For those of
us with acne (myself included), it can be quite frustrating when no over
the counter acne fighting products seem to work. I've tried many of
them...natural, synthetic, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, sulfur,
retinol etc. and have yet to find a product that I can honestly say has
helped fully banish my blemishes. However, throughout my quest to clear my
skin, I have discovered a few tricks that I must say have been rather
effective:
1. Try a probiotic.
I have a pretty weak stomach and found myself getting mini stomach viruses about once per
month
over the past few years, which is pretty inconvenient and unpleasant.
In order to prevent these occurrences, I started taking a Country Life Dairy Free Acidophilus ($26 at Whole Foods) capsule every night. Believe me...I'm the type of person who is hesitant to take pills, but acidophilus
is a naturally occurring bacteria in the digestive system that helps
keep your body clear of bacteria formed from consuming food. The
capsule simply helps replenish the body's supply as you would if you were to
eat foods like yogurt that contain these live cultures (the pill just
has a stronger dose of it). It definitely has helped my stomach...no
mini viruses since I started taking it! But one surprising side effect
was that it helped reduce my the occurrence of zits as well. As we
commonly hear, acne forms as a result of bacteria. However, we often
fail to hear that this includes bacteria within the body in addition
to the bacteria on the skin's surface. Since acidophilus helps control
bad bacteria in the body, it can help control its manifestations such as
acne as well.
2. Don't be scared of oils.
If
you have oily or blemish-prone skin, you've pretty much been programmed
to look for "oil-free" products only because oil + oil = super oily and
super oily = the perfect environment for pimples to form. The truth is
that certain types of oils can be irritating or clog your pores, but
many of them are actually suitable for oily skin. Specifically, many
synthetic oils and mineral oils can lead to breakouts. Baby oil is a mineral oil and can aggravate acne. First of all, there are
often scents and fillers in baby oil that can make you break out.
Secondly, these lubricating oils are heavy, aggressive, and sit on the
top
of the skin (rather than penetrate it), which can clog your pores.
Steer clear of products that have mineral oil and petrolatum as an
ingredient (especially if it's listed first) because they are
inexpensive ingredients that artificially leave the skin feeling soft.
However, pure oils like argan oil or grape seed oil can actually help
with blemishes. Pure
oils are much lighter, more delicate, and get absorbed by the skin,
rather than clog pores. Plus, they nourish and repair the skin as well
as help fade acne scars. Josie Maran even makes a 100% Pure Argan Oil Light ($48 at Sephora)
with a semi-matte finish that is more ideal for those of us with oily
skin. Don't be afraid of these types of oils in your serums,
moisturizers, foundation, concealer, etc. and instead, look for claims
such as "free of synthetic oils" or "free of mineral oil."
For more information on pure oils: http://beautyforlife127.blogspot.com/2013/11/battle-of-oils.html
And
sometimes you have to fight oil with oil. Cleansing oils can actually
help reduce oiliness. How? Oils mix with other oils, so a cleansing
oil can cling to sebum (oil) on the skin and pull it out of pores as it is
rinsed away. Just like regular cleansers, they lather. Plus, they
leave your skin feeling soft without any oily residue. They do make
cleansing oils that target those with dry skin as well, so just ensure
that you're not using one of these types of products. I really like the
Amorepacific Treatment Cleansing Oil ($50 at Sephora). You can also try the Boscia Tsubaki Cleansing Oil-Gel ($28 at Sephora) if you prefer an oil-gel formula instead.
3. Be gentle and maintain a good moisture balance.
It's our natural instinct to try and treat acne aggressively...using a blotting
tissue
every hour to eliminate excess oil, washing our faces religiously, and
using "strong" products. However, practices like overwashing and
overblotting can actually make skin oilier. When your skin is stripped
of its oils, it produces more, and constant oil elimination trains your
skin to constantly produce oil. Limit face washing to twice per day:
morning and night, and limit oil blotting to 2-3 times per day. Even
though you have oily skin, you should be moisturizing following
cleansing for the same reason. Your skin needs a certain amount of
moisture to remain supple and elastic and if you're not feeding it
moisturizer to do so, your skin will produce oil to do the job. If you
feel that creams are too heavy for you, try a lighter moisturizing gel like
the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel ($26 at Sephora) instead. Harsh ingredients like sulfates
can also overstrip skin of necessary oils and cause irritation, so look
for labels like sulfate-free. Sulfates are most commonly found in
cleansers and are an inexpensive ingredients that act as surfactants and
foaming agents. Give gentler products such as those designed for
normal or sensitive skin a try. I must say that after switching from a
traditional benzoyl peroxide acne-fighting gel cleanser to a more
soothing and softening rice-bran based face cleanser, my skin was much
clearer and smoother. The calming properties of more gentle products
can reduce irritation and inflammation that causes acne.
For more information on skin, oil, and moisture: http://beautyforlife127.blogspot.com/2014/03/when-should-you-be-changing-up-your_17.html
4. Keep your skin environment clean.
As
we discussed earlier, bacteria certainly allows for the formation of
pimples, so it is important to keep your pores squeaky clean. In
addition to washing your face, make sure that you're washing the items
that touch your face. This includes your pillowcase. Grease and dirt
from your skin, clothes, and hair can get all over it and transfer to
your face while you're sleeping. Also, make sure to wipe your yoga mat
and telephone with a little bit of alcohol or witch hazel every now and
then. Lastly, I know it's a pain, but make sure that you're washing
your makeup brushes weekly. They touch your face every day and can
transfer bacteria as well as contaminate your makeup with bacteria if
they're not clean. Simply rinse them with warm water and soap and then
allow them to dry...the whole process only takes a few minutes...you
just need to bring yourself to actually do it. Similarly, always wash
your hands before applying makeup, especially if you're using your
fingers to apply it.
5. Reconsider what other products you're using.
Just
remember that your face comes in contact with more than what you
directly put on your face. Any body mists, hairsprays, shampoo, or
conditioners that you apply can get onto your face and clog your pores.
Cleansing products like shampoos may have irritating sulfates that
allow for breakouts, while thick conditioners contain fats that sit on
the skin and clog your pores. The solution is simple. Make sure to
wash your face after washing or conditioning your hair or simply sweep
away impurities with a cotton ball and toner after spraying body spray
or hairspray especially if you're planning on putting on makeup afterwards.
6. Add some charcoal to your skincare regiment.
One of my favorite new products to recently hit the market is the Boscia Konjac Cleansing Sponge with Bamboo Charcoal ($18 at Sephora).
Charcoal is becoming a hot ingredient in skincare because it acts as a
magnet that draws out impurities and detoxifies pores. The Boscia
sponge made a great addition to my routine. In addition to naturally
antibacterial bamboo charcoal, konjac root also works to fight
impurities and softens. Since the sponge is super soften, it is gentle
enough to use even around the eye area and provides the extremely mild
exfoliation that is appropriate for daily use. The Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to Clear Pores ($24 at Sephora) also contains charcoal and is a great weekly treat for your pores.
These
measures don't necessarily replace the need for using some type of acne
treatment whether it is prescription or over the counter. Instead, it
can work with these treatments in helping you reduce blemishes. For
example, I use a prescription retinoid acne treatment that helped
significantly reduce but not eliminate my blemishes, and taking a
probiotic helped to reduce them further. And of course remember to
practice other good skincare habits such as removing makeup before
sleeping, exfoliating regularly, etc. that help ward off acne.
For more information on treating acne with natural products: http://beautyforlife127.blogspot.com/2013/09/treating-acne-holistically-is-it.html
When
you have acne, the focus of your skincare regiment tends to be on
getting rid of it, and you often forget about taking measures to prevent
aging. However, it is important to be doing so since eventually acne
will become less of a concern and aging will begin to accelerate.
First, using an eye and lip cream daily should not interfere with any
acne products that you're using. I really like the Caudalie Polyphenol C15 Anti-Wrinkle Eye & Lip Cream ($49 at Sephora). These two areas are the most delicate and
susceptible to wrinkle formation and are not common areas for pimple
formation as a result. Additionally, antioxidants provide good
protection against stressors like pollution and the sun that can age
your skin, and it is very easy to find acne products that also contain
antioxidants. Try the bliss Steep Clean Mattifying Toner Pads ($38 at Sephora),
which help refine pores, regulate sebum production, and eliminate
bacteria from the skin's surface while providing antioxidant protection
against aging.
For those of you who have struggled with acne, hope this helps! What tricks to you use to keep your skin clear?
**All product recommendations are toxin-free.
What's the one makeup product women can't seem to live without? Surveys show that it is mascara. I tend to agree because a little mascara can make a huge difference. It only takes 2 minutes to apply and can really open and highlight your eyes more naturally than eyeliner or eyeshadow can.
But the market is so saturated with mascara products these days. How do you narrow down your options? First, I like to start by focusing on paraben and sulfate-free products (like the product recommendations below). In general, try to look for smudge-proof formulas. Save water-proof formulas for the beach because they often peel or clump easily. Many mascara formulas are similar, so it's really all about the brush. Different brushes serve different functions. Most women with normal lashes are looking to boost lash definition. Fine toothed comb brushes like the Juice Beauty Lash Defining Mascara ($19 at Ulta) can help sweep lashes upwards, while depositing clump-free color onto lashes that won't transfer to skin or stick lashes together. Volumized lashes can offer a slightly more dramatic look. I absolutely love the Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! ($19 at Sephora), and it is definitely a fan favorite. It is "clinically proven to increase the appearance of lash volume by 424%," and the natural formula is very gentle on lashes. Overall, I like the mascara's light, soft feel and natural look.
For those of you with sensitive eyes...try Almay's mascaras, which are hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist recommended for contact lens wearers. I especially like the Almay One Coat Triple Effect Mascara ($8 in drugstores). Almay is an affordable and effective brand with products for people with sensitive skin and eyes, and their mascara is no exception. They make specific lengthening, thickening, volumizing, etc. mascaras, but the One Coat Triple Effect is a very general mascara product. It builds, extends, and sculpts lashes in one simple sweep.
For those of you who prefer waterproof products...try the bareMinerals Flawless Definition Waterproof Mascara ($18 at Ulta). The formula is waterproof, but it is not as sticky or flaky as many other waterproof products, while the fine bristles help brush lashes upwards and allow you to easily reach all of your lashes. With beautiful shades like Ripe Plum and Espresso, you had definitely a color that goes with any look.
For those of you with sparse lashes...try a thickening formula like the Jane Iredale Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara ($33 on dermstore.com). The large brush adds a lot of color with each sweep (you only need 2 coats) while separating lashes. Like all Jane Iredale products, this mascara is good for your lashes too. A good tar-free mascara is hard to find, but this is one of them. Also, it contains seaweed to condition and fortify lashes.
For those of you with short lashes...try a lengthening formula like the Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara ($8 at Ulta). I didn't think that the fatter brush on this mascara was going to work well for lengthening, but it's actually really nice! Since my eyelashes are pretty short, this is usually my go-to mascara. The formula glides on really smoothly, and the brush makes for a neat and full application. This product comes in multiple shades, but my personal fave is the Black Shimmer. The "shimmer" is very subtle, but really adds a sparkle to the eyes.
And don't forget about your lower lashes to complete the look. Since they're smaller, they can be harder to reach. If coating the lower lashes is tough for you, invest in the Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara ($10 at Sephora). The short brush is designed for reaching all of those lower lashes, and the formula removes easily when exposed to warm water.
Make sure you curl your lashes BEFORE you put on your mascara. Curling them with mascara on can make your lashes brittle and cause them to stick to the curler. My personal favorite curlers are the Shiseido Eyelash Curler ($18 at Sephora) and the Laura Mercier Eyelash Curler ($16 at department stores), which has a cushy pad that prevents pinching and unique compact shape for travel. Also, heating your curler with a blow dryer helps your curler curl (just be careful not to burn yourself because the metal will get hot). You can even buy heated curlers like the Sephora Heated Eyelash Curler ($17 at Sephora). If you have lashes like mine that don't curl very easily, you can use a brush with a curved wand like the Buxom Sculpted Lash Mascara ($19 at Sephora) in addition to curling your lashes. As the name implies, the S-shaped wand will help sculpt and shape lashes more effectively than a straight brush. Many drugstore brands make a product with a curved wand, but I like the Buxom one because of the ultra fine brush bristles and the vitamin-rich formula.
Another way to improve your mascara wear is by applying a primer first. This will hold the mascara onto your lashes for a longer period of time and prevent smudging, flaking, and fading. Like your hair, your lashes can get brittle after being coated with mascara day after day. Primers can also protect your lashes from mascara. The Tarte MultiplEYE Clinically Proven Natural Lash Enhancing Primer ($22 at Sephora) is a natural option that nourishes and conditions lashes with HydroPlant peptide to help them naturally appear longer and fuller.
The nice thing about mascara is that there are many great options for wallet-friendly prices. So, picking up your favorite mascara from the nearest drugstore can be a guilt-free treat. After all, there's nothing more elegant than luscious lashes!
What is your favorite mascara?
When it comes to beauty, I don't believe in rigid guidelines because you should really do whatever works for you. However, one rule that every girl should always follow is removing your makeup at night. Why?
That being said...there are always those times when it's inevitable that you're going to sleep in our makeup - whether you're taking a red-eye flight or crashing at a friend's place after a late night outing. The challenge is finding products that will still look great on your face when you wake up and will cause minimal disruption to your skin's overnight repair process. On those occasions, try these healthy products to keep your skin feeling as healthy and looking as fresh as possible:
The Eyes
The eyes are definitely the trickiest part when it comes to sleeping in makeup. There's no way to avoid the fact that leaving it on when you sleep can definitely make you more prone to eye infections and styes. So the following product recommendations are more based on how well they stay on while you slumber. From
personal experience, I can say that sleeping in a smokey eye look can result in looking like a raccoon when you wake up. So opt for a simpler look with shimmers and mattes only...sparkles can end up all over your face by the end of the night. In general, if you know you're going to sleep in eye makeup, stick to smudge and crease-proof products, rather than products that blend well. This means that you should stay away from pencil or powder liners. A gel or liquid liner will stay on your eyes for longer and won't smudge. I'm all for
drugstore products, but I find that they peel more easily and don't last as long as liners like the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($20 at Sephora). It has a nice thin tip for a precise and smooth application and does not run or smudge. Or try the Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($23 at Sephora), if you're more of a gel person. It is also a very long-lasting formula and comes in some really pretty colors like Chocolate Shimmer and Hunter. Similarly, try a cream shadow like the shimmery Buxom Stay-There Eye Shadows ($18 at Sephora). They're light-weight, crease-resistant, easily to blend, and richly pigmented. And don't forget mascara!
Look for long-last mascaras that are smudge-proof rather than waterproof (since waterproof formulas are more likely to peel). The two big long-lasting, volumizing mascaras on shelves are the Maybelline XXL Pro 24HR Bold Mascara ($8 in drugstores) and the Cover Girl LashBlast 24 Hour Mascara ($9 in drugstores). There's even a new, hot mascara product that lasts 72 hours! Unfortunately, the Max Factor Lashfinity 3 Day Mascara has only been released in the UK. I can't wait for it to make it over here!
The Lips
As you sleep, your lips lose moisture, so you definitely need to wear a moisturizing product at night. Your best bet for long-last lip color is always a lip stain because they literally "stain" your lips. The problem with lip stains though is that they don't provide hydration. So products like the Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm ($17 at Sephora) and the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain ($9 in drugstores) have introduced a solution in the form of balm + stains, which are similar to chubby crayons. Balm + stains are the perfect product for beautifully pigmented, soft, kissable lips morning and night.
The Face
Like your lips, your skin will also lose moisture as you sleep, and many foundations even pull moisture from your skin in order to keep from caking. Instead of a foundation, stick to a BB or CC cream for better hydration and coverage that will last. In this case, a CC like the Ole Henriksen Total Truth CC Creme Broad Spectrum 30 ($36 at Sephora) that is suited more for dry skin types will do the job. Or if you're more of a BB person, try the Dr. Jart+ V7 Beauty Balm ($36 at Sephora), which is packed with vitamins to assist with the skin-renewal process when you sleep (so that your skin is supple and radiant when you wake up!). Both products contain hylauronic acid to help your skin lock in moisture. As for your blush, try a gel formula that will stay on without drying out your skin. I've always been a fan of the Josie Maran Coconut Watercolor Cheek Gelee ($22 at Sephora) because it is very natural looking, and the coverage is buildable. Plus, it water infused and formulated with coconut, a super hydrating natural ingredient. Alternatively, you can try a rollerball gel blush, which is also very natural looking. Tarte makes a nice Maracuja Blush and Go ($32 at Sephora) and for a sheerer color, use the Perfekt Cheek Perfection Gel ($28 at Sephora) with Smart Color Technology that adjusts to your skin tone. These rollerball blushes are great for sleeping because they're light-weight, moisturizing, and contain beneficial vitamins and antioxidants.
And don't forget to top it all off with powder! One of the most innovative beauty products to hit the market is the bareMinerals Pure Transformation Night Treatment ($60 at Sephora), the first makeup product that is specifically designed for sleeping. In fact, it is an overnight treatment that replenishes skin so that you wake up with a luminous glow. At the same, the powder is pigmented, providing coverage to mask imperfections, minimize pores, and even skin tone. Overall, it is pretty transfer-resistant and moisturizes without feeling oily. It's definitely one of the coolest products that I've tried!
To help your makeup last throughout the night and stick to your face rather than your pillow,
check out these tips. The morning following up your night in makeup, your complexion may look a little dull. After cleansing, try a mask that will help renew your skin and restore its natural glow. Simply smooth some JUARA Skincare Turmeric Antioxidant Radiance Mask ($35 at skinstore.com) all over your face and rinse it off with cool water after 15 minutes...your face will be instantly brightened!
