Dermaroller, that is ;)
I started doing this about a month or so ago and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. The benefits are 1. mechanical exfoliation, 2. the tiny needles cause a response in your skin to stimulate more natural (and free..saaweet) collagen, and 3. your skin care products penetrate deeper into your skin which makes them more effective!!!
The biggest difference ive seen is smoother, tighter skin...and past acne scars are much lighter and less noticable (the lighter part is due to me using a vitamin C serum immediately after dermarolling, it breaks the dark pigment up). It also....drum roll....heals areas that ive picked at MUCH faster than anything ive ever seen! My absolute favorite serum to use after is Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector (is 49.50 per bottle) 2-3 small pumps all over the face following dermarolling and you're on your way to beautiful skin girl!
Dermarolling is the same thing as microneedling your face except it is more the name of the aparatus used. It is a like a tiny rolling paint brush covered (~$28-and up) with very small/thin stainless steel needles. The length of the needles recommended for the face varies from 0.5mm-1.5mm, I chose to get the 1mm and have been really satisfied. The longer the needle lengths are needed for deep scarring, shorter lengths good to improve skin tone and product absorption. I bought mine from amazon.com after doing some research on the product after i heard Angelina Jolie and some other stars where doing it. I know, I know....clearly im no Angelina but who wouldnt mind being one step closer right? ;) Her skin is FLAWLESS (minus the whole billy bob tattoo thing-thank goodness for lasers!)
You are supposed to do it anywhere from 2-5 x's per week, I personally go to the extreme with almost everything I do and tried everyday and my skin became a little to sensitive so I had to back up 3-5 a week would great! I would suggest doing it at night..your skin will have a slight sun burned appearance for about 30 mins to 1 hour depending on your skins sensitivity and how many times you treat the area/pressure involved.
Potential problemos: lazy girls beware you have to clean it after every use (alcohol or the tablets that clean dentures-it disolves the bacteria) it takes a minute but you could really do some damage putting dirty needles I dont care how small they are back into your skin. Ps. ABSOLUTELY no sharing, these are needles people!!! That includes your bff...she can get her own. As always avoid the eye area :)
Favorite serums:
-Clinique Even Better (listed above)
-PRIORI Perfection Facial Gel (I use this during the day, it has AHA and salicylic, great for my acne prone skin)
-Clinique Total Turnaround (skin cell renewer, very similar to the one listed above and a little cheaper!)
-Estee Lauders Advanced night repair (I have also tried with the dermaroller but really like the Even Better...well, even better)
Soooo lovies, go get yo' roll on!!!
XOXO
Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday, March 4, 2011
Save or $$$plurge...
So my friend messaged me this week about this great protein treatment deal on groupon for $99...I said girl please mine is $2.50...which brings me to my point, a few things I have decided to either save or splurge on!
SAVE:Apoghee is the brand and it can be found at Sallys-a 2 part protein treatment...takes a little time and doesnt exactly smell like Miss Cherie, but definitely keeps my hair long, strong, and shiny! You can do it every 6 weeks...the brand also has a less intensive weekly conditioning treatment for around $5 that I also love. (and yes ive tried joico/keratin treatment and its not any better than this stuff-however joico does have a nicer scent)
SPLURGE: Latisse-There is nothing else like it currently on the market! It really does work at creating longer and thicker lashes--the tiny little bottle last for months (I dont put it on the little brush i dab a teeny drop right on the lash line to decrease waste, but dont actually touch the eye it could get contaminated..the nurse in me comes out every now and then) This item is usually a BIG splurge but can be found today two bottles for $75...which makes it much less of the usual $120 per bottle splurge!
SAVE:Apoghee is the brand and it can be found at Sallys-a 2 part protein treatment...takes a little time and doesnt exactly smell like Miss Cherie, but definitely keeps my hair long, strong, and shiny! You can do it every 6 weeks...the brand also has a less intensive weekly conditioning treatment for around $5 that I also love. (and yes ive tried joico/keratin treatment and its not any better than this stuff-however joico does have a nicer scent)
SPLURGE: Latisse-There is nothing else like it currently on the market! It really does work at creating longer and thicker lashes--the tiny little bottle last for months (I dont put it on the little brush i dab a teeny drop right on the lash line to decrease waste, but dont actually touch the eye it could get contaminated..the nurse in me comes out every now and then) This item is usually a BIG splurge but can be found today two bottles for $75...which makes it much less of the usual $120 per bottle splurge!
Can purchase by going here: http://sharingspree.com/Referral/4bb5000e
SAVE: exfoliating scrubs. I honestly dont understand why some of them sell for $20 or more...get one from the drug store and put your money towards a treatment product for your skin or foundation! Something that will actually make a difference like...spend your savings on crest white strips (something I DONT recommend going cheap on, the quality goes down with the price on this product but lucky for us there are always coupons that can be found online for it)
SPLURGE: A good haircut. I know i know, at first I was NOT okay with the $40 and up Nashville stylist charge BUT I have had my hair cut (which basically means just cutting the same style only 1/2 inch shorter each go around for about $25) and ive had my hair REALLY cut and it makes all the difference!
*Dont get your panties in a wad I know there are great stylist out there for less, im just saying from my experience...You get what you pay for so dont be surprised when those 'side bangs' you asked for look more like the bangs you had in 5th grade--get a stylist that is well trained its worth the extra monies** Laura Beth @ Trim Salon in Nashville (12th ave south area) is hands down the best! I have tried so many salons from Hendersonville to Nashville to the Boro and she gets it right every time!
SAVE: Mechanical eyeliner. Unlessss youre going for something like a 24 hour wear gel liner (Clinique has a fantastic one by the way for $15.50) I go straight to the drug store for my black water resistant mechanical liner. Its nothing fancy but stays on as well as the more expensive brands! And liquid liner....just dont. it sucks.
**Side note, anything I write is because I really believe it is good enough to pass along...I am not paid for anything or by anyone**
Next post will be about Microneedling for the skin--Where has this been all my life?? Love it! xoxo
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Foundation 101
Foundation...choose the right one your skin looks fabulous, chose the wrong one and your face will look as fake as the hair extensions you bought on sale at Sallys.
It always surprises me when I am working at my cosmetic counter and a woman asks me to match her foundation color and then throws out the inside of her wrist. You wouldn't try new shoes on any other part of your body other than your feet so why is foundation any different?
A few foundations I have tried recently:
~MAC Studio Sculpt: It's a step up from a tinted moisturizer, has more coverage and a natural/dewy finish...perfect if you dont like a full coverage foundation {pair it with your favorite loose powder}
~Makeup Forever HD: First thought....PRETTY! Reflects light and looks incredibly smooth! However, it just sort of sits on top of the skin, I actually must have rubbed the tip of my nose throughout the day and next thing I know I see a perfect streak where I touched. Good for a special occasion but $$$ about $40. {it wouldn't be my choice for an everyday foundation}
~Clinique Even Better: Smooth moderate-full coverage, natural finish and helps fade discolorations. good for combo skin-if youre really oily this foundation is NOT for you it doesn't dry matte. {Good everyday makeup and looks nice in pictures, $24.50}
~Lancome Teint Miracle-Really nice moderate coverage foundation (its buildable though, you could make it full) Has some of the light reflecting properties that Makeup Forever HD does but also melts into skin better. 2 thumbs up!!! Dont get too excited though its $37...go when they have a bonus gift and enjoy some free stuff!
~Lancome Teint Idole Ultra-Full coverage, dries a bit more matte-good for 'wanting to look made up' but not overdone. {Same price point as above}
~Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer- I don't care whatcha say im not impressed. Why pay $42 for something you cant see you have on? You could always add a powder for more coverage but why bother-just get a foundation!
~MAC Studio Fix Fluid- moderate to full coverage and does dry more matte so its nice in the summer or if you are oily. Looks pretty in pictures and comes in lots of shades to find your perfect color {mid twenties so not to hard on the wallet either}
I DO: suggest oil free formulas unless you are just crocodile dry.
Recommend a foundation brush!!! I have two just incase one is dirty-get one, you wont regret it.
Like mineral foundation powders! (I know theyre not mentioned I havent used mine since last summer and really love lancome's formula)
I DONT: like to buy foundation i cant try before-always ask the sales girl for a sample and try it, no matter how cheap she THINKS you are, unless you trust her ability-which may or may not be a good idea-take a sample home and see what you think.
DONT FORGET: Proper cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing will make any of the above foundations and your pretty little face look better with or without them.........................XOXO
It always surprises me when I am working at my cosmetic counter and a woman asks me to match her foundation color and then throws out the inside of her wrist. You wouldn't try new shoes on any other part of your body other than your feet so why is foundation any different?
A few foundations I have tried recently:
~MAC Studio Sculpt: It's a step up from a tinted moisturizer, has more coverage and a natural/dewy finish...perfect if you dont like a full coverage foundation {pair it with your favorite loose powder}
~Makeup Forever HD: First thought....PRETTY! Reflects light and looks incredibly smooth! However, it just sort of sits on top of the skin, I actually must have rubbed the tip of my nose throughout the day and next thing I know I see a perfect streak where I touched. Good for a special occasion but $$$ about $40. {it wouldn't be my choice for an everyday foundation}
~Clinique Even Better: Smooth moderate-full coverage, natural finish and helps fade discolorations. good for combo skin-if youre really oily this foundation is NOT for you it doesn't dry matte. {Good everyday makeup and looks nice in pictures, $24.50}
~Lancome Teint Miracle-Really nice moderate coverage foundation (its buildable though, you could make it full) Has some of the light reflecting properties that Makeup Forever HD does but also melts into skin better. 2 thumbs up!!! Dont get too excited though its $37...go when they have a bonus gift and enjoy some free stuff!
~Lancome Teint Idole Ultra-Full coverage, dries a bit more matte-good for 'wanting to look made up' but not overdone. {Same price point as above}
~Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer- I don't care whatcha say im not impressed. Why pay $42 for something you cant see you have on? You could always add a powder for more coverage but why bother-just get a foundation!
~MAC Studio Fix Fluid- moderate to full coverage and does dry more matte so its nice in the summer or if you are oily. Looks pretty in pictures and comes in lots of shades to find your perfect color {mid twenties so not to hard on the wallet either}
I DO: suggest oil free formulas unless you are just crocodile dry.
Recommend a foundation brush!!! I have two just incase one is dirty-get one, you wont regret it.
Like mineral foundation powders! (I know theyre not mentioned I havent used mine since last summer and really love lancome's formula)
I DONT: like to buy foundation i cant try before-always ask the sales girl for a sample and try it, no matter how cheap she THINKS you are, unless you trust her ability-which may or may not be a good idea-take a sample home and see what you think.
DONT FORGET: Proper cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing will make any of the above foundations and your pretty little face look better with or without them.........................XOXO
Thursday, February 10, 2011
From one makeup/beauty/product junkie to another...
With all of the $$$ ive spent on products i thought i'd share some of what i've learned with yall and see how it goes ;)
From the shelf to your bathroom sink here's the skinny on all of the products i love...or as Andy Cohen says-heres what im obsessed with this week:
1. Obagi Elastiderm eye gel. 'nuff said. this product drastically changes the elasticity of the skin around the eye area.
-the good: increased firmness noticed in days..its a gel formula so great for normal to oily skin types (drier skins dont worry it also comes in a cream)
-the bad: its pricey. Running about $100 a bottle--you can often find Obagi products online cheaper or when your spa/derm is running a special
-the ugly: works better as a NIGHT eye cream, can be used during the day but 'beads up' with friction from rubbing/patting on makeup or concealer under the eye.
2. At home facial saunas.
-the good: can be used whenever you want at home (before cleansing works nicely), can be purchased from sites like walmart.com for around $20
-the bad: you get what you pay for and the cheaper versions usually have less stable pieces that can move around when you dont want them to.
-the ugly: theres not one! opens up pores and leaves you fresh faced and ready for deep cleansing (dont do everyday and dont burn your face silly)
3. my new Glycolac @ home gel peel
-the good: wayyyy cheaper than chemical peels you pay for at your derm's office. I recently bought one from amazon.com for $18-its 30mLs and you only need about 3-5 to do your whole face (=cheappp.) It is a great way to exfoliate acne/discolorations or just dull skin.
-the bad: you can mess this up. you are responsible for the length of time you leave it on and how much you use.
-the ugly: your face if you dont follow directions girl. (you may peel for a couple of days and makeup doesnt look perfect so dont do before special occasions)
What do yall think? Makeup next?? Xoxo
From the shelf to your bathroom sink here's the skinny on all of the products i love...or as Andy Cohen says-heres what im obsessed with this week:
1. Obagi Elastiderm eye gel. 'nuff said. this product drastically changes the elasticity of the skin around the eye area.
-the good: increased firmness noticed in days..its a gel formula so great for normal to oily skin types (drier skins dont worry it also comes in a cream)
-the bad: its pricey. Running about $100 a bottle--you can often find Obagi products online cheaper or when your spa/derm is running a special
-the ugly: works better as a NIGHT eye cream, can be used during the day but 'beads up' with friction from rubbing/patting on makeup or concealer under the eye.
2. At home facial saunas.
-the good: can be used whenever you want at home (before cleansing works nicely), can be purchased from sites like walmart.com for around $20
-the bad: you get what you pay for and the cheaper versions usually have less stable pieces that can move around when you dont want them to.
-the ugly: theres not one! opens up pores and leaves you fresh faced and ready for deep cleansing (dont do everyday and dont burn your face silly)
3. my new Glycolac @ home gel peel
-the good: wayyyy cheaper than chemical peels you pay for at your derm's office. I recently bought one from amazon.com for $18-its 30mLs and you only need about 3-5 to do your whole face (=cheappp.) It is a great way to exfoliate acne/discolorations or just dull skin.
-the bad: you can mess this up. you are responsible for the length of time you leave it on and how much you use.
-the ugly: your face if you dont follow directions girl. (you may peel for a couple of days and makeup doesnt look perfect so dont do before special occasions)
What do yall think? Makeup next?? Xoxo
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