CVS Beauty Products

Originally I had planned on getting the CeraVe facial wash because it was also on sale but it was still going to be $10! Near it was the Cetaphil brand face cleanser which I have also heard good things about so I opted for the CVS brand. I’ve used it a few times already and really like it! It doesn’t smell strong and leaves my face clean but not too dry. It comes in a nice large bottle with a pump so it’s very easy to use.

I also went with the “Targeted Acne Spot Treatment” which is CVS version of Neutrogena’s On the Spot. This is the benzoyl peroxide acne product I usually use since it is the only one readily available with 2.5%. Most acne products come with 10% but that is too drying and irritating. 2.5% works just as well! I haven’t used this yet since I am still using my On The Spot.

To get myself over $15 I decided to get some cleansing wipes! I love them because when I’m too tired to wash my face or just want to quickly remove my make up, I can. What I love about the CVS brand wipes is that they come in a snap-close pouch. Most wipes I have bought use the sticky close and they always pop open. The white box are comparable to Pond’s Clean Sweep and are for cleansing and make up removal. I don’t care for the smell of them really. The green box are compared to Garnier Nutri-Pure and claim to be ‘detoxifying’. Most of the products do contain parabens which I’m also not thrilled about.

In the end, I paid about $13 and I also got a box of Kleenex! Have you tried any of the CVS beauty products? If so, what is your favorite?

Photo by Alsal Photography

I haven’t been blogging as much as I should. I don’t have much of an accuse besides that my living situation has gotten really bad and it makes me quite depressed. Hopefully I’ll be moving soon. I do have a giveaway in the work but I want to hold out on that till I start blogging more. Personally, life hasn’t been treating me too well. I still have a lot going on but hopefully next month I’ll feel more secure. I won’t bore you all with personal details, if you’re interested, just ask. Now on to the main topic of this post:

Summer ‘Bucket’ List

While I don’t intend on kicking the bucket this Summer, I have a list of things I want to do.

• Blog more
• Read
• Write
• Paint/draw
• Move out
• Make some income on MTurk
• Continue to grow my hair
• Video game
• Get a new web design gig
• Camping
• Exercise
• Drink more water
• Get a job (maybe)

I’m sure there are other things I’d like to do, maybe I’ll add them eventually. Perhaps it’s a bit ambitious of me to wish to do so many things in the next few months. Either way, it should be exciting! Do you have any plans for the Summer?

Revlon Luxurious Colorsilk Buttercream in Light Brown

There seems to be a lot of new and interesting hair dyes coming out in 2013. I’m tempted to try them all but I decided to pick up the Revlon Luxurious Colorsilk Buttercream first since it’s cheap and I didn’t want much fuss with finding a good deal. Since I stopped blogging for a few months (some personal mayhem) I had rad rather dark hair that had gotten pretty long. Something snapped and I decided to go back lighter. So some strippers, bleach, and dyes later I had very damaged and much shorter dark blonde hair. I’ve been using AGE Beautiful hair dye in Dark Ash Blonde but it’s been fading quickly to a brassy color and you know how much I despise brass.

I was going to go to Sally’s to pick up some dye to go darker but I misplaced my Sally card and once before they said they needed my card. Enter Colorsilk Buttercream. It’s about $2 more than their standard Colorsilk but boasts three different butters: coconut, mango, and shea.  I found their color selection to be very lacking, especially compared to the original Colorsilk. There are no ash tones at all and only a few golden shades. I chose Light Brown but would have preferred a Light Ash Brown.

Color before using dye

The contents themselves were rather similar to the original Colorsilk. You get black gloves instead of clear however. The conditioner also comes in a packet which scared me since I hate Colorsilk’s conditioner. I was pleased though that it isn’t the same conditioner. The dye had little to no smell and didn’t burn or irritate my scalp. I felt like there could have been more dye but I have short hair and it was enough.

Light Brown results

I am pleased with the dye itself and the conditioner smelled really ‘buttery’! It was much nicer than the original Colorsilk. I’m not so pleased with the color after a few days. It looks really red/gold and has faded quite a bit. I probably won’t use this particular brand until they come out with some ash tones. Next time I’ll probably choose medium brown since light brown isn’t cutting it.

If you are looking for a dye that won’t fry your hair then this may work for you. I’ll probably stick to mixing my own dyes from now on or try out some of the new products but it’s obvious I should move on to a darker brown. I apologize for the bad photos; they were all taken in doors and I haven’t been looking my best. Apologies for this being the first blog post in a while but I hope there is more to come~

Well, I thought I was clearing up but I was struck with a horrible breakout. And my back, oh, my back! It has never been so inflamed and painful. Some of it is to blame on me; I still haven’t squashed the habit of picking at acne. But no more!

Anyways… I decided one night I would stop eating dairy completely. Then they kind of evolved into eating less refined sugars and starches. Now I’m almost at Paleo status by cutting out grains completely. What is the Paleo Diet? It is simply a diet based on that of the “cavemen”. Eating only fresh meats, poultry, fish, vegetables, fruit, nuts, and berries.

This is madness for me because I like few fruits and even fewer veggies and I don’t touch seafood. Plus, I love carbs, cheese, and creamy pastas! It’s not going to be easy, especially living with people who don’t support your healthy diet and still want to rely on processed box foods. I’ll be honest, I don’t know if I’m going to eat this way forever. I just want to test the waters for a while and see if eating this way will stop my skin from acting out.

So there you have it; probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done! I’m still transitioning because I’ve had some cheese and grains but that was the last of it! If you have any tips for going Paleo or quick, easy recipes please let me know.

Face

Simple Refreshing Facial Wash Gel

First, my face has been very clear the past two weeks. I honestly don’t know if it’s just a bout of clearness or if these pills (fish oil & saw palmetto) are working! I have a couple of dormant cysts in my chin (which I think are shrinking), a strange bump on my nose (stop picking blackheads!), and just got a tiny little pimple on my cheek yesterday that’s nearly gone. Blackheads are still rampant though, mainly on my nose. Baking soda scrubs and pore strips help but they just seem to come right back.

Today I did happen to try a new facial wash. I used the Simple Refreshing Wash Gel because it is a non-drying gel and has very few ingredients. After looking on Skin Deep I’ve decided to stick with this wash and my Olay cleanser only. All of my other cleansers and washes seem to have bad ingredients.

Body

For my body acne, I’ve been using my Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil soap bar with a loofah. My chest is almost completely clear aside from a few red marks. My back is really bad but it seems to have just purged most of the junk out and is now clearing up. I had several painful cysts on it and they are shrinking up and now I have mostly dried up acne and red marks.

Strangely, I seem to be breaking out a bit on my neck, ears, and scalp. I think it might be the argan oil I use after I was my hair but it isn’t so bad that I will completely stop using it. I also don’t know if it’s from my shampoo and conditioner; I recently started using John Frieda Full Repair and it seems to be really heavy. I find I need to shampoo every day to not be oily because the shampoo isn’t very cleansing and the conditioner is so thick and creamy.

Oil Cleansing Method

The oil cleansing method, or OCM, is just washing your face with oils (usually jojoba, almond, castor, or olive). You might be thinking, “Woah, oils cause breakouts. That’s why oil-free products are fancy.”

credit dusky

Some oils will clog pores and create break outs. Mineral oil has broken me out bad before, though it isn’t even a natural oil, and most quality oils won’t even clog pores. Think about it, water and oil don’t mix and most washes are water based. However, oil can dissolve oil! I’ve heard all kinds of great things about the OCM; it can help acne, keep skin moisturized, help stop too much oil production, and even clear blackheads.

Once I get a good oil, preferably sunflower oil, I’m going to start using the OCM since it is so affordable and natural. I don’t intend on using OCM by itself, maybe every night or every other night along with a gentle cleanser. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for a blog post about the OCM and see if it works for me!

So there you have it, it seems I’m on my way to clear skin. I can only hope it isn’t a fluke but only time will tell. Look for another update in two weeks!

I told you how I was going to clear my skin once and for all in 2013. But giving updates on my progress would be pointless if you first didn’t know my regimen to care for my face. I also have a mini update; In the post I linked I mentioned I was having a bad break out. As of now, I have no new acne and all those blemishes are already healed up! I’ve been taking HSN and fish oil at lunch and then HSN and saw palmetto at dinner.

Also, I don’t really get normal acne (though I did over New Years) but mostly painful cysts. I’ve found a great way to heal up active cysts quicker but nothing I’ve tried stops them from forming. I’ve learned that my acne is probably caused by hormones since it occurs mainly in my chin area. My aunt claims it is too much dairy but I hope not since I love cheese!

I’m hoping this will work for me but it may not work for you. I think most mild acne can be cleared with a proper regimen but severe acne is often an internal problem. I will continue to provide updates on the condition of my skin while following this regimen.

Cleansing

My cleansers and make up removers

I had been using my Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil bar but I found it a bit drying (I use it on my back and chest now). Now I am using the Olay Foaming Cleanser Sensitive and like it. It doesn’t seem to be overly drying and cleans well.

I’ve also incorporated the Alba Botanica Natural AcneDote Deep Pore Wash back into my system since it is natural and has salicylic acid. I will probably use it 2-3 times a week.  I found out the AcneDote wash isn’t very “natural” and recently changed to the Simple Facial Wash Gel which is much gentler. The facial wipes are for make up removal or when I don’t feel like washing my face. Sometimes I will just wash with water too.

My face gets cleansed twice a day. Once in the shower when I use the Olay or Simple. And once before bed where I use wipes or just water.

Moisturizing

Simple and Yes to Tomatoes moisturizers

I’m currently using these two moisturizers but mainly the Simple one. I’m almost out of the Yes To moisturizer. It contains SPF 15 and I find it a bit heavier than the Simple one. I like these because they are mostly natural and won’t irritate my skin. The Simple Replenishing Rich Moisturizer is a light lotion type product. It has no fragrance and is noncomedogenic.

I apply moisturizer once in the AM after I have cleansed my skin, typically after a shower. I also use moisturizer more often after a chemical peel when skin is dry.

Treatment/AHA

Alpha Hydrox Lotion and Souffle

These are my two Alpha Hydrox products which contain alpha hydroxy acids, specifically glycolic acid. They aid in the turnover of cell production, exfoliation, collagen production and all that jazz. One is a bit gentler than the other but I’m currently using the souffle with 12% AHA more often. I’ve also learned the Souffle now comes in a bottle rather than a tub, boo for me :/

I apply this product after my PM cleanse and leave it on through the night. I wouldn’t use these for a day or two after a chemical peel. These products can also be very drying but with proper moisturizing I don’t have problems. I like to think these help with acne but they just make your skin glow!

Exfoliate

Manual and chemical exfoliation

Good skin needs proper exfoliation, whether manual or chemical. Baking soda makes a great, affordable scrub and has replaced my Simple facial scrub (mainly because of mineral oil). To use, just mix a bit with your cleanser and gently cleanse your face. Afterwards I like to tone with apple cider vinegar to balance the pH of my skin.

My chemical exfoliant is a 40% lactic acid peel. I actually just used this today and my skin looks very clear! Lactic acid is a gentle acid that helps with acne as well as hyperpigmentation and red marks. Chemical exfoliating is my preference as it seems to provide better results and work deeper within the skin.

I will be using the baking soda once or twice a week or when I feel my skin needs a little scrubbing! The peel will be used once every 1-2 weeks. Overexfolation can be bad for the skin so I will need to use these options sparingly.

Other Treatments

Credit nongpimmy

There are a few other things I do for my skin, such as a simple ACV toner for use after baking soda. I also occasionally do a lemon and egg white mask which is supposed to tighten up pores, tone skin, and lighten red marks. Another thing I do is rub banana peels on the skin which is great for acne and marks.

Supplements I am taking include Hair Skin and Nails, Fish Oil, and Saw Palmetto. Fish oil and saw palmetto are meant to balance my hormones and stop my acne from forming. I hope to provide a complete skin update within a few days!

These lipsticks are really two colors in one which makes them so intriguing! On one side is a subtle shimmery side and the other has a more “pow” of color. So you can go sheer or bright or combine them for a completely different look.

I’m not really a lipstick girl; I find it looks too cartoonish on me or just comes off very quickly. I also found this a bit drying to so wanted to put lip balm on top.

Of the colors I received I really like Vixen. You can see I made a bit of a mess with Minx and I didn’t even try Stunner’s darker color. I find Minx the hardest to wear for my skin color but the darker color is nice. These are pretty easy to apply and there is quite a bit of product.

Minx 855

Minx is a gold and rust colored lipstick. It looks more gold in the photo but I think it has more copper and red tones in it. The shimmer side doesn’t look all that good on me but the darker colors looks nice. It’s a dark rust color with some shimmer. I probably won’t wear this color very often.

Stunner 840

Unfortunatly, I only have tried the shimmer side of Stunner. I never got around to tearing open the other end when I could just wear the other two lipsticks! This color seems to be a coral/tangerine lipcolor. I’m not sure that tone works for my skin but the shimmer side is very subtle. It’s a pinky brown color. The dark side seems to be a bright color with some shimmer. Combined they look more muted.

Vixen 820

Of the three, Vixen has been my favorite because it is so wearable. I let my aunt and a friend try this shade and they both really liked it. I find the shimmery side to be a perfect pick-me-up for your lips. It adds a perfect hint of color with some shimmer. Combined the two colors really shine. I don’t know if I would wear the dark color alone since I like them both a lot.

Myself in Vixen

Overall, I think these are an excellent choice for lip colors. Especially if you want to change up your look on the go and want a lot of variety in your lipsticks. I would be interested in trying other shades as well. I do think they are somewhat drying and they smell like lipsticks, which I don’t like. They also don’t last super long.

Have you tried the BlastFlipStick? What’s your favorite shade?

Caboodles Make Up Case

I love my new case! It makes putting on my make up much simpler and quicker! I don’t have to look for certain things and it keeps everything a lot cleaner. It would even be easy to travel with! The case also has a key and lock. You know, just in case someone wants my fancy make ups.

ELF Blush (Candid Coral)

This is my new ELF blush in the shade Candid Coral. I’ve never tried a coral before; I really am not a big blush person but my current blush is way too pink for me. This was $3 at Target. I find the color to be extremely sheer. I do like it though because I only need a bit of shimmer and tint on my pale skin. The color is more of a peachy color rather than an orange color.

ELF Eyelash Curler

This is the $1 eyelash curler. I will probably continue to purchase this one because of the price and it works just fine. It also includes another rubber pad when the first wears down. I also like that it has an extra loop for your finger. It works great at curling my lashes!

ELF Eyelid Primer

Another $1 ELF product; eyelid primer. I’ve used it a few times and can’t tell a huge difference. I’ve read reviews of this product and it doesn’t seem to be a very good primer. I use mostly cream eyeshadows right now so it doesn’t help a lot.

ELF Eyeliner and Shadow Stick (Smoke)

This is a liner and shadow stick in one ($3). I got the shade Smoke because I needed a dark eyeshadow for smokey eyes and such. I really like stick shadows because they are easy to apply. This one is really lovely. The liner on the other hand smudges super easy! You also can’t have it out very far when you put on the lid. As you can see, I smashed mine.

No big reviews or swatches just yet. If you’d like to see them please comment and I can create some reviews for these products. There are some hits and misses but for a few bucks it’s fun to experiment with new make up. I would certainly choose this brand in the future.

And this year I have a list of resolutions I hope to accomplish:

1. Lose 3-5 pounds
2. Exercise
3. Eat healthy
4. No alcohol
5. Get clear skin
6. Grow my hair
7. Keep blogging!

Getting healthy isn’t easy at all. Well for now I don’t feel so good and can’t do my yoga, but I often don’t have time to exercise. I hope to begin regular yoga this week! Eating right is also not simple because I enjoy going out to eat and I like tasty things! I have bought lower fat or fat free options. I’m also incorporating spinach, lean meats, and other good-for-you snacks into my diet.

Supplements for Acne

There was a girl who sounded similar to me with skin issues but I can’t find her blog now. She tried everything and finally found that fish oil helped her skin. I’ve decided to try fish oil as well as saw palmetto which I’ve heard is like a natural Accutane. I just started taking them today and if I have any side effects I will stop the saw palmetto first because it can cause side effects.

I also just rubbed a banana peel on my face. I’ve seen and read great things about their healing properties. Although, I have a crazy break out right now! I’ve actually not looked this bad for a long time. It may just be my flu mixed with the New Year but I hope to clear it up soon with these supplements and that banana!

AGE Beautiful hair dye (Light Ash Brown)

By Odin’s Beard, my hair will be long this year! I will get trims but I want the length to reach my shoulders. I did just dye it, twice. I had it a little lighter with the peroxide and baking soda but of course hot roots. So I used Ion Medium Ash Blonde with Unred and I really hated the results. A few days later (today) I chose a new brand that I have never used before: AGE Beautiful.

I never thought about using it because it’s for gray-haired people and I’m not that. However, I loved it. I got Light Ash Brown which has a green base. They also have Light Cool Brown with a purple base. They even have a dark purple brown color which I love but I don’t want to go that dark. I may do a review on it later once the color has had time to “settle”.

My blog should be more active now that I’m feeling better! I have my post about my new make up case and ELF cosmetics coming tomorrow. Also, look for a review of that hair dye and even a giveaway! There will also be more of my hair growth blogs and I will be starting a clear skin series to show my progress.

Blonde update

Where have I been?

Now a little personal update since I haven’t blogged in some time. I have a few post ideas lined up. Such as what I got for Christmas, my make up haul, and more. I also used the baking soda and peroxide technique to lighten up my hair. It worked but I’m probably going to dye over it. So expect posts and photos of all that! I also said I’d be changing the look of the blog so look forward to that.