Moving Mountains: A Tale on Acne

Creams, potions, solvents, and prayer all add to your stress when it comes to your face.  I know in my experience, I have spent a lot of time and money trying to find the cure-all when it comes to keeping your skin clean and healthy.  It is important to first find out what kind of skin you have.   Oily? Dry? Combination? Sensitive? Which umbrella are you standing under?  For most of us, we have about 10-15 products aimed at different issues going on with our face in our bathroom.  Some products are shrinking pores and some are trying to prevent Father Time from drawing another line on our face.  Let's face it, it's a war we're somewhat losing and you know what?  I'm okay with it. 

I'm nearing the end of my twenty's and my face is starting to reflect that.  I am not saying this to incur the, "No, you're still a wee babe!" compliments.  I am saying it because it is a fact.  My skin is changing, as is everyone's as we get older.  I have oily skin that hates most products, and is super sensitive to anything that claims to be all natural or organic.  There are certain brands that make me break out into hives or a nasty rash.  I have to be very careful in what I put on my face.  There are also products that are aimed at oily skin that I swear cause me to have more break outs.  I'm not sure how or why that happens?  These same products will cause my face to dry out to the point that I have to use lotion so my skin won't crack or bleed.  Yes, that has also happened to me before.  I am not going to list the products because why should they get a free plug? 

I used to be a long-term Noxema fan.  That face wash really does a great job for my oily skin but I found another product I like a lot more.  Something I still am having a hard time understanding how or why it works better than other products I have tried in the past.  Baby body wash.  Yes, the basic stuff you use on your kid's skin (if you have kids).  I recently ran out of my old stand-by, Noxema, and found myself in a bind.  Another brand I was recently trying caused my skin to break out into a rash around my mouth.  It looked as if I was trying to moonlight as Joker in a cover band.  It was a terrible experience, my skin was really dry, and it made me feel horrible.  I did write the company a letter about their product, and I do my best to warn others of it.  They also will not get a free plug on here. 

There I am in the shower cursing silently at myself because I forgot to buy my stand-by to clense my face with.  I figured I would use my son's stuff in the mean time because hey, it doesn't have anything in it that would cause harm and it's inexpensive.  I was so impressed with the results that I never bought that new container of facial cleanser.  The baby wash doesn't dry my skin out and it cleans the dirt and excess oil while helping to control the oil balance in my face.  It also knocked that rash off my face in about 4 days total.  It would probably be less if I washed my face twice a day. 

Here you go for all skin types, no joke!  I use Target's brand of baby wash but for you label whores, you can buy Johnson & Johnson's brand. 

How often to wash:  Twice a day; It doesn't have to be strictly morning and night but give your face at least 8 hours of getting dirty time before you wash again.  That mid-day wash is totally unnecessary and actually works against you if it is your third time at the sink.
What to use:   Mild soap (baby wash), warm water and your spirit.  I'm not a fan of putting oatmeal or any other food product on my face, and I don't advocate it to others.  Skip the food facial and enjoy a yummy bowl of oatmeal (or order a pizza, you know, whatever makes you happy). 
Will it remove makeup:   Sadly, it won't remove your mascara or any left over eyeshadow.  You will still need a good makeup remover for that. 
Acne problems:   This process will help improve blemishes.  For anything that is persistent, you should talk to your doctor.  Some issues can be better helped with their professional input and suggestions. 
Ages:   Everyone.  Seriously, all ages.  I know women in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and above who do this simple regime and have fantastic skin. 
Will it make you look younger:   The only thing that will make anyone look younger is a time machine.  Sorry. 


Love yourself and your skin - stay beautiful! 

Let's Give Thanks!

With the holiday season quickly approaching, let's take a minute to divulge into the beautiful side of things.  While you are busy trimming the turkey, baking the 15th pie for an in-law you can't stand, or simply pouring a third glass of wine because hey, you deserve it - remember to take a minute for yourself!  Here is a simple list anyone can accomplish without feeling over done. 

• Wash your face:  I know this sounds dumb but in reality this will help to remove any excess oil from any cooking you have been doing, or any excess grime.  I love to cook and after spending a few hours over a hot stove or baking endless desserts, my face is gross.  All the steam and heat open your pores and invite red, blotchy skin.  It's a free facial but who wants a facial 10 minutes before your guests arrive?

• Invest in some waterproof makeup:  I don't use it all the time but it's worth having when you have to go 8-10 hours without washing it off and you are too busy hugging and kissing everyone.  Who wants to give Aunt Milly a free make-over with your favorite foundation or lipstick?   It's probably not her color.  

• Remember to keep it simple:  What does this really mean?  Don't wear makeup? Look haggard in all your holiday photos? Nope!  All this means is stick to a simple routine that you feel comfortable with that brings out your natural beauty versus trying to make a smokey eye for the first time.  This goes double for any hair style. 

• Remember to have fun:  Really, remember this.  I know there have been holidays past that I stressed myself out  to the point it was January 15th and I wanted a holiday do-over.  It's not worth it.  Be thankful for all you have around you still, the love you share, and the fact that you still have each other.  Without family who knows what our world would be like?  Remember that others may not have it as good as you do, or they may not have as much.  It really is the little things that matter most.  

Hug. Love. Be greatful.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!  

Eyeshadow - From Caked to Cupcake

Sitting at your vanity, calmly applying the face you want to wear with the perfect light highlighting your visage  - Does this really happen to anyone?  My usual makeup routine is sandwiched between the other million things I have to do before I'm out the door.  That goes for any time of day too, even if I'm going out for the evening.  I specifically want to mention eyeshadow.  I absolutely love eyeshadow and using various colors to create a new shade or new look to compliment my outfit.  I'm a true artist and use my face as yet another pallet.  Does this mean everyone should have animal print eyelids?  No.

First things first, remember your audience.  What does that mean?  Is it a wise idea to cake on the makeup, go heavy on the lids for an important meeting or meeting new clients? No, not at all.  For most, if not all, work settings, it is truly best to stay as natural as possible, when it comes to your eyes.  Save the bright blues and coppers for a night out on the town.  A simple soft shade,  liner and great mascara go a long way versus trying to "express yourself."   Even if your boss is more lax and encourages you to express yourself; still play it safe.  You never know who you will encounter and what new connections / networking can be made. 

What about that night out?  Again, know your audience.  Are you going on that first date?  Play with colors but stick to something low key that enhances your natural beauty.  I don't think he or she would appreciate dating a Monet painting - they should be getting to know you.  What if you've been married for what feels like forever?  Break out your colors and play around until you find a combination you love.  Spice things up, have fun - be someone different that night.  Just remember that too much really is too much and caked on isn't cute.  I call it the "Cupcake" alternative.  It is just enough without being too much. 

Also, don't break the bank in search of the best eyeshadow.  The prices vary from very inexpensive to very expensive, and now there are brands that claim to last longer than 5+ hours on your face without issue.  I don't recommend wearing the same makeup longer than 10 hours.  Your skin needs to breathe - but that is another topic altogether.  Do make sure you test products out to find out what works best on your skin.  I haven't found that expensive brands work better than inexpensive ones, so don't feel the need to splurge (unless you want to).  Don't be afraid to try new colors either!  Mix, match and be fabulous!  The same rules apply to the brushes.  I find my cheap brushes do their job well and clean very easily so I don't waste endless q-tips (I call them Q-Tip$) in the process. 

Take a risk, beauty, don't always be on your guard.  Life is too short to go along with the crowd. 

Stay beautiful!  xox

Beauty In The Minds Eye

Time moves us forward and we are faced with a brand new season - Fall!  This is truly my favorite time of year.  I know that everyone is scrambling to dust off their favorite pair (or pairs) of boots, and locate as much pumpkin as they can, to consume it in a variety of ways over the next three months.  Also, they are leaving the windows open at night to let the house (or apartment) breathe after spending the last four months locked up to preserve the cool air from the air conditioner.  What is missing from all this?  I am sure everyone has a list a mile long in anticipation for the end of the year; I know I do.  That involves doing a lot of things for other people but what about you?  Where is the time carved out for you?  I'm not talking about wedging an hour here and there for a manicure / pedicure, or drinking lunch with girlfriends - I am talking about the quiet space in life, where you can find yourself and free your mind of thinking.

Beauty is more than applying products on your face, hair, nail, et cetera.  It all starts in the mind.  When the mind is cluttered with ideas, insecurities, deadlines, worries, and doubts, it is hard to remember who you are and where you are.  I know I forget sometimes and get lost among the labels in my life.  It happens to the best of us but there is a way out.  There is a way to push everything aside and say, "No, thank-you."  My personal favorite thing is to go on nature walks.  I specifically enjoy doing this alone to be at one with nature and God.  I know that sounds almost selfish but I don't care.  I work very hard in my life for the things I want and currently have and when I need "me time," I take it.  I suggest you all get out there and do just that.  Being in nature, for me, helps to clear my head and remember that I am just a small speck on a grand scale of beauty.  From the tall trees beside me, to the mud mixing with moss on the ground - that is true beauty.  It helps me maintain my perspective and inspires me to share it with others so we don't lose sight of what is around us and what we should preserve.

I want it to be a constant reminder that you do not have to seek out countless magazines or contemplate over which celebrity is best to emulate because there is a beauty standing before you - it's You.  Go out in nature every so often to remember that fresh air, quiet and peace of mind is one of the best things you can do for yourself - and your mind, body and soul.

Stay beautiful xox

Blond Ambition

I haven't walked into a drug store or supermarket-like store without walking past the wall of at home hair dye.  I call it a wall of dye because there are multiple choices in who you could turn yourself into in under an hour, at home, in your bathroom.  I, like so many women, started at a young age diving head first into the messy, smelly creams where your only protection was a pair of thin plastic gloves and a prayer that you can get the stain off your bathroom sink (or wall, tub, potty, floor, et. cetera).  I am also sure we all have our own horror stories as well.  I know I have ruined a number of towels in the process of getting the right color.  It's all part of the process.  I now take measured steps in making sure to cover parts of my bathroom with old towels because this stuff has magical powers and somehow manages to get everywhere - even in the smallest of corners.

If you don't feel comfortable or don't want to spend the time then by all means, visit your local salon.  There is nothing wrong with being pampered by a professional who will mix and mingle your hair into its proper hue (or natural hue).   I, however, have not met a colorist that I have fallen in love with yet.  I'm sure he or she is out there somewhere, armed with a bowl and brush ready for me.  I take care of all my own dying needs.  I go between semi-permanent dye and a rinse.  A rinse is just color that you can use after a good shampoo.  Simply apply on your hair, leave in for ten minutes then rinse out, condition and style as you wish.   Very little commitment with fantastic results.  I recommend using a rise before tackling  the semi-permanent dye as well.  That way it washes out faster if you end up hating the color.  It also does not strip the natural color from your hair as harshly as well.  The only downside is that a rise will not lighten your hair unless you have taken the proper steps first.  I do not recommend anyone lightening their hair unless you thoroughly research the products and know your hair type.  There are numerous products that will have you go from dark hair to light hair in about two hours at home but if you do it wrong, your hair may fall out.  Scary stuff, I know, but it's very possible so please, READ instructions carefully!  Your scalp is a tender god/goddess that deserves love too!

I have been a blond in my life.  Yes, a blond.  I enjoyed it for a few months then went back to dark hair.  I didn't look like myself or feel like myself so I chose not to kept it.  It was also very hard to maintain the color.  I had to deep condition my hair more often.  We're talking almost twice a week versus once every seven to ten days.  Also, my ends were split more often as well.  I was not a happy camper.  The worst part of all, when I went for my usual hair trim, the woman suggested I cut more inches off due to the damage done by the process of going lighter.  That was enough to convince me it was time to change.  Over a year, I went for regular cuttings and once I was able, I cut most of my hair off into a bob to finally release myself from my blond nightmare.  I am not speaking for every "blond" out there, but for me, it was a no sale. 

I have used various products and had an allergy to some.  I won't recommend a certain product because I don't use the same product each time and I have tried to not use semi-permanent dye on my hair.  Au natural, is the way to go.  I am currently growing out a recent dye job.  I went more auburn this time and use a rinse every few weeks so my roots' rebellion doesn't ruin the party. 

Be you. Be beautiful.

xoxo