar of organic bananas baby food. It’s easier to work with and mixes smoother.)

brown-sugarExfoliate: Brown Sugar

Sugar is a natural and inexpensive way to include alpha-hydroxy acids in your skincare program. Usually to get the benefits of alpha-hydroxy acids, you have to schedule appointments with a dermatologist for various types of peels. By getting sugar into your routine at home, you will experience all of the benefits without the inflated price. Brown sugar is a gentler grain sugar and is not as rough as regular table sugar. To use: once a week in the evening, put a small amount (½ tsp.) of brown sugar in the palm of your hand then add your “Breakfast in a Jar” cleanser to it. Rub together then gently apply to your face in a circular motion. Rinse with cool water.

tea1Toner: Chamomile Tea

A toners main purpose is to remove any last traces of cleanser and makeup. Many cosmetic lines add alcohol to their toners which is a disaster to dry skin. A winter toner should be gentle, refreshing, soothing and still do its job. Chamomile is the perfect herb for that. Take an all-natural decaffeinated chamomile tea bag and let it steep in ½ cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove bag (do not squeeze it out) and discard. Keep cooled tea in the refrigerator and use on a cotton ball after cleansing or whenever a clean face needs a little soothing. Make a new toner once a week.

olive-oilMoisturizer: Olive Oil

Nothing fancy here. Olive oil is an excellent moisturizer because it attracts and holds moisture close to the skin and forms a breathable film to prevent loss of internal moisture. And its anti-oxidants help to prevent dryness and wrinkles. Go to the supermarket and buy a bottle of organic extra virgin olive oil, put some in a little jar or bottle and leave it on your bathroom counter. Apply dots of it all over your face, paying special attention to your cheeks and neck. Avoid the eye area with excess oil, but any you have left on your fingers that isn’t absorbed can be dotted under the eyes. If you are thinking, Don’t worry about your pores clogging. Olive oil is non-comedogenic, and the extra virgin variety is actually very light on the face.

The one thing that I didn’t mention is that no matter how natural you make your skin, you must-use a sunscreen. There are many on the market that are combined with other ingredients that can make your face red and irritated. Products containing PABA or padimate A and O can be a problem to people with dry and sensitive skin. Benzophenones, cinnamates, dibenzoylmethanes, and others are also irritating and can cause an allergic reaction known as contact dermatitis. Although sunscreens known as physical blocking agents can be good for people known to get allergic reactions, they can be very heavy and don’t absorb well into the skin. Products that are titanium dioxide- or micronized zinc oxide-based seem to be the best for people with sensitive skin. A good thing to know is most mineral foundations have these ingredients. If you already use a mineral foundation, you may not have to add an extra step for sun protection. Check your foundation’s ingredients to see the ingredients and how much sun-protection is in them. Another great natural sunscreen is by Burt’s Bees. It’s heavier than some, but don’t need a lot. I find it absorbs quicker than most. I have also found a foundation primer that contains an SPF which I use from time to time. (Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF15 w/Dermaxyl Complex, $36)

Even if you had to purchase everything you would need to pamper your face this season all at once, you probably would still come out spending less than if you were to buy one high-end department store age-fighting moisturizer. Plus you’d still have enough ingredients to whip up about 10+ more batches (at least!). You can see how the savings would quickly add up.

If you aren’t sure if what I’m using would be good for your skin type, or if you’d like to add a couple of ingredients for other specific problems, take a look at these great websites. They give you a list of various ingredients and their benefits as well as some great recipe ideas. Cook yourself up an inexpensive homemade facial and take those savings to splurge on something fun (like a killer purse!)

Homemade Facials—Ingredients and Recipes: http://umibrahim.tripod.com/id26.html

Natural Ingredients for Inexpensive Skin Care: http://www.emzblendzsoap.com/ingredients/ingredients.htm

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