Beauty Products: Beautiful Skin

                                              Image Credit: Google Images 

There was a time that I can remember when my skin was so clear. It was free of blemishes and pimples, even when it was that time of the month. About a year ago my face started to break out tremendously and I had no clue why. What was this thing called adult acne? Many factors caused this to happen such as oral contraceptives, hormones, growth, stress, etc. I did not know what to do or how I should combat my skin ,because I was not use to using any kind of cleansers or specific products. I was always just using warm water and cocoa butter. 

Now, let me tell you that I have tried so many products on the market. I even went to a dermatologist who prescribed medications such as Solodyn and Epiduo, which I used for awhile. Epiduo made my skin feel like it was literally on fire some days. I've also received peels and facials at the spa. 

So let's just face forward to NOW. I've decided to try and use as many natural products and stick to a simple regimen to see how my face would react. So here is the key....

1. Bentonite Clay Mask + Apple Cider Vinegar mixed with equal parts. I usually try and do this once a week, every Sunday. Keep this on for 5 to 15 minutes and rinse with warm water. This has been the best thing I have ever invested in for my oily, sensitive, and acne prone skin. I see a huge difference in my hyper-pigmentation and my skin looks so much better. Hardly any breakouts. 

2. Aveeno Clear Complexion & Aveeno Brightening Cleanser, I use them everyday in the shower. This has also brightened my skin and lightened my scars from pimples.

3. Neutrogena Face Wipes are great to use at night before going to bed and before cleansing your skin. They are also great for those lazy nights. Make sure to always remove your makeup before going to sleep. 

4. Grapeseed Oil, I use this to moisturize my oily skin. I don't usually rub this in but pat it in my skin after cleansing. It is also a great product to remove makeup. 

5. Olay ProX is my favorite tool to use. After cleansing with my hands one time, I then proceed to use the ProX to cleanse and exfoliate a second time. I use this product on a daily basis. 

Everyone skin is different and does not react to each product in the same way. But, I advise you to try some of these products if you are suffering from any sort of Problematic Skin and let me know of the results. It may take a few months for you to see a difference but stay patient and consistent. 

Face: Dupe/VS Makeup products

                         VS/Dupe for: 

When I was a true makeup junkie I was introduced to MAC's Fix+ Spray. The mua suggested this product to me years ago and advised that it would keep my makeup in place throughout the day. Years later I must say that I love the product. I have found that it works well when also applying highlight and foundation to the skin by spritzing a beauty blender sponge for a flawless application. 

While shopping in Target, I came across ELF's Makeup & Mist Set which is suppose to perform in the same manner as Fix+. ELF's spray has Aloe, Green Tea, Cucumbers and Vitamins A, C, & E which caught my eye. Guess what? It was a whopping $3 bucks. I really do love the ELF Makeup line because not only is it affordable but the products are of good quality. My favorite Bronzer of all time is created by the line. 

So, my thoughts you ask? I have been using the ELF product for three days exactly. I really like how the product sets my makeup but one con is that my makeup does not stay on all day. Now, I must say that I am only using my Iman BB Cream right now and no primer because the season is warmer and I try to apply minimum to my face. But I would recommend it to all my new and guru makeup lovers. And even if you don't wear makeup it is a great hydration for you skin when you're out in the sun. 

Have you tried the product yet? 

Lipstick & Love, 

Xoxo Erica 

Beauty: Cosmetics Shopping

It's the season where we don't want to be clogged down with a cake face because the weather is just too hot for all of that. Don't you agree? I've been spending money on trying to find the best beauty products not only for the spring/summer but for my acne prone sensitive skin as well. 

So, let's start from the beginning. Throughout my entire life up until maybe a year and a half ago I've had great skin, and then one day the pimples came, kept coming and never went away. It was due to hormonal factors out of my control. I began suffering from acne prone skin and I wondered if makeup was even a necessity any longer; although it's left me with scars and hyperoigmentation. I started to choose to wear the bare minimum and take frequent breaks in between. What I have learned is that taking really great care of your skin with lots of water and more natural cleansing products helps tremendously. I also found out something you probably will look at this post and say "DUH! We knew that already" but DIET plays such a huge part in healthy skin #totalblonde right? 

Okay enough ranting and raving about my skin issues, lol. 

I've always wanted to try IMAN Cosmetics but every target that I frequently shop at do not carry the line. So, I went to a store maybe 20 minutes away from my area and wallah, let's say TOTAL HEAVEN! Not only did this target sell Iman, but Black Radiance and Shea Moisture Cosmetics. So I decided not to go crazy but indulge a little in makeup products for my skin complexion. See, that's a total plus again to find a cosmetic line that caters to my skin tone. 

I decided to try Shea Moistures foundation, blush and toner. I played in each of these products once I got home to see if I liked them or needed to return them. Don't judge me, lol. I spend unnecessary money on products that go to waste a lot of times.  I've told myself that I can't keep a routine such as that up. Let's just say I love them all. The foundation states sheer but it's a medium to full coverage and I bought the shade in Mahdi Mocha (I think)... I'm more than 95.5% that I'll be wearing it daily. The toner feels very refreshing and the blush is perfect for my newly tanned skin. 

I've heard it's always hard to find a BB Cream for us so I decided to give Iman's a try. It provided just an even layer over my skin but I think that I need to play in it just a little more. The foundation stick was amazing but too dark. I purchased the shade Earth 3 and when I got home and downloaded the app I was Clay. So I'm trying to decide if I want to return them for the correct shade or use the stick as a contour stick. 

I won't go on and on but I recommend you give the products a try for yourself. I'll bring you all a update later on how they held up throughout the day and many more specs. Let me know what cosmetics line works well for you! 

Lipstick & Love...Erica