Bow Down to the Queen!

Lately my skin has been acting like such a drama queen.  It seems like as soon as I decided to start a beauty blog, it decided to give me something to write about.

Yeah, my skin goes through its mood swings, especially as the seasons change, so with all the heat and humidity of the last few days, it’s no wonder that my skin has been more oily than usual and where there’s oil, you can expect a blemish to follow.

After trying to go easy on my skin with a little Benzoyl Peroxide - to no avail, I finally had to strong arm my sebaceous glands and pull out the Queen…Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask.  While I don’t use my “Hulk” mask (as my son calls it) often, it is my #1 go to breakout tamer. 

I will forever “Stan” for this classic mask.  I’ve been using it since high school and it’s the only thing that calms my skin down when it decides to throw a temper tantrum.  It is probably the first product to actually make it to “Staple Status” in my beauty arsenal.

So what does this mask do that makes me sing its praises?

The clay mask dries up acne blemishes, shrinks large pores and whisks away blackheads.  It cleans deep to get rid of breakouts fast.  Ingredients include both Kaolin and Bentonite clay.  It has a cool, minty smell and the tingle I feel when I spread it on lets me know good things are being done to my pores.

After washing my face, I spread it on, kick back and in about 30-45 minutes, I take it off.  I usually lay a warm, wet washcloth over the mask, pressing it in to infuse the heat from the cloth and to loosen up the hardened mask.  I then wipe it clean.  I follow that with a few splashes of cold water.  After patting my face dry, I sweep a cotton ball soaked in toner all over my face, then a moisturizing lotion.

I like to do this once or twice a week until my skin “bows down,” which usually takes a week or two.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask retails for $3.99 for an 8 oz. tube, but I like to get the Jumbo 12 oz. jar for $7.  The mask is available at Wal-Mart, Sally’s, Drugstore.com, Amazon.com and other discount beauty retailers.

Peeling So Good

At home facial peels are a great way to treat acne, clear pores, brighten a dull complexion and lighten hyperpigmentation on the skin.

As we age, our skin cell turnover slows considerably, even in our twenties.  A little nudging from a home grade peel can provide a fresh complexion at a fraction of the cost of the ones you would get at a dermatologist's or esthetician's office.  They are also lower in strength so they don't require any down time and can be used once or twice a week depending on your tolerance.

Just remember, you are essentially removing a layer of dead skin when you use any peel, leaving your skin vulnerable.  I recommend using a sunscreen (if you aren't already) when using peels.

Also, peels have acids in them -- Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Beta Hydroxy Acid, Azelaic Acid, Fruit Acids, etc.  I do not recommend using a serum or moisturizer with these same acids in the ingredients.  I like to use a serum or moisturizer with vitamins and antioxidants after peel use.

I use them as needed, when my skin needs a little refreshing, especially as the seasons change or during the winter.  Here are some of my favorite at home peels.  At one time or another, every one of these peels has been a part of my skincare routine:

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Peel ($15-$128) - Dr. Dennis Gross has become synonymous with the word "peel."  The Alpha Beta Daily Peel is the holy grail of at home spa-grade facial peels.  I like to use this peel on my face, my chest, the backs of my arms, anywhere I am in need of some extra exfoliation.  I highly recommend this 2-step peel.  Start with the 5 pack for $15.

Philosophy Resurface - The Microdelivery Dual Phase Peel ($69) - I love, love, love this peel!  I love the way it feels on my skin, the citrus scent, but most of all, I live the amazing things it does for my skin!  It's packed with vitamin C and peptides.  It really gives a great exfoliation so that my serums and moisturizers can really sink into my skin.  Philosophy's Microdelivery line includes other greats like the Microdelivery Mini Peel Pads ($38), Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash ($26-$60), Microdelivery Triple Acid Brightening Peel ($69) and the Microdelivery Purifying Enzyme Peel ($42).  All really good stuff!

Avon Anew Advanced Retexturizing Peel ($25) - This peel has made it to staple status in my skincare arsenal.  I love it because it is convenient, just swipe the pad all over your face, chest, hands, arms, etc.  Wait til it dries, then apply your serum or moisturizer.  I use it overnight, as I do all my peels.  I always have a jar of these in my bathroom.

Bliss That's Incredi-‘Peel’! Spa-Strength Glycolic Resurfacing Pads ($49) - Bliss knows skincare, which is why this overnight peel is so good.  If you want to shrink pores and increase skin clarity, this is the peel for you!  It is spa-grade, so I recommend that you test this product out first and do not use it more than once a week.

Origins Brighter By Nature High Potency Brightening Peel with Fruit Acids ($38.50) - This peel is loaded with goodies like Japanese basil leaf, cucumber, peony and vitamin C - but with none of the harsh chemicals that can irritate more sensitive skin.  This peel is awesome at breaking down skin discolorations to reveal a more radiant complexion.  I love that these pads are all natural and use fruit acids, especially when I am on glycolic acid overload!

Take It Off

A good makeup remover is essential to all beauty mavens.  After hours under layers of paint, getting it all off is very important to unclogging pores and maintaining a clear, healthy complexion.

When I wear makeup, I only trust removal to my Olay 2 in 1 Daily Facial Cloths ($5.99).  If Olay ever discontinues these bad boys we will seriously have issues. 

I have been using them probably since I was in high school and although they are not a traditional makeup remover, they are my #1 go to for removing everything – from long-wear foundation to  waterproof mascara to red lipstick – and getting a deep down clean.

I use the smooth side on my delicate eye area and the textured side on the rest of my face for a truly deep clean and thorough makeup removal.

But…at the request of my sister, Dara, here are a few true makeup removers that I have either used or heard good things about in the past:

Sephora Collection Triple Action Cleansing Water ($12, $20) – While this is not a traditional makeup remover, I was intrigued with this product on my last visit to Sephora.  I loved how it thoroughly removed an under-eye concealer I had tried on but was still quite gentle.  I plan to pick this up for touching up makeup mistakes or removing makeup up I sample.

Clinique Take the Day Off ($18) – I have used this a time or two over the years and it is effective for eyes, lashes and lipstick removal.  It's Ophthalmologist tested and appropriate for contact lens wearers.  They also have a balm and a milk for makeup removal.

Bliss Lash + Lid Wash Makeup Remover ($16) – this remover is different from most, it’s a gel instead of a liquid or oil, but just as effective on waterproof mascara.  Bliss is offering a special 2 for $25 on this remover right now!

MAC Pro Eye Makeup Remover ($20) – As you would expect, MAC features a number of makeup removers.  Their Pro Eye Makeup Remover is a classic, but still most effective formula for taking it all off.  I am considering trying their Cleanse Off Oil.

Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover ($7.99) – An affordable makeup remover that is still quite good at getting off a stubborn smoky eye.  Shake it to activate the dual phase liquid.  It also features soothing cucumber and aloe extracts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What are your favorite eye makeup removers?

Kiki

 

Gimme Some Sugar!

Like most people, I love free stuff.  So, naturally I didn't pass up my free birthday gift from Sephora in the form of two very nice sized tubes of Sugar Lip Treatment with SPF 15 by fresh.  One was their original clear formula, the other was Sugar ROSE with a slightly sheer berry rose tint.

Both are delectable treats for the lips that will have you bidding adieu to your Chapstick, Carmex or Vaseline.

fresh describes their lip balm as a hydrating treatment that nourishes, protects and plumps the lips.  It blends nourishing oils and waxes with real sugar and also features black currant oil, grapeseed polyphenols and vitamins A, C and E.  It also protects from damaging UV rays.

The formula is devoid of parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs, triclosan, petroleum, mineral oil and lanolin.

The moisture is very long lasting.  When wearing Sugar Lip Treatment I rarely have to re-apply.

Only one tube is pictured because I lost the other one and I suspect that it was swiped...they're that good!

A full size fresh Sugar Lip Treatment with SPF 15 retails for $22.50 and is available at fresh, Sephora and other beauty retailers.

Muwah!

Kiki

What Really Makes Me Beautiful

All the creams, potions, lipsticks and paints cannot hold a candle to my true beauty secret, what REALLY makes me beautiful...my two Kevins.  Loving and being loved by my guys gives me a glow that no beauty product can recreate.

My husband of seven years, Big Kevin, has told me I'm beautiful nearly every day of my life since we fell in love in 1996.  Despite breakouts, beauty don'ts, weight fluctuations, pregnancy swelling, hair disasters - no matter what, I am still beautiful to him.

 

Little Kevin melts my heart every time he says, 'Mommy, you look beautiful!"  It is a confidence booster like no other.

I am a firm believer that when a woman is well and truly loved, her beauty shines through.

XOXO

Kiki

Simply Divine.

“A blend of skincare and fragrance, nectar of the vine and scent of rose, a tempting escape into alluring sensations, here is my latest creation. Its essence is divine.”

These are the words of Mathilde Thomas, co-creator with husband Bertrand of French skincare brand Caudalie, when describing their Divine Oil.

One spritz from this amber-hued bottle and I was in full agreement with Madame Thomas.   After receiving a bottle of Divine Oil in a Caudalie gift set that included thier signature Crushed Cabernet Scrub and a votive candle scented with the same notes of the oil, I was eager to give it a try and I wasn't disappointed. 

This versatile dry oil that moisturizes, nourishes and enhances hair, skin and nails with a unique blend of four rich oils – grape, hibiscus, sesame and argan – and also includes Caudalie’s signature Grape-seed Polyphenols for an antioxidant boost.

The spray on oil features a subtle scent - comprised of rose, grapefruit, spicy pink pepper, cedar, vanilla, and white musk - that is warm and sensual, perfect for a summer evening.

 I like to use it fresh after a bath when the skin is still damp and supple. It sinks deliciously into your skin, leaving a light fragrance in its wake and since it is a dry oil, no slick or sticky residue is left behind only shimmering, moisturized skin.

Divine Oil is also a do-gooder’s dream…with every bottle sold of Divine Oil, one tree is planted in the Amazon. Caudalie also uses no parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil or animal products.

 

Caudalie Divine Oil ($49) is available at Caudalie, Sephora and other beauty retailers.

And so it begins...again...

Welcome to Live.Love.Beauty! This blog is just a little spot where I can indulge in discussing my love of all things beauty related - from skincare to makeup to bath and body and everything in between.

Like most little girls, I was enamored with watching my mom, aunts and big sister get dolled up.  I would stand in front of my mom's mirror and lovingly touch her bottles of perfume, powders, lipsticks, etc.

In elementary school, I would flip through the pages of Vogue, Cosmopolitan and Essence and revel in all the beauty and glamour that I couldn't yet participate in.  In high school when I was finally allowed to wear a bit of paint, I tried all the beauty fads (yes, even the Chola-esque frosted lipstick rimmed in black liner).  By college, I knew what worked for me, beauty-wise and I set out to maintaining my own beauty through diligent skincare. 

Over time, I became a self-taught student of what it takes to have good, healthy skin which I believe is the foundation for a well executed makeup look.  For me, wearing makeup and trying new beauty products is more about fun than creating a facade.

I have wanted to start a beauty blog for a while now, but something always took precedence, whether it was my husband and son, my job, grad school or simply life in general. It wasn't until I realized that when your life is so full, there is no such thing as the "right time" for anything.  So, here we are, my first post!

This blog will be a collection of thoughts, reviews and discussions mainly on beauty, but it will also feature posts on the people and things I live for (family, being a wife and mother, home and travel) and the things I love (fashion, culture, art, music and literature). Basically how I maintain my own beautiful life.

I welcome you to join me on this fabulous new journey!

Kiki