LiLash ARRIVED!! :)

Sorry all! It took about 1 month for the stuff to get here... I ordered from Powderrooms.com... They actually have a few Dianne Brill stuff and other cute things on their website so check it out...even the baby clothes are very cute!!! :)

Anyway, I guess because I placed the order so close to the holidays and it being a smaller company...also I travelled back to Hungary for 12 days.. (and of course it arrived the same day, like 30 minutes after leaving for the airport)...so it was just a whole "production" to get it.

BUT I have it! Finally!! :)

I also got a little makeup bag with it...no big deal..it's so small it literally can fit maybe 2 pencils and/or lipstick/ lipgloss.

First thing I did, and suggest it to everyone buying "skin care" products ( YES, I classify LiLash as "skin care" as well...you apply it to your lash line, not the lashes, so it is penetrating the SKIN and from there it works it's magic on the follicles of the lashes...) to READ THROUGH the information booklet that comes with the product, then save the ingredient list and the address of where the product is made. It may sound psycho, but I like to know the ingredients of what I am putting on my body, I also like to research them! This is also important because if you ever find you have ANY discomfort or irritation you may be able to find out which ingredient is causing it... The address info is important, because if you have any SEVERE side effects you will want to know EXACTLY who to contact! Be aware of these things, there are many products out on the market these days using XYZ chemicals...make sure you are protected and know who to contact in case ( God forbid ) something goes wrong!

So after stashing that info in a safe place, I checked out the product, which looks exactly like a liquid eye liner, except it contains a serum.

It is a true serum, in the sense that it absorbs like a very fine textured water based serum, NOT at all gel like or sticky. I was very curious about the texture, because I watched a bunch of videos on YouTube of LiLash users, and they almost all said they used it in the morning...I didn't understand that, because the were able to apply their eye makeup after it and the two wouldn't effect each other in any way. Now that I see and feel the texture, it totally makes sense. It absorbs beautifully and doesn't leave any type of residue.

I have been using it for 3 days now ( just applied it last about an hour ago ). I have not noticed any side effects, no reddening of the eyes, no irritating sensation, no redness of the skin...nothing. (Which is great because I have quite sensitive skin and eyes... for example I can not to eyelash tinting either, I am allergic to it...my eyes water from aloe vera gel, tea tree oil ...etc.) There is (possibly, if it's not just my mind playing tricks on me) have noticed one strange thing. I feel like my lashes are heavy (-er)...especially if I put mascara on...kind of like when you put on false lashes... it isn't painful or irritating...I just feel my lashes... kind of strange but..whatever..no big deal!

When applying I variate the starting point..meaning the first day I started from inner corner to outer, second day outer to inner, today (day 3 ) inner to outer..tomorrow outer to inner...and so on and so forth...

In one video, one of the women said she heard you get more even results this way.

I am NOT going to apply it 2 times a day, just once every morning, as I don't even want to risk getting any irritation... (many users who did this said their eyes where irritated a bit)

Also NOT going to apply it to the lower lash line. I don't want to do anything different to the instructions or get too much product on the eye area...it's probably a waste and more possible to have it go in your eye.

Results are supposedly noticeable differently for everyone...some people say they see results within the first month others need up to even two...

To keep things realistic, I am NOT going to write my own observations ( I mean I will try not to ), but I will post weekly photo updates so you can see for yourself...

Here are a few photos so far...

LiLash

Ingredients and other important info off the box

Complementary Makeup Bag ( I have also my Lierac Anti Wrinkle eye cream in there too..)

Lashes with mascara day 1 (BEFORE USING LiLash!) By the way, I have TARTE "Gifted" mascara on and I LOVE IT! :) (Check previous post for lashes with NO mascara)

Okay, so that's about it for now...if I have any other observations, or any side effects I'll write a post about it...Otherwise expect a 1 week update on wednesday... :)

Have a great New Years everyone!

EYELASH GROWTH AND STRENGTHENING?!

Okay...I haven't posted anything for a while, I have been a bit busy especially with the holiday season creeping up... BUT I decided to do a post and review all about eyelashes! :)

I have always had pretty short lashes and if I don't have mascara they just don't show...and always loved the thought of full, thick lashes without the hassle of applying falsies everyday...seriously, who has time for that???

In aesthetics school I was super excited to try and learn how to do eyelash tinting...until I turned out to have an allergic reaction to it... how sad!?

Next I researched eyelash extensions and had them done twice, by two different people. The girl I first went to did a horrible job, and after about 3 weeks all the lashes were gone...also she applied them in a terrible fashion, they were just way too long compared to my lower lashes and she stuck a few together as well...whatever..main thing is, they were crap!

About a haf year later, through work, I was told of another girl who applied them amazingly and truly did stay on for a good 6-8 weeks for the same price. I was just about to go on holiday and thought I'd give it a go... THEY WERE AMAZING! They did stay on for about 2 months!! (If you live in BUDAPEST and need her contact name and number let me know!!!)

Bottom line: ONLY pay for this service if the person applying the lashes is truly professional!!!

Another inconvenience with the lash extensions are that you can't wear too much eye makeup, as you only can remove it with water based makeup remover (creamy and oily substances make the adhesive deteriorate) and you need to be super gentle. However, if you know you have the skill and patience for it, and are ok with not applying too much eye makeup give it a go! KIM KARDASHIAN LASHES!!! (LOVE)

NOW:

I am not living anymore in Budapest and do not want to waste money on trying to find someone who will apply the lash extensions the way I WANT THEM and EXPECT THEM to be, I decided to go another route....

I read a lot about LiLash over the past couple of years, read the blogs, looked at the before and after photos, watched the youtube reviews and became very intrigued and impressed so I decided to go for it and ordered the product!! I am VERY excited for it to arrive (hope it will get here soon!!) and to try it out! In the reviews, there is a mix of people who had seen rapid change in 3 weeks and some who needed a good 4-5 weeks...some people have spoken about redness or sensitivity of the eye(lid), but all have stated that it was not at all painful or irritating, which I think ( and hope ) is honest, and makes me think they wouldn't state it if there was anything to hide. All in all everyone highly recommends it so I am going to try it! :)

Here are my lashes NOW:

Yes...that is tattooed liner...DO NOT EVER HAVE IT DONE!! I should't have had it done but...whatever... anyhoo THERE they are, quite normal not too long and a little blotchy , totally uneven distribution of long/medium/short lashes... Let's call this "Day 0".

When the product arrives I'll post a photo of it and write how the first application was..then I'll do a weekly lash photo, on how they've changed!! Ooooh..so exciting!! :)

Any questions??? Have any of you tried any of the lash "growing" methods??

Let me know what else you'd like me to write about!

Creating flawless skin with makeup ( Tools, Primers, Tinted Moisturizers, Foundations, Correctors/Concealers, Powders)

There are many MANY different ways, products, tools, methods etc of applying foundations, not to mention, all of us have different preferences of how much coverage we want/like.

There are no wrong views and there are no rules of how much you must use. However, there can be errors with application, choosing the right (colors) and textures.

I am going to be writing what I use and what I think works best for EVERY DAY NATURAL coverage that will ensure the most flawless skin without looking plastic and fake.

Firstly, TOOLS:

These are all the brushes I use for foundations and concealers. For more fluid like substances I prefer the brushes on the right photo and the two larger brushes on the left photo.

For creamy and more cake-y substances (usually these are full coverage foundations, concealers and correctors) I like to use the brushes on the left photo.

When I am applying to larger areas I use the bigger brushes and for smaller areas and blending along the hair line I use the ones on the left.

The more dense the brush is, the thicker the application will be.

SPONGES AND THE BEAUTY BLENDER:

Sponges eat the product, even the beauty blender! Average sponges give thicker coverage and the Beauty Blender lets you build coverage from light to thick. I will not go in to detail about them, because I don't use them often.

CLEANING YOUR BRUSHES:

There are a few ways to clean your brushes.

If you have the time for your brushes to dry you can hand wash them in luke warm water with a facial wash even ( If it's safe for your face, it will be safe for the brush ), make sure it foams a bit.

From time to time, cleans them with disinfectant. Usually you will not need to wait for them to dry, but the chemicals can be harsh on the bristles, so vary the two methods... Give them a good wash every 10-14 days. ( If you are working on many people, wash them as often as possible! )

PRIMERS AND TINTED MOISTURIZERS:

Primers are NOT A MUST. I myself don't use them too often. When my skin is acting up (red), or it's color/ smoothness is uneven.

Primers lock in your moisturizer and help keep your foundation in place besides evening out the skin's physical texture.

Tinted moisturizers I generally do NOT like! They tend to be wrong in color and texture...to orange-y and "strange" in texture, thick, oily and cake-y. There are though a few that I like to USE AS PRIMERS!!

Smashbox Photo Finish Illuminising Primer:

It's texture is mousse-like and dries to a smooth feel. Many primers come off being waxy or heavy (Sephora brand, Too Faced, Urban Decay...etc.).

It's light reflecting particles optically even out skin discoloration. I love this most when the skin is a bit sun tanned as it leaves a very pretty sheen. It is a bit dark for my skin color so I use it mainly on my cheekbones and cheeks and down the sides of the nose. Blend it with your fingers to make sure you warm up the product and are fully able to spread it on to the skin.

It's a great product and it does keep your foundation set all day and will help lock in moisture. You can buy it on line or at Sephora in a small size ( like the image above ) found usually at the check out line!

I would recommend any of the Smashbox primers as they have many different types, they do what they are supposed to do and the product is very spreadable so it will last!

PIXI ILLUMINATING TINT & CONCEAL:

Great product! It is in fact a moisturizer, but I use it as a primer. The texture is similar to a very light but creamy lotion. It has a sheer pearly shine and a bit of a tint. It gives the same effect as the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, but if you are in need of more moisture this is probably a better solution...you can always add a primer after if you want, though I think it's unnecessary.

Two other great things about this product is the fact that it comes in a good range of colors, so you'll be able to find one that will blend in to your natural coloring, and the other great attribute to it is the concealer in the cap. The texture of it is quite dense and dry, so I personally don't use too much of it, but it's great for touch ups, just toss it in your bag and you're all set!

The product is very spreadable and the price is friendly as well, so it's great value for your money.

LAURA MERCIER TINTED MOISTURIZER (OIL FREE) :

Literally the ONLY tinted moisturizer I would recommend buying. It's texture is very light as it is water based, the coverage can be built from light to medium thickness and it comes in a great range of shades. None of them have any of the nasty orangey coloring to them. They are wonderful! Order on line or you can purchase it in Sephora or department stores.

They are a bit pricey but they are worth it!

FOUNDATIONS:

Over the many years I have used and tried a good range of brands and textures. Of course as the skin changes and ages, it will need different types of textures to fulfill the needs for ideal coverage. For the last few years now, I have finally found the right textures and methods for application. The key is to build up coverage needed using thin and light textures RATHER THAN immediately using full/thick coverage products.

This way you will be able to evaluate and create natural coverage without risking putting on too much and looking fake. If you need to cover blemishes or just feel some areas need more product , use a thicker foundation or corrector on THAT area and blend the edges. WATER BASED foundations are THE BEST foundations available!! It's harder to find them but they are great for all skin types, not to mention they look and feel the best!

DIANNE BRILL FRESHWATER PEARL FOUNDATION:

This is by far one of the best foundations I have ever come across. I wish I still had some to take a photo of what the substance looks like, as it is quite remarkable. It's like a smart foundation. When you squeeze it out of the tube it looks like there are about 3 different shades in it..a lighter shade, a bit of highlighting shine and a more natural shade. You take a fluffy foundation brush and dab is in to the foundation and then apply it to the face with small circular movements. This helps blend together the different shades in the foundation and truly gives the most natural finish! ( The skin is built up of several tones of pigmentation, so this product works amazingly giving a real effect. )

It has a bit of a vanilla aroma to it, which some people find irritating, but it did not at all bother me, nor any of my clients I used it on.

The brush it comes with is totally useless though... but you get over it. It is a water based foundation so you will have to work it on to the skin and can't take too much time applying as it "dries" faster.

I am very sad though that it is not an easy product to track down..I went through like 3 of these for myself and had one more in each color to use for clients. I hope I can find them again at some point! ( Last place I found it was at The Plaza Hotel in NY, in the shopping area... check it out if you can! )

MAKEUP FOREVER FACE AND BODY:

This is my second favourite foundation available on the market. The reason why it comes in second place is because it is one flat tone and I know how amazing the Dianne Brill one is with the multiple tones. Otherwise it is amazing, all the attributes that are found in the Dianne Brill one are found in this one too. The bottle is a bit bigger and the texture is a little more gel-like. You have to shake it before you pump it on to the back of your hand. IT's very spreadable, I only need about 2 pumps for my entire face and neck area. It has no scent. The coverage is buildable... it's a great product, I am on my second bottle and will probably have to order a new one via the french Sephora, or maybe try a new brand... (CHANEL has just come out not long ago with a similar product, but I don't usually like buying these types of brands...we shall see...)

They come in many many shades which is also a major plus!

Use it the same way as the Dianne Brill one, or use a large flat/dense foundation brush to stroke strips of product on the face then switch to the fluffy foundation brush and blend in circular movements.

BOURJOIS 10h SLEEP and HEALTHY MIX SERUM:

Both of these foundations are amazing for their price! I am currently loving the serum as it is water based and still gives great coverage ( and is not a high-end expensive brand ). The 10 h Sleep one is amazing as well , I can't remember if it is water based or not, but none the less the coverage is light weight and buildable. I did though find 2 attributes to it, that would put it in 4th place on my list. Firstly there is some chemical in it that can be a bit irritating on the skin...it doesn't cause pain, but it can be uncomfortable. Secondly it is a bit yellow.

These products work best as "add on-s". Meaning, use these products to give a bit more coverage if you need it as they give bit more coverage, but since they are light weight you will still be left with a natural finish and a light weight feel.

I use the Healthy Mix Serum on my cheeks middle of forehead and chin area after applying the Makeup Forever Face and Body. Use one pump amount and apply with a fluffy foundation brush in circular motions. Blend outward from the "center" of the face.

SHISEIDO DUAL BALANCING FOUNDATION:

Not water based, but lighter in texture and doesn't feel overly oily or creamy. I didn't want to put a photo of it because it isn't overly amazing, though it is worth mentioning. It contains illuminising particles as well to give off the more natural look, but the downside that I dislike about this product is that, the same way as the MAC fluid foundations seem to change color (turn pinky or orangey), so does this one! Also it doesn't come with a pump and you have to pour it out every time, also when you start running out it is impossible to get the product out! Grrr!! Overall not bad, but I wouldn't buy it again.

BEST THICK COVERAGE FOUNDATIONS:

Double up any of these as concealers or use them on "bad skin days".

DIANNE BRILL SMOOTHING COVERAGE FOUNDATION WITH BLACK SEA PEARLS:

I can not find the right size image so, sorry but no photo. It comes in a glass pot with a screw lid. I bought 3 of these to use for TV work. They are amazing. I don't know how or why but it gives the most beautiful full coverage ever! It is quite thick so it takes a bit of technique to work it on to the face. It also contains illuminising particles to give the skin a beautiful finish. It dries quite matt but not dry-powdery...there is no need to use any other corrective makeup with this product. When I find where to purchase it, I would buy it again. Only downside is there aren't too many colors available and the darker ones are a little yellow. (i.e.: number 4)

MAC FULL COVERAGE FOUNDATION:

Not too much to say about this product. It's full on, full coverage, in a thick cream texture. I am contemplating buying a few shades, but don't know how much use I will get out of them. On photo shoots I like using more light coverage stuff... this is ideal for TV or for those times when thicker coverage is needed. Highlighting and contouring with these products are great!! When I worked with this, I used a sponge because it was for television, but I am sure a brush will work out just fine. You definitely need to use a powder to set this, as it doesn't have a matt finish, but has a oil shine to it. I love that MAC does have a huge range of colors and shades, but you have to make sure you get the right one!! Especially as this is THICK coverage so in natural light , if it is even a bit off than your natural shade, it will be very unattractive!

KRYOLAN ULTRA FOUNDATION:

Love these foundations for a few reasons, firstly because the color range is very impressive, secondly because you can buy a 12 piece empty tin case and put together your own palette with their refills and last but not least the price is very low! The quality is similar to MAC Full Coverage but it is less oily and thick. I can most compare it to a lighter creamy-er concealer. Great for TV or for adding a bit more coverage where needed.

I always have my 12 piece tin with me on jobs. You can buy them online but they usually have them available in all professional makeup stores! ( London , check website for store locator : www.screenface.co.uk, New York at Alcone Store .. I don't know if I spelled that right, Budapest: Kryolan City Store on O utca! )

Concealers/Correctors:

In general I don't like to use these types of products. They are usually very dry and way too light in color ( i.e.: YSL Touche Eclat or any other stick type or potted products). I usually just use a thicker foundation to do the concealer's job.

Apply them with your fingers or with a concealer brush, just make sure you use a tapping motion.

With that said there are a few products I do like and they are the following...

MAC PRO-LONGWEAR CONCEALER:

Filling in the number 1 slot, is this creamy, spreadable product. It is great because of the following; you only need about half a pump size to conceal under eye shade and to cover blemishes ( usually), next positive is that it is super spreadable and blends seamlessly!

Two downsides are the following;

The pump lets too much product come out, so you will feel like you are wasting product ( get a small container and put the excess in to that and use it as an everyday touch up case! Just throw it in your bag , then you don't need to take the real thing with you.)

Obviously, the price...it may sound strange but I hate spending too much on concealers. I don't know why, it's just a "thing" I hate.

None the less I am on my second bottle and use it on clients for TV and photo shoots and will be sure to purchase it again when I run out! I highly recommend it, it is great!

Make sure, again, to choose the RIGHT shade!! For under eye areas go for warmer shades NOT pink or very light/white...it will just make everything look grey and dull!!

TOO FACED ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS CONCEALER:

This is the cheap version of MAC pro-longwear, but it is a great product as well!! The only downside to it is that the color range isn't as large as MAC (of course) and the textures, though similar, this one is a tiny bit thicker. If you are on a budget this is a great option! Very creamy, spreadable and gives great coverage. Very good value over all. Check if the shades work for you!

Kryolan Derma Color:

No image , as it is the SAME LOOK AND STORY as with Ultra Foundation. The texture is much dryer!! I suggest getting a few shades and only use them when you have severe skin discoloration. Not suitable for everyday use, but is good to have as a back up and is great value for your money... the price I believe is the sam as Ultra Foundation.

POWDERS:

I only use them for work (usually), because my skin is quite dry so I don't mind if I have a little shine and moisture.

If I DO use a powder, the only one I use is the following:

KRYOLAN TV POWDER in TRANSLUCENT:

I recently ( year and a half ago ) bought this large "box" and then used an empty case and filled it with the powder. It will last forever, and is great for every skin type or color! Not too much more to say about it!

I prefer loose powders with no color, over any pressed, colored powders.

Ok , so that is it for an intro in to my top foundations concealers, primers, powders and what not...

I hope you enjoy, and try them out! I promise you will not be let down... I haven't decided on what the next post will be about yet...any ideas?

Best products fighting irritation/blemishes/acne...etc

Before even going in to the products I have to state the following:

We have to remember irritation is caused by MANY external and/or internal "interferences", so if you wake up, look in the mirror and panic because you notice a "blemish" don't necessarily assume you have bad/over oily or greasy/dirty/whatever skin!

DO NOT TRY to pick or squeeze...easier said than done? I know...it's difficult to just leave it alone, but the fact is you will probably cause MORE harm and irritation, and will take even longer to heal...so just try your hardest to accept and think tomorrow is a new day and it WILL get better!

With that said, I have to move on to another topic which is a bit of a controversy. Aesthetic extractions... a.k.a. going to the beautician and them "cleaning" out your pores.

I myself have only had this done about 3 -4 times in my life and I am a licensed aesthetician, who learned this in school to be a "basic" treatment.

I DO NOT AGREE! I feel it's ONLY ok to have this done when the pore is NOT IRRITATED and the sebum is firm and dark or soft and white...( I know it sounds awful and it is disgusting, but I just have to write it! ) If you are a believer in this "procedure" I suggest telling your therapist to only extract from NON-IRRITATED areas/pores that are "ready" for extraction and have them do CALMING therapy on irritation. By doing this you know you will not have MORE irritation than what you arrived with. NEVER ATTEMPT TO DIY!!

If you have irritations (either a few or full blown acne) and you decide to pick/extract, you will risk having the puss infect other areas of the skin and further irritate the area itself.

Now let's move on to the products to EXTERNALLY treat irritation!

PRO ACTIVE:

I know it's hard to take this brand seriously because of all the "celebrity" in your face advertising they do, but I HAVE USED THIS AND IT DOES WORK, also I know a good few other people who have as well, and agree it's a great product. It comes with a daily exfoliating face wash , toner and daily moisturizer... as a bonus they send you the mask as well. Concerning scent and packaging don't expect anything amazing...it's medicated stuff, so it's not too pleasant but if you are like I was, and had such bad skin and didn't care about "luxury", but just to get rid of the problem...GO FOR IT! If you have any where from dry seborrhea with chronic break outs to full blown acne it will make a difference within the first week or two! ( I saw results within the first week of use, I had the chronic break outs. )

What they do not tell you is, when your skin becomes "normalized" or has a significant change towards healthy looking skin STOP using this product EITHER every day to a few times of the week or fully stop and store it away to use ONLY when needed!

What happened to me is, I over used this product and my skin became so dry that that started making me break out again! It took a very long time to get my skin to recover from over drying it, so just be careful! If your skin becomes over dry it will be very intolerant and easily irritable, so it will be a horrific adventure to try and find products that your skin will tolerate and or absorb and NOT break out from it!

The products come with directions how to use them, but they are general so try and figure out the best way to use them to benefit your skin needs. The best products are the face wash and mask...the toner is good too but it can be a bit strong and the daily moisturizer smells terrible and feels a bit yucky... but hey, no pain, no gain! Right?!

CLEAN AND CLEAR QUICK CLEAR SPOT TREATMENT GEL:

Many companies are coming out with similar products today. They promise to minimize blemishes in rapid time. the key ingredient in all of these is usually SALICYLIC ACID. This ingredient can either help you or make your life miserable and it all depends on the concentration level in the product AND how many times and the way you apply it to the affected area. Salicylic acid promotes the skin cells to dry/peel away faster, thus encourages new skin cells to be born. This is why it helps blemishes dry/clear up faster. So what's the problem with that you may ask?!

The problem is this chemical strengthens it effect each time it comes in contact with the previously treated area... this means you are "burning" away the skin each time you use it. I am sure if you have ever used these products you have noticed either all or some of the following:

• dark/purple/discolored in the treated area
• burning like sensation
• severe dryness and peeling after a few uses

NOW, I am sure it all makes sense to you why these "symptoms" occur!

I find THIS clean and clear one is the most gentle out of all these types of products. My tip is to use a small amount ONLY on the blemish right when you notice it (if possible) then DO NOT use it for a full 24h. Repeat if necessary. By doing this you are giving your skin recovery time..remember SKIN=LIVING BREATHING ORGAN!

PLEASE READ MORE about this chemical here so you know what the safe amounts are and make sure you check ingredient lists on product to make sure they are safe!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salicylic_acid

LA ROCHE POSAY EFFACLAR A.I.:

This is a great ALTERNATIVE product if the SALICYLIC ACID products are to strong for you.

It does contain a bit of salicylic acid but significantly less than the others, as this brand it self is developed for easily irritable/ sensitive skin. The other ingredient which is key in this is KAOLIN. It's a powder like substance which absorbs oil which helps "dry" blemishes without being to harmful to the tissue and cells. Niacinamide helps to prevent more irritation and piractone/glycacil is anti-bacterial.

I would use it the same way as the previously mentioned product, though since it is white and quite dense, it's best for overnight treatment. For prices check online. This is probably more expensive but it is twice as much product compared to Clean and Clear.

TEA TREE OIL:

The brand doesn't matter just make sure you get it in oil form preferably pure and from a a pharmacy. DO NOT USE IF YOU ARE PREGNANT OR SOMEONE AROUND YOU IS! It's VERY strong and can be dangerous...read more here : http://www.livestrong.com/article/355888-risks-of-using-tea-tree-oil-during-pregnancy/ .

Tea tree oil is a very potent and strong and has antiseptic, antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects.

It is a basic product every household should have as it has many uses. Used on blemishes it helps clean the area and encourages healthy healing.

What you want to remember though are the following:

• EXTERNAL USE ONLY!
• Apply on DRY, non wet areas or else it causes strong burning sensation (SENSATION!)
• Use carefully near to the eyes as it's aroma can cause irritation

To use, put few drops on an earbud or cotton pad and dab on to the area in question.

For further information : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_tree_oil

ALOE VERA AND ALOE VERA GELS:

It's best if you can just buy the leaf, cut it and use it in it's pure form, but not all of us are able to obtain the leaves. I am using this exact product right now and I can tell you it's effects are amazing!

Aloe vera soothes and calms irritation amazingly, without taking a toll on your skin and doesn't have a drying effect. The only issue I have with this and other aloe vera products is they tend to be a bit potent...I sometimes (once every 10 days maybe) will do a "mask" with this gel and my eyes water VERY badly until the gel dries away. Again though, no pain, no gain! It's worth it though...just take a 10-15 minute nap with it on your face. Wash off and you'll be left with smoother, calmer skin.

I use it on smaller blemishes too which totally helps them to calm down and decrease in size.

Just put a little drop on the area and let it settle/dry away. It's also great for sunburns and other irritations.

ECZEMA OINTMENTS AND CREAMS:

I am not putting an image for this as there are many different types available, but the one most popular and easily obtained is SUDOCREM. When to use these types of products : When you have dry-very dry, eczema type rashes and irritation that spreads. Mostly you will have bumpy skin that feels dry and peels and looks similar to acne. The reason why these work well on this type of irritation because the texture is very rich and nourishing so it will help relieve dryness, thus already helping irritation, and the ingredients will further calm, sooth and treat the effected area.

I had contact eczema all over my face at one point a few years ago and it was awful! My nose was probably the only clear area on my face and I had no idea what the heck to try...then, when I understood WHY and WHAT I was dealing with I tried an ointment for eczema and over night 60% of the irritation was GONE!

Remember though, this method should only, ONLY be used to treat THIS type of irritation and only as long as it is needed!

ANTI REDNESS EYE DROPS:

Again, no photo needed, as there are many types available. The main thing is , purchase one to relieve redness.

This method will NOT heal anything, but it will relieve and lessen redness. Drop a good 4-5 drops on to a cotton pad then hold it on the red area for a good 30-60 seconds. This should reduce the color and will help you to conceal the blemish better.

So here you go, these are ( according to me ) the BEST ways to battle blemishes and irritation.

Obviously, if you have severe ACNE you will need to probably do more, and should start at the dermatologist's office. You need to evaluate your external routine and internal intake or products combined with what your doctor tells you. These methods above though may still help you out though!

NEXT POST: PRIMERS AND FOUNDATIONS! :)

Best Day Creams...and 2 "mists" I forgot to mention...

So before showing the day creams I have to mention two spray mists that are great...both have different effects but are great!

CAUDALIE BEUTY ELIXIR:

You can get this in a small size at Sephora...at least that's where I always bought it. Use it to refresh, tone, minimize pores and prep your skin beforeyour daily moisturizer. It'sscent is amazing , and if you don't want to feel like you have too many products on your face, but find that moisturizer alone isn't enough THIS is a great product.

The price is 16$ for the "To Go" version(1oz / 30ml) ...reasonable to try it out...it will last a month or two, then you can see ifyou would buy it again.Forthose interested in this product and don't have a Sephora near by, check the french Sephora website..they ship to many countries in europe!

THERMAL WATER SPRAYS:

I never found a difference between the brands first off. They don't have any real effect that is anti-aging or super nourishing or will help with oily skin. However, they are great for refreshing your skin if it is irritated or very dry. They are soothing and calming on the skin, sometimes when I have irritation and dryness I use these to sooth away redness and calm the skin before applying my other skin care products (i.e.: You have to get somewhere in a hurry and get ready fast, but you've just exfoliated and you're as red as a tomato). They are available in large and small sizes at pharmacies and their prices range from more expensive to a bit less...

FINALLY Moving on to MOISTURIZERS!! :)

In general I always prefer brands sold in pharmacies rather then cosmetics or department stores. I have always been happier with the products available there vs. MAC or Clinique or Decleor (for example). Also the sales people know a bit at least about what they are selling.

I am putting these in RANDOM ORDER and remember I am ONLY listing the BEST products I have used!

DDF (Doctor's Dermatologic Formula) Products :

These products are AMAZING quality concerning their effects. Again, from SEPHORA I received these in tester form ( If you don't have a BEAUTY VIB card or account there, GET ONE!!! Sooooooooo worth it!!! ). I got the "Advanced Firming Cream Moisturizer" and at first glance I was sceptic about it...It's nothing special looks wise, it's texture feels quite "thick", like a massage cream. The smell was a bit off-putting, it's just a bit of a medicated scent

Anyhoo, I still tried it out and was very impressed! I can have the worst dry skin but this cream amazingly! My skin felt smooth, healthy, well moisturized and the best part was ,that at the time I was having a bit of a break out and it TOTALLY calmed the irritation!!! So I very much recommend this brand! In the states I saw it in Marshall's too, but I don't know howlong it's been there so I would just get it at Sephora or search it online! I never checked the price since I am still using the tester ( I got two ) so I honestly didn't check the price...I have a feeling they would be a bit pricey...but remember SKIN=ORGAN! It's worth the money IF it works!!

AVENE EAU THERMALE:

At the moment I am using the "Antirougeurs" cream for dry to very dry sensitive skin. It has the slightest green tint to it to help even out redness in the skin. It hydrates well and has no irritating effects as it has no fake/perfume/fruity/whatever smell. I also have tried the "Hydrance Optimale" cream... this is actually kind of a main name for a range of creams within the brand. It's basic function is to intensely moisturize the skin -hence the name- but has ones for each skin type! It does what it says and adapts to your skin type. I like both of these products so I am pretty sure their other products are quite good as well. They are available in pharmacies.

A-Derma:

Not going to go in to too much detail about this brand I've used some of their products and they are very similar to Avene Eau Thermale. My mom always uses this product and she used to put it on me too ( which I hated at the time because I could care less about moisturizer at age 12-13 ?! ). It is a great brand though with a wide range of variety.

Search it on google for more information. My fave one is the SENSIPHASE pink color one...it's great for dry sensitive skin.

LIERAC CORRECTEUR ANTI-TACHES:

. This cream was one of the best I had ever tried when I had very uneven skin tone either because of I was "recovering" after a breakout and my pigmentation wasn't even or when I felt like my skin just looked dull and was dry. It has the smallest illuminating particles in a very rich textured cream. The particles reflect light off the face while the cream itself nourishes and moisturizes. If you like to use primers with illuminating particles under foundation, this cream will let you skip that step!

The only negative about this cream that it can dry out over time... it lasts a good 2-2,5 months though just because of the spreadable quality of the brand, which means a little bit goes a long way!

DIANNE BRILL ALL DAY TEMPTATION:

Unfortunately I am unable to post a photo of it for some reason... It looks very similar to the serum posted previously, except the bottle is bigger/taller and it is a white lotion.

Very nice scent, comfortable moisturizer and great light, yet moveable texture. Your skin will feel very refreshed! I was using it in the spring last year and felt great on a hot day as it has a bit of a "tingle". I just found it on kaboodle.com where it is sold for 28$ so not the cheapest, but if you don't have overly irritable skin which is a little bit dry-normal and want light moisture you will not be disappointed! I remember being sad when it ran out! Awww :(

Last but not least to mention:

LIERAC MAT-CHRONO EMULSION-HYDRATANTE:

This is a light-weight lotion FANTASTIC for oily skin types! It was a great fresh scent just as the serum has and it controls shine amazingly! Many brands have mattifying effect creams/lotions, but I find that they DO NOT absorb well... they just kind of sit on the skin and then kind of peel off...yuck! This however totally absorbs and helps control oil while not totally drying the skin! For the best results I would combine it with the serum! The prices are similar to each other, and by the way, the "Mat-Chrono" products are one of the brands most popular products!

So those are the best of the best according to my experience so far! Up next :Acne Combat products and tricks ;)

Serums and Eye Creams.

Hey! Sorry for the delay, it has been a very busy week!!

So to carry on from where I left off, here are some amazing products I have tried and loved so far!

I am not 100% sure you can buy them everywhere, just google them to find out where to purchase if you are interested!

SERUMS:

These products areusually water based or are light weight lotion-like substances. Use them BEFORE applying your daily cream (remember water and oil do not mix, and always apply light weight textures UNDER thicker textures).

Many times these serums have high concentration levels of special ingredients to target "problematic" factors either it being oiliness, dullness, pigmentation unevenness etc.

LIERAC CONCENTRE MESOLIFT SERUM: This is my ALL TIME FAVE serum ... EVER!

It is a multi vitamin serum, and water based..it's texture is a bit like a gel... the little glass-pump applicator helps allocate as much product as you want to use. Usually a pea size amount is enough as this product is very easily spreadable. Massage it in to the skin until it is fully absorbed.

It may feel a little sticky while applying, though it dries without leaving anyresidue.

It leaves the skin smooth to thetouch, smelling fresh as a mixture of peachy-citrusy fruits and leaves the skin feeling fresh with a cool/tingly feel as if your pores are breathing.

It's price is a bit high, in the USit is about 60 dollars, in Hungary about 10000 Ft and in the UK 40 pounds... HOWEVER if you do not use any other targeting products THIS IS TOTALLY WORTH IT! I usually buy it in fall (like now), when the skin looks dull and lifeless and needs a bit more T.L.C. I go through one bottle to revive my skin then once it's run out you can evaluate if you need to do another "treatment" of it or not.

DIANNE BRILL STILL AND FILL SERUM:

I bought this product out of curiosity when they were pulling the product from a chain store back in Budapest called Douglas. They were super expensive and the packaging was lovely...also I would try and feel out the testers and liked what I saw...especially when they were onsale!!! So I bought it (and also the day cream/lotion to go with it) and it was actually very nice! The scent is apple and citrusy, similar to the Lierac one. Also water based though this one is a bit less "gel"-y. It's effects are similar asLierac Mesolift , but I didn't notice a visible "glow". It leaves the skin smooth, even, fresh and hydrated. I would buy it again if I saw it somewhere, but I am afraid the Dianne Brill products are non-existant...I cannot find them ANYWHERE! :(

LIERAC MAT-CHRONO:

This is the best serum if you have "combined" skin...a.k.a. dry Seborrea.

It controls the oil production and by giving the skin a matte effect though it smooths and hydrates the skin at the same time. It truly is a great product. I've used it before and also have recommended it to others in the past. It's about 40-50 dollars and in Hungary it's around 6000Ft. I don't know in the UK how much they charge, but I am sure you can search for it in google.

It smells a bit like the woods or a forest..at least to me...it is water based and not too gel-like so it absorbs very fast! It's a great product for changing seasons...I use it when the weather gets warmer and I have a bit more shine. It has a refreshing cool feel.

EYE CREAMS:

So I haven't used too may eye creams so this is going to be a shorter section...

PHILOSOPHY EYE HOPE:

I got a bunch of testers for this product on my birthday from SEPHORA and was a bit disappointed, because I recently before it, bought the day cream version and HATE IT!!! It has a strong smell of lavender, which would be ok if it wouldn't be so intense that it actually makes your eyes water and irritated..plus I didn't think it had any amazing effect.

So I saw these testers and was totally unexcited about it, but tried it out anyways and LOVED IT! It has no scent, and it's texture is rich, so it truly nourishes the eye area very well, then absorbs beautifully. It leaves you with a more well rested look and feel. The best thing about it that it is extremely spreadable..literally half a pea size is enough for one full eye area! GREAT!

I am going to get it once I have run out of the testers! :)

BIOTHERM AQUASOURCE EYE PERFECTION:

Again, another product I got in a tester form. It is very good. It's texture is light and gel-like. It has no scent or harsh chemicals and is great for any skin type. I would buy it again though the

only "issue" I have with this product is that the little massage ball often gets stuck and it is an inconvenience... other wise, the texture is amazing it makes the eye area feel nicely hydrated and refreshed and the cool feel of the metal massager ball is calming and gives an extra invigorating sense.

LIERAC EYE CREAMS:

I am not putting an image in for this one, as Lierac has a good range for specific eye care. They all are beautiful in texture and gentle on the skin. I recommend their products highly as I know them well. The prices are reasonable, and they will last a long time as they are very spreadable.

So these are my top serums and eye care products, I have tried many others but these are the ones I WOULD/DO BUY AGAIN.

I have to do some thing today but I will make my next post about day creams only since there are many... after I think I will do a post about Pro Active and some other essential "Battle the Blemishes" products and tips...Then FINALLY we can move on to make up!!! :) Yaaaay!!

Peace ;)

Been super busy!!! Sorry for delay of posts...!!

Sorry for the delay but this week is super busy!! I will make sure I pick up from whereI left off last week asap!! :) Any ideas or brands you'd like me to write about? Let me know !!

Cleansers, Exfoliators worth buying!!

I am ONLY posting and writing about the product I like and wouldrecommend. If you have questions about any specific brand, feel free to ask! :)I USUALLY buy all my skin care products at the pharmacy or specific beauty stores. I definitely feel proper skin care products ARE worth the money and you shouldn't buy based on prices...( Cheap product usually are cheap for a reason! Expensive products ofter are expensive because you are buying the label! ) Go for trust worthy products that are not too commercial!

CLEANSING:

CETAPHIL CLEANSING BAR

This is a great product for normal skin or skin that

is well hydrated and a little bit oily.

What I find with this product that

it gives a great gentle cleanse, though if you have d

ry skin it will make your skin feel tight.

It will not cause any irritation in general, it doesn't have any potent scent or any

coloring...it just lathers and foams which

usually means it is in fact removing your essential oils and water barrier...which is fine if you have the skin which can cope, and produce back the needed amount of oils and hydration...but can be too strong for anyone who suffers from dry skin.

BIODERMA Sensibio H2O:

This is initially a makeup remover made especially for sensitive skin. I used it for a long time to wash my face with or sometimes to just calm my skin. It has kind of a yucky taste to it, but it was great for my skin.

You can put some on a cotton pad and cleanse your face with it, or put 3-4 drops in the palm of your hand and use your other hand to pat the product on to your face...when it

is all on, you can massage it around a bit, then rinse with cold water.

It is water based and totally fluid, not gel-y at all!! Very gentle and will not take away any of your skins natural moisture. Safe for all skin types to use!

I would buy it again if I find where to purchase it!

Usually you can get it in any pharmacy or drugstore! If not check on line!

I have not tried any other of their cleansing products, but based on how wonderful this product is, it's

worth to try their other products for other skin types.

BIOTHERM BIOSOURCE:

I have used both of th

ese products before. They are cream c

leansers, meant to be used with cotton pads...

I honestly used them as face washes...I never liked having a creamy feel with a cleanser, so I would also recommend just massaging a small amount around the face then gently rinsing with cool

water. This brand is great for sensitive, dry skin... if you have a little bit of oil in the T-Zone, this product will be great as

well! Those who have a bit more oil or shine can

try the foamy face washes from this brand...the variety is huge! All super safe to use and don't have any harsh scents or chemicals.

I used the white "fragile" skin one when I had the eczema...it was the ONLY thing my skin would tolerate! Gradually my skin got better but still stayed quite dry, so I started using the other one...it was perfect!

It is a bit pricey but you don't need too much of it for each use, it's very spreadable.

LIERAC EAU DE SOIN DEMAQUILLANT:

I used to to promotional work for this company (LIERAC Paris) and it it one of those brands that you fall in love with!

This cleansing water is amazing! It foams just enou

gh to get that sense of cleanliness, but is so gentle because of it's watery base. It is very similar to Sensibio, but this one is just more desirable. It has a wonderful peachy-rose smell that is not at all over powering but is just light enough to make you enjoy it more! It is made for more delicate skin, but the great thing with Lierac is, their other cleansers for i.e.: oilier skin is also water base, so your skin feels refreshed but not tight and dry after washing. You may use this the same way as the Sensibio.If I have the money to splurge, I will buy this one.

NEUTROGENA Oil Free ACNE STRESS CONTROL:

This is the ONLY "generic" product I like and have no issues with. It's price is reasonable. The texture is spreadable. It cleanses very well keeping the skin feeling fresh and not tight or dry. It was a great smell and gives a cool tingle feel after use. At the moment I am using this a few times a week...maybe 2-3 times maximum and once a day only. (It is safe to use every day, I just find my skin needs all the moisture

it can get...so I alternate between this and the next item I will write about...)

Normal to any of the Seborrheic skin types may use this product.

FACE WIPES:

The main thing is, you want it to have the least bit of chemicals in the ingredients list. You can choose them to fit your skin type. Since my skin is super dry and sensitive, plus I have a little bit of oiliness in the T-Zone, I either buy ones good for normal skin, or ones for sensitive skin. In all honesty, my little bit of oiliness doesn't bother me too much, and it is better then having full on dry and irritable skin. I use these morning and evening. If you want to use them for makeup removal, ONLY use ones made for sensitive skin...the texture of the towelette is quite rough...add some strong chemicals and trust me your eye area WILL NOT APPRECIATE IT!

EXFOLIATORS

There are only 2 that I like enough to write about so this will be super fast.

MAC Microfine Refinisher Gommage:

I have just read it is discontinued and I HOPE IT IS NOT TRUE because this is THE BEST EXFOLIATOR I have ever used!!!

The tiny scrubbers act the same way microdermabrasion acts...they are like little crystals. They remove all the dead skin cells wonderfully and the texture is c

reamy enough to help the product to be spreadable, but will not take away from the products initial job. You only need a little bit at once and use it every 2nd week! The price is 100% worth it! I have been using this for the past 3 years and still have my second tube half full.

It could be strong to use on very very sensitive skin, but if you used it only on the areas needed and not too vigorously I believe you could be ok with it. You will be a little bit red though after it ,with any type of skin, so use it in the evening before bed time.

LIERAC Soin Exfoliante Lumiere Visage:

Again, Lierac. I started using the MAC exfoliator to try and replace this one. It suddenly started to vanish from stores, but I still am keeping my eye open, and seeing if I can find it somewhere. It had such a great texture, it was like cake frosting/icing...the color and the scent was like it too. It made me feel like I wanted blue ice cream or a cupcake!

The micro scrubbers where the perfect size, and fully eliminated all dead skin cells! I would recommend this to anyone and I hope I can find it again! Use it the same way as the MAC one... a bean size amount with on wet skin, massage around for a good 30 seconds then rinse with cool water. I found this product left my skin less red and a bit moisturized...I LOVED IT! PLEASE COME BACK IN MY LIFE! :)

So that is the list of my top fave products for cleansing and exfoliating! I have used many many others, but THESE are some of the best ones for your money's worth!

If I come across any other amazing products I will make sure I make a post about it!

Next Post will be about Serums and Moisturizers :)..probably in the next few days! :)

ACNE in my life and what I have learned from it...

ACNE...

I felt this image was appropriate.

I am someone who has always had break outs...some times it wasn't too awful, just a couple...but other times it was like someone threw a pizza on my face. MORTIFYING. EMBARRASSING. PARALYZING.

Those are probably the main ways I personally felt while struggling with this "Pain-in-the-ass" chronic irritation of the skin.

I never understood why I had these flare-ups, and supposedly no-one else in my close family had this problem... also in school, most of the girls always seemed to be so perfect and that just made me feel even worse... Some of the kids would even ask "oh, what's that on your face?" when they OBVIOUSLY KNEW EXACTLY WHAT IT WAS....I would have loved to tell them off and say something like "Yes you little jerk, it IS A ZIT, but guess what...It will heal and go away! However you were born like THAT! HAHH!!" Of course I NEVER said those things, usually I would get all red and sad and mumble " I don't know". Has this happened to anyone else before?? Whatever.( Eventually I came to the conclusion , that they were insecure and tried to make me/you feel bad so they could feel a little better about themselves.)

As the years went by I honestly tried everything besides Accutane or any real strong meds or treatments at dermatological centers...

I tried all the generic brands such as Clean and Clear, L'Oreal, Garnier...etc. They all did the same thing... NOTHING. They did not make anything worse, but they did not make it better either. I did use my mothers Cetaphyl brand soap bar face wash... It was okay...but also didn't do too much...

Besides external products I did sometimes do a periodic treatment with Tetracycline... that defiantly would "calm" things down, but still I would have break outs.

With all this said, I have to be honest about another thing, which I am certain we all have done or still do... spend too much time in front of the mirror, provocating irritation, picking, squeezing, putting harsh agents on the skin...etc. I don't know why we sometimes do these things, I question myself about this to this day! I think it may be a control thing. I notice this usually happens when I am bored or under motivated and/or feeling crap about my appearance. Maybe, by thinking we are in control of how "clean" our skin is or how we can try ( but then

almost ALWAYS failing ) to control and "self heal" our irritations, it gives us a momentary sense of "I AM IN CONTROL"!! Which is great...only immediately after we realize we look as red as a tomato and our skin is even more irritated then before!.... Not to mention we end up paying for it for the next few days-week(s)!!

So, with all this going on in my then close to age 20 mind, I heard a lot about Pro-Active. At this time I was going to Aesthetics school and learning a lot about skin, and initially was getting a bit smarter about how to care for it...but lets be honest...when you are that young, a 100% healthy lifestyle is usually out of the question...your glad if you hit the 70% mark.

Anyhoo... I started Pro-Active and it finally did do the job! It is a GREAT product! I kept on using it for maybe 2 months, until I started to notice my skin got so dry and irritated again..I didn't understand what the hell was going on! WHY AGAIN???? ... Basicly what happened was my skin type changed from being more of S. Sicca to Alipic... To keep the story short...If you use Pro-Active make sure you change to different "maintenance" products, or else you will push your skin type too far and will end up with overly dried , sensitive and irritated skin with ....ACNE AGAIN! (What a tangled web we weave?!)

NOW In my mid twenties I can honestly say my skin has never been better, and it is because of the following :

• Evaluating what my skin is in need of
• Understanding that Acne/Irritation does and can occur from many external AND internal symptoms...NOT from "dirt" ...as many misleading commercials say, advertising their latest products...TOTAL 1000000000% BULL SH$T!!!
• Watching my intake of ANY and ALL medication
• Eating more natural foods and preparing my OWN meals... this way I know exactly what I am consuming
• Drink water
• Read ingredient lists on products and foods... make sure the first 3-5 ingredients listed are familiar,safe and are the ones advertised.
• MOISTURE
• Exfoliate every 10 days...no sooner!
• Stay away from harsh chemicals
• Cut down on time spent in front of the mirror, thus you will not "pick" as much

These are the key points!

It's ok to go and get extractions once in a while, but I would make a point of letting the person working on you to LEAVE ANYTHING IRRITATED OR NOT "READY" ALONE!

I myself have gone to do this maybe 2 times in my entire life.

Also a great tip in general..if it is red,painful,itchy,swollen,infected... it's best just to LEAVE IT ALONE! I once had read some one writing they put peroxide on their pimples/blemishes...and did not understand why it got worse and did not dry up.... SERIOUSLY? WOW! Just be happy you still have skin!!!

I had a period where I had overly exfoliated my face, because I thought I would be getting rid of dead skin cells and my skin would breath better...bad bad BAD IDEA!! I had contact eczema all over my face for about a month before the light bulb went off in my head that possibly, THIS is the problem!...I put some eczema cream on it and by morning 60% of the irritation went away and I was laughing at myself, about why it took me so long to figure this out! Oh well, we learn from mistakes, right?

Another cause of acne can be from medication... in my family for example, we have a history of migraines ... so if I would have it for 5-6 days in a row and had to work and function as a normal human being...I took pain killers...and it helped the pain... but would show up as acne on my face. So if you are someone who takes medication often, and suffers from acne...THAT is what is causing you irritation...not necessarily your skin type.

Not just for women, for men too, hormone imbalance also causes breakouts...this probably isn't new news to anyone... usually it show up on the chin, jawline and neck area.

For men if, they use steroids this can also cause acne....(body builders!!)

And of course STRESS!!!!!!!

There are other types and causes for Acne, but I just wanted to mention the ones which are more common.

Remember, we are all insecure about something...usually that other person will not even see or notice your flaws, because they are also so worried about you noticing theirs!

So the next post will be about what products I have used and recommend!!!

Sorry if some of you are bored maybe of all this writing with no photos or fun product reviews... I just think it's SUPER important to go over the basics first!