Friday, December 27

Skincare Favorites & Routine: Facial Masks

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Facial Masks //


It's the most wonderful {and exhausting} time of the year. Just ask my puffy under eyes!

Treat yourself to the at-home, mid-holiday spa day you've been deserving, so you can look and feel a tad more refreshed for New Years Eve and start the New Year on the right foot {or face...?? -- ooh, self, bad pun}!

Welcome to face mask heaven ...

There are so many incredible {and not so incredible} face masks on the market right now. It's can be challenging to differentiate between which masks actually work and those that are just beautifully-bottled under-performers in disguise.

I've tried my fair share of masks {and constantly am trying new ones -- and this honestly could've been the longest post of all time and don't be surprised if there's a facial masks 2.0}, but I've weeded out my top mask picks for those of us ones that will (a) hydrate or (b) purify / detoxify. My dry skin has needed a good dose of both lately.

That being said {and in no particular order}, it's time you give your skin the luxury and attention it has been craving with one or more of these five incredible face masks.

Hydration //


MICHAEL TODD TRUE ORGANICS - Avocado and Mango Hydrating Facial Mask

If you're looking for instant hydration, this mask has got you covered. Literally... well your face covered... and hydrated... ugh (this is my last bad pun. I promise). It smells primarily like ripe mango, but the texture is creamy like super-smooth avocado purée. I've been using this mask about once a week {although you can use it more} for almost a year now, and my skin is thankful.

 

SHISEIDO - The Skincare moisture relaxing mask

This mask provides skin with deep, lasting hydration, and the scent is delicious - it smells like light floral tea and lotion. If my skin is feeling tight, I smooth on a light layer and within 30 seconds, my skin already feels better. This product can be hard to get a hold of, but it's worth the search. I found mine at Marshalls. Its texture is incredibly luxurious, and it feels like a cream but is most definitely a mask {so follow the directions on the packaging and don't leave it on all day}!


ORIGINS - Drink Up-Intensive overnight mask to quench skin's thirst

I recently picked up this mask at the glowing recommendations of Suzie & Alix {they're both amazing UK-based beauty bloggers -- go check out each of their amazing blogs}. I've only used this overnight mask a handful of times, but I can tell you -- it works! ... maybe too well. My incurably dry skin even felt a tad oily the next day {well, at least my definitely of oil, which is probably more like dry to normal for most people}. I'll definitely continue to use it. I'm sending a massive thank you to Suzie and Alix for the great advice, as always!


Purification //

 

GLAMGLOW - YouthMud Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask

I like to call this product good skin day in a tiny tub. Aside from the fact it smells like [delicious] tea, whenever I use this product, it vastly improves the texture and calms any sensitivity redness in my skin. The next day, my skin is back to it's normal self but a bit better.

I try to use this product sparingly because the price tag is makes me want to cry. I scored the baby-size on HauteLook forever-ago when they had a GlamGlow flash sale, and I've since repurchased {even though I'm still rationing that first small tub}.

I just recently picked up SuperMud Clearing Treatment, which I haven't had time to fully evaluate {although I can already tell it's good stuff}, but I am fairly certain I'm more of a YouthMud enthusiast {probably because SuperMud is better suited for oily skin}. I've also got my eye on their new ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment {umm, sign me up!} -- but I haven't heard much about it. Have you?


MICHAEL TODD TRUE ORGANICS - Kaolin Clay Detoxifying Facial Mask

There's a funny story behind this one {and the good news is that you'll get a review as I go, I promise}... As you may know, I was in London last May visiting one of my best friends {which is when I wrote the long-windedly titled  "5 Beauty Products to Get Your Hands On While in the UK"... and now there are way more that 5 products I'd want to get my hands on if I went to the UK again ... swap anyone? ;) } and I picked up one of the Michael Todd True Organics Discovery Kits to take with me abroad, which have since been discontinued, rearranged & repackaged and relaunched. I'd heard good things about and was excited to try the baby-sized Charcoal Mask Detoxifying Facial Mask. It didn't disappoint! I ordered a full-size while I was still in London, so it would be waiting for me when I got home.

...but when I opened my full-sized Charcoal Mask... it wasn't the Charcoal Mask... or was it?

After a thorough investigation with a very helpful Michael Todd True Organics customer service rep {which included me sending detailed product descriptions -- aka: my confused interpretations of the two products -- and product pictures & swatches}, I found out my beloved baby-sized Charcoal Mask was actually the Kaolin Clay Detoxifying Mask, which is supposed to be targeted for normal to oily skin because clay is very tightening and drying. Fortunately, my extremely dry skin has responded well to it. It's the one product among all the moisture-rich products that I use to "clarify" my skin. I still use the Charcoal Mask occasionally, but the Kaolin Clay has won in my heart!


Now that you know my favorite hydrating and purifying / detoxifying masks, you must tell me yours! Have you tried any of these masks? Comment below and let me know!

While you're at it, you might as well follow me on BlogLovin' and Twitter @drtyblndambtn if you haven't already. If it feels like the right thing to do, that's because it is ;)

Until next time... Lauren, out!

xx

 Overview //
Facial Cleansers & Face Washes //
Serums & Oils //
Moisturizers //
Facial Scrubs //

at 4 comments:

Wednesday, December 18

This Just In: Trader Joe's Micellar Cleanser & Makeup Remover Towelettes

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Over the weekend, I was at Trader Joe's stocking up on my groceries for the week. I was casually strolling through the beauty section, and out of the corner of my eyes, I spotted a light magenta package that I'd never seen before. It turns out Trader Joe's is now carrying micellar wipes -- Trader Joe's Micellar Cleanser & Makeup Remover Towelettes! ...and they're not that expensive, either, at $3.99!

If the world of micellar is unfamiliar to you, cleansing water is a huge trend in the beauty community right now, but it's easier to come by (and cheaper) in Europe. Bioderma makes an amazing one that I reviewed in my Skincare Favorites & Routine: Makeup Removers & Toners post. Cleansing water has been very well-received in the beauty world because it's gentle on skin, helps remove makeup, and sometimes serves as a toner.

As far as a I know, Trader Joe's is the first to the finish line -- merging the ever-popular makeup wipe with cleansing water!

I've used a few wipes already, but I haven't fully formed my opinion. I can say, though, they've done a decent job of removing my makeup, and they haven't irritated my skin. If you can get your hands on them, and comment below and let me know in either the comments below or on Twitter @DrtyBlndAmbtn if you like them!

Don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin', and keep any eye out for the rest of my Skincare Routine & Favorites Series! I have some great product information coming your way, and you won't want to miss it.

xx Lauren
at 5 comments:

Thursday, November 28

Winter Style with ShopStyle by PopSugar

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Happy Thanksgiving! With Winter and Black Friday around the corner, 'tis the season to be shopping, and ShopStyle by POPSUGAR has got you covered! The site pulls together a good variety of "BRANDS YOU LOVE FROM THE STORES YOU TRUST" to simplify your search.

I've teamed up with SHOPSTYLE.com to create my quintessential winter 2014 outfit -- think of this as an outfit of the season according to Lauren brought to you by ShopStyle post -- guh, what a mouthful! Let's jump straight into it, shall we?

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When it comes to outfit repeating, I am a serious offender. When I say serious, I mean serious. I still regularly wear things that I bought in junior high school {I won't say how long ago that was because it'll make me feel incredibly old}. Don't worry, they're very classic, ageless pieces.

I have a strict rule that I must be in love with everything I buy, so it only makes sense that I wear everything to death and that I don't clear out my closet at the end of each season. That being said, most of the pieces I'm loving for winter aren't easy to get a hold of. I'll do my best to find these pieces or similar ones for ya!

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Juicy Couture - Ziger Cardigan Coat

This over-sized chunky, knit sweater feels goes well with a great pair of skinnies. It comes with four pockets {two for your hands on the outside and two on the inside} and feels like you're wearing a blanket.
similar option: Juicy Couture Wild Lynx Jacquard Cardi

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Genetic Denim - The Cameron in Raven

These are a fun twist on the basic black skinny jean. They're just a touch faded, and the knee stitching
similar option: Vince Denim - Ankle Zip Moto Pants in Grey


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Rosegold - Bevin Bootie in Mushroom Snake 

Not only are these booties comfy, the faux-snake texture takes them up a level. These look great with a cute pair of skinny jeans or a dress. Unlike some others, they maintain their shape and don't conform the shape of your feet and ankle.
similar options: Marais usa - Curve Haircalf Wedge Booties | Vince Camuto - Kelliana Wedge Bootie | Jessica Simpson - "Catcher" Lace-up Wedge Bootie


Anthropologie - Sombra Sunglasses

I mentioned these in my "Looks for Less: Leather & Lenses" post, so be sure to check that out for my full review!


While I organized my little photoshoot, there were some casual observers...

UGG, Maylin, boot, chestnut, chesnut, zara, wide-heel, wide heel, wide, heel, schutz, shoes, aztec, vibrant, orange, rosegold, snake, skin, snakeskin, print,with, ankle, strap, zig, zag, SHOPSTYLE.com, ShopStyle, Shop, Style, by, Thanksgiving, happy, Black, Friday, Black Friday, australia, boots, maylin, full, cuff, Schutz, Candice, Candace, Heel, in, Coganc, Cognac, Multi, photoshoot, heels,

UGG Australia Boots - Maylin Full Cuff in Chestnut
ZARA - Wide-Heel Sandal with Ankle Strap (full review here)
SCHUTZ - Candice Heel in Cognac Multi


I have two big questions for you:

1) What's on your Black Friday shopping list?
2) What are your favorite pieces for Winter?

Comment below and let me know, and be sure to check out SHOPSTYLE.com!

While you're at it, you might as well follow me on BlogLovin' if you haven't already. If it feels like the right thing to do, that's because it is.

xx Lauren
 All pictures were taken by me. Please link back if you would like to use them. Thank you.

at 4 comments:

Thursday, November 21

Skincare Favorites & Routine: Facial Scrubs

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Facial Scrubs //


Now that we've gotten our daily skincare routine all nice and tucked away, let's move on to our weekly or biweekly {the twice-a-week version to clear up any confusing there} skincare essentials.


Facial scrubs are an excellent way to get the grime [dead skin] off your face and dirt out of your pores, helping eliminate acne and leaving your face soft and smooth -- a good facial scrub should, anyway. That being said, if you over exfoliate {by using a scrub too frequently or scrubbing your skin too abrasively}, your skin can actually get worse. It's a fine art.


My tips for exfoliating your face properly:
1. Apply scrub to wet skin after cleansing.
2. Scrub gently moving fingers in a circular motion around your face. Give the skin next to your nostrils extra attention. Dead skin typically builds up in that area.
3. Leave the scrub on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing with warm water.
4. Exfoliate 1-2 times a week.
5. Choose a good exfoliant for your skin type and skin concerns...which brings us to my preferred scrubs!

Michael Todd True Organics Tropical Fruit Enzyme Scrub

This scrub has fine, soft granules, so it isn't too abrasive on the skin, but that doesn't mean it's doesn't work. I'm not a chemist, but from what I understand, the enzyme aspect of the scrub works in addition to the fine granules to exfoliate dead skin while you let it sit. Whether or not that's true, I can validate that this does a fantastic job, and I don't have to do much work (and therefore, I don't risk over exfoliating because I hardly have to)! 

This scrub has that delicious fruity scent that's unique to most Michael Todd products. I love it. This is at the top of my list, right now, and it's been that way since last Winter when I first got my hands on it.

{For those of you with Celiac Disease, this product is gluten free}


Kate Somerville Exfolikate

I received this scrub as a sample a while back and used it on special occasions, but it has recently gone mysteriously missing. I'm going to have to investigate! Before it's disappearance, I collected enough data (aka: I formed some opinions) to know that it was a fantastic. It smells beautiful and made my skin incredibly happy. Although it has thicker and harder granules than the one from Michael Todd, it makes similar claims about enzymes -- to exfoliate dead skin without overdrying. Maybe there's a method to this madness, after all? My skin does respond well to both.

Unfortunately,  I cannot justify Exfolikate's price tag, so I'll be sticking with Tropical Fruit Enzyme Scrub (not that I mind at all) for now. Perhaps one day, I'll be lucky enough to receive another sample... or better, Exfolikate as a gift!



I do have a few other face scrubs on standby. Let me know if you'd like me to review them once I have given them a fair trial: Michael Todd True Organics Jojoba Charcoal Scrub & Clarins Paris One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser.


Do you have a face scrub you're obsessed with that you think I'd love? Comment below and let me know! I'm always on the look out to try great new skincare, and I love hearing from you.

If you haven't already follow me on BlogLovin' and Twitter @DrtyBlndAmbtn to keep up to date with my latest posts and more from this Skincare Favorites & Routine series.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you here again soon!

xx Lauren


Overview //
Facial Cleansers & Face Washes //
Serums & Oils //
Moisturizers //
>> Facial Scrubs << 

at 7 comments:

Sunday, November 3

Skincare Favorites & Routine: Moisturizers

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Moisturizers //

Moisturizers are incredibly versatile products. They add and seal in hydration, can be used as makeup primer, and often are packed with additional beneficial properties.

CeraVe SA Renewing Cream 

According to their website, "CeraVe® SA Renewing [Cream] with salicylic acid is the first CeraVe moisturizer designed to help repair and restore extremely dry, rough, bumpy skin." We've all heard brands make make countless far-fetched claims about their products that rarely prove true, but I am happy to report that this product lives up to every single one of its claims.

My dermatologist recommended this to me because my skin was suddenly experiencing all of the conditions that this cream claims to treat (for those of you who may be diagnosing me in your mind, I can confirm don't have psoriasis). Although some people are off-put by salicylic acid, the SA cream product does a top-notch job of eating away dead skin and hydrating the rest. This cream has helped restore my facial skin back to its normal state. When I don't use it, my skin isn't as happy, and when I do, I notice my skin is overall much clearer. I continue to use it nightly after (1) removing my makeup, (2) cleansing my face, (3) using toner & (4) applying oil. I

You can also use their CeraVe SA Renewing Lotion. It is slightly less thick and works very well, but I recommend you get their Cream over their Lotion.


If you who don't have bumpy, extremely irritated skin [or if you just like to avoid salicylic acid] and just want hydration there are amazing creams on the market without salicylic acid. CeraVe makes one (CeraVe Moisturizing Cream), but I've never tried it, so I can't recommend it. What I can recommend is the one from Vanicream.


Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream


I used this when I was in Denver at the recommendation of one of my friends who had received this from her dermatologist. If you've ever been to Denver, you know how insanely dry it is. Back when I used to fly to Denver on the reg, I'd get off the plane and by the time I was headed out of the airport with my luggage in tow, there was already layer of dry, dead skin dusted on my arms. Great visual, I know. This cream helped keep my dry skin, which was even more dehydrated in the dry Denver air, at bay. Vanicream is incredibly thick (think the consistency of Vasoline - but not oily), so a little goes a long way. I recommend applying it to dampened skin so it spreads and absorbs more easily.


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Embryolisse Laboratoires Lait-Crème Concentré

Although I don't technically use a day cream, this is probably the product I use that is the closest thing to one. I debated whether or not I should add this to my Skincare Favorites & Routine because I use this more for cosmetic purposes than skin-health.  Because it is a moisturizer, I decided it was worth the mention. I don't find it particularly hydrating (because it takes a lot to hydrate my skin), but it helps create a smooth canvas for my makeup. I use this cream after toner & serum and before primer. I let it seep into my skin before I apply primer. It prevents my skin from feeling tight through the day and helps give my skin a natural, radiant glow.


Now that you know my favorite and holy-grail moisturizers, I'd love to hear what yours are. Comment below and let me know! I love hearing from you.

Also don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin' and on Twitter @drtyblndambtn to keep up to date with my latest and greatest posts and thoughts.

Until next time,

xx Lauren



Click the categories below to navigate through posts and products. If they're not yet clickable, hold tight! New posts are coming soon. 


Overview //
Other Skin Solutions //
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Friday, October 25

Looks for Less: Leather & Lenses

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If you've been reading my blog regularly (which is easy to do now thanks to the magic of BlogLovin'... insert blatant promotional encouragement here), then you already know I am a beauty fiend. What you probably didn't realize is that despite my few scattered apparel posts, I am equally, if not more, infatuated with fashion and styling. I'm a firm believer that a few flawless basics can completely make an outfit. I'm an even firmer believer that you should be obsessed with anything and everything you buy for your wardrobe - that makes it even easier to pull together a great outfits and no garment gets left behind! There are two pieces in my closet that have been getting extra special love this season.
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ANTHROPOLOGIE Sombra Sunglasses ($38)

If you read my Summer Essentials, then you're already well aware that I'm smitten with round-frame, wayfarer-esque, cat eye glasses - specifically the Super Duper Strength in Crazy Tort ones from Karen Walker. I'm obviously not the only one with a style crush (I'm making this a thing) on these glasses - they've been selling out like hotcakes despite the price tag, and multiple designers and their mothers are coming out with their own versions of the sophisticated sunnies... which brings me to these affordable sunglasses from Anthropologie that look anything but. They're very well made, face-flattering, and the frame is stunning. The plastic is not your ordinary tortoise shell - it is opaque black plastic mixed with gold-toned mother of pearl. The best adjective I can think of to describe these sunglasses is dynamic. These sunnies are unexpectedly beautiful, high-quality and inexpensive. They look much more expensive than they cost.


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ZARA Biker Jacket with Zips ($239)

Before I get into it, you may be wonderfing how is this a "look for less?" Plain and simple, you cannot get an authentic leather jacket {and this beautiful} for this price. Most leather jackets are an upwards of several hundred - sometimes even in the thousands.

I bought this jacket while I was at Zara in Prague during the Spring. Despite the fact it has spikes, I find this jacket incredibly feminine and flattering. The spikes give more of a beautiful added texture and high-fashion flair to the jacket rather than a "goth," "punk," or "grungy" feel. My style is pretty far from goth, punk, or grunge.

The day before I purchased it, I had seen a girl wearing it on the street in Prague and made a mental note to keep my eyes open for that jacket before I left the country. As luck would have it, I found it at Zara! {I've noticed that I've become increasingly good at finding cute pieces in stores after spotting people wearing them out and about. Need a personal shopper, anyone? ;)} As a long time Zara lover, I'm well aware that not all stores carry all the same merchandise. I assumed that this would be the case for my jacket - especially considering I was across the Atlantic and in a different country - so I snatched it up immediately, but when I returned back to the states, I found my coat on sale at my local Zara. I never did find it in my size back home, though, so I can't beat myself up too much about it. Plus, I wear the thing all the time, and it serves as a great memory of Praha. Alright, enough back story! I'll get on with it.

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image from Zara.com

Although there's a slim chance you could come across my exact jacket in on clearance at your local Zara, you have a better chance of finding this season's [stud/spike-free] version, which is what I've linked above, and I am happy to report that it fits as beautifully as mine. Both jackets can take any outfit from blah to Ooh La La. I even wanted to get it... that was until my mom brought me back to Earth and reminded me I already have a leather jacket and a similar one at that {pouty face}. I was a responsible consumer and left it on the rack for someone else to find and fall in love with.

If you're diggin' so hard on the subtle studs that you can't bring yourself to love the newer edition of Zara's leather jacket, I have recently found some suspiciously similar jackets in other brands' recent collections:

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image cropped from BCBG.com

BCBG Novak Studded Leather Moto Jacket ($998) - Unlike my jacket from Zara, this jacket has spikes on the shoulders and arms instead of on the lower back and bottom of the sleeves. Also, while my Zara jacket is higher in the back and lower in the front, this jacket is the opposite. It will also cost you a lot more moola.


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image cropped from Macys.com

MACYS BAR III Faux-Leather Studded Jacket ($119) - Vegans and anti-leather wearers, rejoyce! This jacket is faux-leather {a term which cleverly gives the semblance of luxury to a non-luxurious and sometimes reflective fabric once known as pleather. You can't just rename pleather! ;) Can you?}. This jacket is a bit more heavily studded than both the BCBG and Zara jackets but is still beautiful nonetheless.


Of the ones I have mentioned, my jacket favorites are those from Zara. I think they're both well-tailored, tastefully detailed, and an unbeatable value. I like that my jacket is a bit more subtle with its use of spikes. There are a few too many on the BCBG and Macys jackets, in my opinion.



Here's the part where I encourage you to share your thoughts. Are you loving the Karen Walker spinoff sunglasses as much as I am? If you had to choose one of the aforementioned jackets, which one would you pick? Have you stumbled upon any well-priced and perfect-fitting leather jackets? Comment below and let me know because I want to know! I need to know!

While you're at it, you might as well follow me on BlogLovin' if you haven't already. If it feels like the right thing to do, that's because it is.

Until next time... Lauren, out!

xx

All pictures were taken by me, unless noted. Please link back if you would like to use them. Thank you.

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Monday, October 21

Skincare Favorites & Routine: Serums & Oils


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Do you want tons and tons of wrinkles as you age? Neither do I. Wrinkles are inevitable (and largely due to sun damage), but we can take preventative measures to prolong the time before their arrival and reduce the amount we might otherwise obtain. If you're part of the dry skin club with me, then you've likely heard the curse of our kind - we're even more susceptible to wrinkles. If you have dry skin didn't already know... Surprise! (???) I'm sorry you had to find out this way. Don't worry, though, because we're not a lost cause just yet. These are some of the easiest wrinkles to prevent because we can combat dry skin! It might take some time and money, but it will be worth it in the long run. Besides, hydrated skin on the daily feels [and looks] so much better than uncomfortable dehydrated skin.

 At this point on the skincare journey, you should be makeup-free and clean-skinned. It's time to quench your skin's thirst! I want to note, this isn't just for my fellow dry-skinned people; hydration is essential for all skin types. MANTRA: Hydrated skin is happy skin. Hydrated anything is happy anything, really.


Serums & Oils //

I use a serum or oil any time after I wash my face, showers included. For a while, I was using Josie Maran 100 percent Argan Oil, which I've more recently seen getting a lot of hype in the beauty community, but it just didn't work for me. Don't get me wrong, her line is amazing. I am still in love with the Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum that I mentioned back in my Hydrated Healthy Hair Must-Haves. It's just that the 100 percent Pure Argan Oil didn't do the trick for my skin. It would just sit on top of my face and hardly absorb in. I was then recommended both of the following products by a skincare specialist. They do for me exactly what I need in terms of hydration. Overall, I credit these for making my skin plump (rather than papery and thin due to dehydration), significantly less dry, and healthy. 


IMAGE Skincare - Ageless Total Skin Lightening Serum


When? daytime after washing your face and showering

Where? Fill 1/4 of the dropper with product, and apply all over your face including eye area (skin under and near eyes).

How? Smooth onto clean face after applying toner. Let it absorb completely before applying cream or makeup. Once it fully absorbs, you will notice a very thin, dried film on your face.

Why? Not only does this serum hydrate and reduce redness and hyper-pigmentation, it seeps into the skin well and should not cause skin problems when worn in the Sun.

Scent: coconut, brown sugar & tropical fruit

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C



SPA Technologies - Hydrating Oil {also know as Hydrating C & E Complex}


When? nighttime after washing your face before bed

Where? Apply one pump to the face avoiding the eye area. Do not apply on skin covering or past your eye sockets.

How? Smooth onto clean face after (1) removing makeup, (2) cleansing, and (3) applying toner. Do not warm up in hands or the product will not seep into your skin well. Apply to face in long sweeping strokes. As it warms on your skin, it will absorb. Don't worry if the product doesn't completely absorb in. It will not soak into your skin as much as the serum.

Why? Use in the place of the IMAGE Skincare Serum at night. I was advised by my skincare specialist to avoid wearing this in the Sun/to wear it only at night.

Scent: lavender

Key Ingredients: Vitamin C & Vitamin E


Have you tried or would you consider trying either of these flesh-hydrating products? What are your favorite serums and oils? If you have any questions or concerns about these products, let me know in the comments below or on Twitter @drtyblndambtn.

Don't forget to follow me on BlogLovin' for the rest of my Skincare series and other exciting new posts headed your way. Thanks for stopping by!

xx Lauren

Click the categories below to navigate through posts and products. If they're not yet clickable, hold tight! New posts are coming soon. 
Overview //
Other Skin Solutions //
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Wednesday, October 16

Skincare Favorites & Routine: Facial Cleansers & Face Washes


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If there's one step you don't skip in your skincare routine, let this be it. If you make the effort to properly cleanse your face in the shower or before bed, you will notice a drastic improvement in your skin. It's all about mastering your face-washing technique and choosing the right face wash.




How to Properly Cleanse Your Face //

Believe it or not, many people don't know how to correctly wash their faces. Just make sure you're not one of them! ... and if you are, you don't have to be anymore. Here's everything you need to know about washing your face the right way.

1. Apply warm water to your face using a clean wash cloth. The warm water will open open up your pores so the cleanser can work its magic. Use a clean wash cloth because you don't want to add dirt or bacteria back to your face.
2. Deposit your preferred cleanser or wash into clean hands. If possible, get the cleanser foamy in your hands. You may have to add a bit of water of get it to sud up. Some cleaners will not foam, which is completely fine.
3. Dampen the same wash cloth with warm water again, and gently remove the product on your face.
4. Squeeze out the wash cloth to rinse out of excess warm water and soap. Run the cloth under cold water and pat your face. This will close your now clean pores. 
5. Pat your face with a dry, clean towel or wash cloth.

This is a similar concept to deep conditioning your hair. To open up your hair's cuticle, you douse it in warm water; to seal the cuticle and trap in moisture, you run it under cold water. To clean your skin, you open up the pores with warm water to remove dirt and oils; to minimize your pores and help prevent dirt from getting in, you pat with cold water.



Facial Cleansers & Face Washes //


Now that you know how to properly wash your face, I want to let you know about my favorite cleansers and washes. I used to buy all of my skincare at the drugstore - specifically face washes, but I wasn't super happy with my product picks. They would strip my skin of its natural oils and dry it out even more. The products that claimed to "add back moisture" just didn't do a great job of cleaning my skin. I decided it was time to invest in better face washes. This goes without saying, you only need one cleanser for a given wash. Please don't think you need to use all three at once.

 

MICHAEL TODD True Organics - Honey and Oat Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser

This has been my go-to cleanser for quite some time now. It gets my skin really clean without taking away any moisture. Although the name suggests otherwise, it smells light, tangy, and citrusy... Maybe of grapefruit? Don't get me wrong, it smells so good I want to eat it, but I'm not picking up honey or oat in the scent.

 Skin Types: sensitive, dry
Key Ingredients: aloe, Vitamins A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, sulfate-free
{For those of you with Siliac's Disease, this product is NOT gluten-free.}


REN Clean Bioactive Skincare - Ultra Moisture Cleansing Milk

I use this when my skin is so dry that it's painful or when my skin is looking particularly dehydrated. Not only does it cleanse, it adds unparalleled moisture. It feels like you're cleansing with face cream, like it's a cleansing lotion. If your skin is dry to a fault (like mine often is), this is definitely worth purchasing.  
This product was formerly called Moisture Protect Comfort-Plus Cleansing Milk.

 Skin Types: dry
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid


SUNDAY RILEY - Ceramic Slip Cleanser

I received this as a sample and was able to get enough use out of to know this cleanser is top of the line. My skin felt incredibly clean, looked clearer and less red, and was hydrated.  At this point, I'm not sure if I'd fork over the money for it at full price (especially considering I've found more affordable options that work well enough), but I'm hoping there's a great sale on this product and soon.

 Skin Types: all, normal to combination
Key Ingredients: Vitamin C



After you've completely washed your face, you'll want to follow up with a toner before applying oils & serum and face cream.

Now that you know mine, what are your favorite facial cleansers and face washes? Have you ever used any of these? Do you plan on trying any of these out? Let me know in the comments below. I love hearing from you.

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xx Lauren


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