Controlling Oily Skin

Consumer Health Digest recently reached out to me and asked if I would make a video on tips for oily skin. I had already been working on this post so it was a perfect fit! After you watch the video, read on for specific product recommendations!

 


1: Prep
A common misconception with oily skin is to try to strip the natural oils and 'dry up' the skin. This is dangerous because the more you try to rid the skin of oil, the more it will produce to over-compensate. It is important to balance the skin by finding a skincare routine that works for you, this will help you makeup-wise in the long run because you will have better behaving skin! While it may take a little while to figure out your perfect personalized skincare routine, always make sure you moisturize before you apply your makeup. Look for items that say 'oil free', 'lightweight' or 'gel' on the bottles. Some of my favorites are:  

Korres Pomegranate Balancing Cream-Gel Moisturizer
Boscia Revitalizing Black Hydration Gel
Murad Skin Perfecting Lotion for Oily and Blemish Prone Skin

2: Primers
Mattifying primers not only extend the wear time of your foundation and keep you shine-free longer, but they also smooth over the skin and fill in pores and fine lines! My two favorites are the Becca Ever Matte Poreless Priming Perfector and the
Smashbox Oil Free Pore Minimizing Primer. A word of caution with the Becca one, it is the most matte primer I have ever tried and a little goes a long way, so start out with a tiny amount and thoroughly blend it in to avoid patchiness.

3: Base Products
Some people think that a liquid foundation will just melt off when you have oily skin, but that is not true at all! You just want to look for something mattifying and/or free of added oils. Some of my favorites, in no particular order are:

Hourglass Immaculate- a medium coverage that includes cashmere kaolinite clay (which can absorb 75% its weight in oil) leaving a matte finish and an airy feel.

Make Up For Ever Face & Body- a light-to-medium coverage that is made up of 80% water for an invisible look and feel to the skin. This foundation is good for ALL skin types and it is one of my personal favorites.

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet Plus- a full coverage foundation providing a silky, breathable matte finish. The color selection has also expanded making color matching much easier.

Becca Ever-Matte Shine Proof- a creamy feeling (perfect for combination skin) medium-full coverage foundation that is great for those with golden undertones.

Urban Decay Naked Skin- medium-full coverage and great for combination skin as well. It leaves a natural matte finish and looks like real skin. 

4: Powder 
This is a crucial step in making sure your face stays as matte as possible, and most people do it wrong! The best way to use powder on oily skin is to press-and-roll it on with a sponge or a powder puff. You don't want to dust powder on with a brush because it will not absorb your oils throughout the day. My favorite high end mattifying powder is the Make Up For Ever Duo Matte and my favorite drugstore mattifying powder is the Maybelline Dream Matte. And remember, press and roll people, press and roll.

5: Setting Spray 
This is a finishing product that is like a hairspray for your face! That might sound gross, but I promise you it's not. My favorites are by Urban Decay, they have a hydrating, oil control, and normal skin version. I use a setting spray on all of my brides because it only takes a few seconds and it works wonders, especially for those with oily skin. It also cuts down on makeup transferring onto your clothes or cell-phone which is always a good thing!

6: Touch ups
When you have oily skin you will need to touch up your makeup throughout the day. The best way to do this without caking on more makeup is to use a blotting product. 

*Blotting Sheets: these are meant to absorb oil without disturbing the makeup underneath. They lift the oil off of the skin while leaving all of your foundation, blush, bronzer, etc behind. Boscia makes my favorites, I love the 'green tea' ones as well as the 'pink peppermint' ones. You can find Boscia blotting sheets at Sephora but you can find other brands at the drugstore as well.

*Blotting Powder: this is different than a regular foundation powder or setting powder because it is not meant to add color or coverage, just to absorb oil and shine without adding heavy layers on to the skin. This means you can re-apply it throughout the day without it getting thick and gross. My favorite is the Becca Blotting Powder Perfector because it it so smooth and finely milled, plus it comes in two colors: 'translucent' for light to medium skin tones and 'tinted' for medium to deep skin tones.

What are your favorite products for oily skin?

Skincare Saturdays - A Quick Fix For Dull Skin

One of my favorite 'quick fix' skincare products is the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel. Not only will you start to see results right away, but the results will continue and improve with continued use. They also have a 'regular' and 'gentle' version, but I've used the extra strength and it's never irritated my skin.

What it is:
This 2 step treatment is for daily use. It has a seven acid combination that works to rejuvenate the skin to uncover a brighter, smoother and healthier complexion. The treatments come in individually wrapped, pre-soaked pads for easy use.

What it does:
The 2 step treatment works together to provide exfoliation in Step One, and nourishment and balance in Step Two. Your skin will immediately look and feel refreshed and your following skincare routine will be more effective. Expect to see improvement in skin texture, radiance and a diminishment of fine lines with continued use.


Who it's for: 
This treatment works on all skin types and is targeted to those looking to treat rough, dry or dull skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and acne-prone, breakout skin.

How to use: 
Once a day, apply Step One pad to clean, dry skin, using circular motions. Continue application until pad feels dry. Wait two minutes for the acids to activate on your skin and follow with pad in Step Two to neutralize, using the same technique as before. Do not rinse after either step or use products containing alcohol. Make sure to avoid contact with eyes and use sunscreen daily to help prevent photo-aging. 

Ingredients:

5 Treatments

-Glycolic Acid: Reduces the signs of aging.

-Salicylic Acid: Reduces pore blockages and supports natural collagen.
-Mandelic Acid: Supplements the anti-aging benefits of glycolic acid and possesses anti-irritation and anti-redness properties.
-Lactic Acid: A naturally occuring Alpha Hydroxy Acid that supports natural cell renewal.

Step One:
Water, Alcohol Denat. (SD Alcohol 40-B), Glycolic Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Water, Salicylic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Malic Acid, Citric Acid, Salix Alba (Willow) Bark Extract, Menthone Glycerin Acetal, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Soy Isoflavones, Copper PCA, Zinc PCA, Lecithin, Disodium EDTA, Alcohol, Polysorbate 80, Fragrance (Parfum), Linalool, Benzyl Salicylate, Benzoic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Benzoate.

Step Two:
Water, Sodium Bicarbonate, Resveratrol, Retinol, Ascorbic Acid, Ubiquinone, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Phospholipids, Retinyl Palmitate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Soy Isoflavones, Achillea Millefolium Extract , Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Root Extract, Copper PCA, Sodium PCA, Zinc PCA, Lecithin, Polysorbate 20, Polysorbate 80, Alcohol, BHT, Octoxynol-9, Simethicone, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol.

This product is vegan and cruelty free and does not contain parabens, sulfates or phthalates.

*all product information taken from sephora.com 
 
 

Skincare Saturdays - Recent Empties

I am starting a new segment on my blog, Skincare Saturdays! Each Saturday will be a mini skincare tip or product recommendation, so let me know some of your skincare concerns. I thought I'd start off the first installment with some thoughts about products I have recently finished up.

 
Neutrogena Oil-Free Pink Grape Fruit Acne Wash
I kept this face wash in the shower and was pleased with its scent and the way it made my skin feel fresh without stripping it of moisture. It contains salicylic acid which helps promote cell turnover; fighting breakouts and maintaining glowing skin.

Fresh Sugar Face Polish
I love, love, love this face polish! I only had a small jar of this but enjoyed every use. Sugar is a natural humectant which means it it will draw moisture to your skin and keep it there. It also is a gentle exfoliator so my skin was glowy and smelled delicious after every use. I highly recommend this product and will absolutely repurchase!

Origins GinZing Moisturizer
I have used this moisturizer on and off for a few years now and have probably gone through 3 jars. It has a lightweight texture that is perfect for any skin type as it provides beautiful hydration without getting greasy. It has a light citrus scent which is pleasant, invigorating and not at all overwhelming. I use this a lot on my clients as well because it performs beautifully under any foundation. My favorite moisturizer is still the Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve, but I would certainly never turn down another jar of this one!

Caudalie Cleansing Water
This cleansing water was gentle while still breaking up heavy makeup. I would use it on a cotton round, wash my face, then use another around my eyes to get off leftover mascara and eyeliner. I did notice that my skin had more oils the days after I used this.

*** 

What are some skincare items that you have recently finishied? Would you purchase them again? And please leave me comments for future Skincare Saturday posts!

 

A+ Beauty Products

Tomorrow starts the first day back at my tutoring job, which means helping students with tons of math homework! With grades on my mind, I compiled a list of my Top 10 favorite beauty products that earn an A+ in my book.

1. Beauty Blender: The best tool I've ever used for achieving flawless foundation and concealer. Read my review here, and get an extra Beauty Blender tip here.

2. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation: A silky smooth, natural looking foundation that photographs beautifully and feels invisible. Read my review here.

3. Mac Pro-Longwear Concealer: The best concealer I've found for my stubborn dark under eye circles. I guess that's what you get when you're Italian :)

4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders: These powders make you look like you're glowing from the inside out and are the perfect setting/finishing powders for any foundation. My favorites are Ethereal, Dim and Diffused.

5. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner: The steadiest and most fool-proof liquid liner I've ever tried. Super long lasting, it took me a year to finish one up!

6. Nars Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow: The shade 'Himalia' is described as a 'shimmering topaz' and is my favorite everyday shadow. They can be applied damp or dry with stunning results.

7. Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz: Whether you are looking for natural brows or bold ones, this pencil lets you control every stroke.

8. Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine Lipstick: These lipsticks are addicting, they are literally Jolly Ranchers for your lips. My most worn colors are #12 Coral Incandescent, #14 Coral In Touch, and #5 Fuchsia in Excess. My favorite natural pink is #8 Pink In Confidence.

9. Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask: The most hydrating and non-sticky balm of all time. It also looks beautiful over lip-stains or lipsticks and can be used as an over-night treatment.

10. Caudalie Beauty Elixir: Elegance in a spray bottle, this mist makes you feel hydrated and refreshed and it's decadent mix of herbal scents makes you feel like royalty. Read my review here.

***

What products earn an A+ for you?

Too Faced Hangover Replenishing Face Primer Review

If you have been searching for a super hydrating, calming primer, look no further than the Hangover Replenishing Primer by Too Faced! Now I am not a huge primer fan, they usually irritate my skin and make it appear more patchy and dry, but this primer is a drink of water (coconut water in fact) for your complexion. 

It promises bright, dewy skin that glows with health and will replenish moisture levels with coconut water and probiotics. I certainly noticed that my skin looked hydrated and healthy, possibly with even a bit of shine by the end of the day, which never happens for me. I can't definitively say if it made my pores diminish or my makeup last longer as I don't have issues with either of those things, but it is certainly the most moisturizing primer I have ever used, and I feel like you can use it as your day moisturizer & primer all in one. 


It's cruelty free & vegan friendly and is free of silicone so it doesn't have a heavy feel when applied. It costs $32 for 1.35 oz and comes in a squeeze tube with a pump for convenience. There is a faint, pleasant coconut scent that fades quickly upon application. 

Ingredients:
Water, Lactobacillus/Salix Alba Bark Ferment Filtrate, Propanediol Dicaprylate, Propanediol, Ceteareth-6 Olivate, Olive Glycerides, Lactobacillus Ferment, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hydrogenated Olive Oil, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Cellulose Gum, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Pectin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Xanthan Gum, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil Unsaponifiables, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Juice, Lauryl Alcohol Diphosphonic Acid, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Lecithin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Fragrance, Lauric Acid, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates 
- Phthalates 

If you loved the Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Face Primer this Too Faced one is very similar but even more hydrating! *You can still find the Korres Primer on Sephora.com but it is being discontinued.

The only others primers I personally enjoy for my skin are the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer, the Hourglass N° 28 Primer Serum and the Becca Resurfacing Primer.  

What are your favorite face primers and which ones should I try next?

Best Fix for Tired Eyes - GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment

This quick fix for dark, puffy, or tired eyes only takes three minutes and will leave you looking refreshed and awake! The GlamGlow BrightMud Eye Treatment is my favorite under-eye pick me up because it treats a multitude of sins and quickly reverses the effects of a sick day or late night out.

What It Does:
This mud is multi-purpose, with ingredients and technology that hydrate, tighten, smooth and help diminish dark circles all while absorbing toxins and depositing nutrient, fatigue fighting minerals. Each box comes with 12 Chrome Cell packets that can be cut in half to maximize each eye mask. 

How To Use:
With your ring finger, tap the mud mask underneath the eye and extend it to the orbital bone if you wish. You will feel a warm tingly sensation and this is normal, but be careful not to get any in your eyes. Leave the mask on for three minutes (don't allow the product to dry) and wipe off with a washcloth or tissue.

Insider Tip:
Like I mentioned above, I choose to cut each closed packet in half and use one pod for both eyes to double the product and save cash. There is a ton in each pod, and personally, I found I was wasting a great deal when I used a full packet.

Results after a single (3 minute) use of the Glam Glow BrightMud Eye Treatment

Ingredients: (from Sephora website)
-Nitroffeine™ 14%: Provides an immediate temporary ‘zing’ sensation; provides awakening and fatigue reduction. 
-Juvelane™ 2.5%: Designed to activate retinol-like activity without the disadvantages. 
-Dihydroxymethylchromone: Supports natural collagen synthesis and reduces its breakdown. 
-Cyclicpeptide: Fights visible signs of aging. 
-Troxerutin: Supports natural capillary microcirculation. 
-Ectoin: Repairs and defends. 
-TEAOXI™ Peppermint Technology: Activates sensory trpm8 cold compression to de-puff eyes; helps skin look noticeably smoother and brighter.
- Formulated Without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates

***

It doesn't bother me, but some people say the tingling sensation feels more like a sting; if that's the case for you check out the Bliss Triple Oxygen Energizing Eye Mask instead.

What is your go-to fix for tired eyes?

My Skincare Secret... shhhh don't tell!

“Once upon a time, there was a book of spells found on the banks of the Seine, in Paris. Doctor Hertzog, who was renowned for his mesotherapy treatments, found a recipe in it for the youth elixir used by Queen Isabella of Hungary in the 17th century. It is said that she charmed the king of Poland, thirty-five years her junior, with her radiant complexion. The dermatologist entrusted his discovery to Mathilde Thomas, who was just launching Caudalie. In 1996, Beauty Elixir was born. And what is the recipe for this versatile natural cocktail? Benzoin to soothe the skin, myrrh to renew, rosemary essential oil to purify, lemon balm to calm and peppermint to stimulate, along with orange blossom to soften, rose for radiance and, of course, moisturizing grape pulp 
extract, Caudalie’s signature ingredient.” ~ Caudalie


Now that you know some of the history behind my skincare secret, let me tell you a little bit about how I use it and why I love it so much!

Caudalie's Beauty Elixir is a multi purpose spray, part toner and part serum mist of essential oils and plant active ingredients. It is my morning energizer, my midday pick-me-up and my nighttime de-stressor. I will spray it on my complexion in the morning & throughout the day and my favorite part is that you are actually supposed to inhale the mist as you spray it because it's revitalizing for the skin and for the body. It really does refresh me inside and out and it is something that I will always repurchase. It soothes and brightens the skin when worn alone as a treatment and it also makes foundation and powder sit more naturally when sprayed over makeup. It is formulated to smooth the skin, tighten pores and provide an instant burst of radiance, as it stimulates microcirculation.

Formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

I really do suggest it to everyone (except if you are sensitive to plant oils) and the great thing is that it comes in two sizes, a 1 ounce bottle for $18 and a 3.4 ounce for $49, so it's affordable to try and see if you like it.

If you have tried the Beauty Elixir, or if you have your own skincare secret, let me know in the comments below!

Fresh Peony Brightening Night Treatment Mask Review

Fresh has hit a home run again with their amazing new sleeping mask! They have always been one of my all-time favorite skincare brands and I could rave about any of their products all day, but I wanted to specifically review their new treatment mask. 

***

The Peony Brightening Night Treatment Mask visibly brightens the appearance of the skin and diminishes dark spots and uneven skin tone while providing extreme hydration. It has a smooth, dense texture without the sticky feel and it absorbs quickly into the skin like a night cream so it won't leave any residue on your pillowcase. The hydration it provides is instant, you can literally feel your skin drink it up. It smells like cucumber with a tiny bit of a floral scent which I'm assuming is the peony. It's formulated without parabens, sulfates or phthalates and retails for $65.00 for 1.6 ounces. 

* Cucumber Extract calms and softens the skin as it hydrates.

* Amino Acids help to visibly smooth the skin and firm wrinkles.

* Peony and Licorice Root Extract combined with Vitamin C help reduce and prevent the appearance of dark spots and uneven skin tone while brightening the complexion as a whole.

This mask really did transform my skin overnight. When I woke up my face was the softest it has ever felt and all traces of dryness were erased. My skin looked radiant and soothed and my makeup applied more evenly. It is my new favorite hydrating treatment by far, and I love the extra brightening that it gives. All ages and skin types can benefit from this mask, and I definitely would rate it at 5 stars! Fresh says it can be used 1-2 times per week, but I've used it more often than that with no ill results.

If you do decide to try it out, let me know what you think about it in the comment section below!

Winter Skin Savers

Photo by Michele Shirley

The cold, blustery, winter weather can stress out the very best of skin, and living in Connecticut, I've seen my fair share of harsh winters. But what happens when moisturizer alone isn't enough? You shouldn't have to deal with irritated, red, dry or dull skin! Great makeup is only as good as the skin that lies underneath, so you need to take care of yours and protect it from stressful conditions. 




Oils
Face oils are a great add on to your beauty routine, especially in the winter time. They add extra hydration and boost radiance while still feeling lightweight and clean. Oils are true multi-taskers and if you choose the right one and apply it correctly, it won't make you greasy. The correct way to apply oil is to put about 3 drops into your hands, then massage your palms together to distribute it. Then press your palms onto your forehead, cheeks and chin and let it absorb. Everyone can wear an oil, it is just a matter of finding the one that works for you. As an example, many people LOVE Josie Maran's Argan oils but they make me break out like crazy! What works for one person might not for another, so take home some samples and figure out what helps your skin feel its best. My two personal favorites are Boscia's Tsubaki Beauty Oil and Fresh's Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil.

* Boscia's Tsubaki Oil works well with any skin type. It absorbs immediately and leaves zero greasy residue but truly imparts baby-soft skin. I have dry skin and I love it, and friends with oily skin love it for morning and evening use too! It has a pleasant, faint floral smell and helps combat oil, shrink pores and improve fine lines. If you only try one oil, this would be it!

* Fresh's Seaberry Oil is the most hydrating oil I have tried, yet it doesn't weigh down my skin. Sea Buckthorn is its hero ingredient, and it is a very interesting one because it has been used to treat a multitude of skin issues ranging from eczema to severe burns. It soothes, moisturizes and repairs the skin, leaving it healthy and glowing. Being dry skinned, I can wear this in the morning or evening, but those with normal/combo/oily skin will probably only want to wear it at night.

Masks
Masks are my favorite skincare category hands down. I love to use them all year round, whether for clearing toxins, minimizing pores or adding radiance. Masks are great for soothing and hydrating as well. My top three picks are the Glam Glow Thirsty Mud Hydrating Treatment, the Korres Greek Yoghurt Sleeping Facial, and the Boscia Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask. All of these masks are meant to be left on while you sleep, which is great because they can penetrate deeper into your skin, but it also might mean that your pillow could stick to your face (haha). I've never used a silk pillowcase, but one is recommended for treatments like these because they will glide a little bit better against your skin instead of sticking to it.

* Glam Glow is famous for their deep cleaning and anti-aging masks, and they recently added a hydrating mask into their lineup. It is meant to be used overnight to lock in moisture and sooth the skin. It smells absolutely delicious, like cinnamon and sugar, and it leaves your skin feeling silky and hydrated. Just know that this mask stays wet on the surface of the skin, so you might wake up with your hair or bits of fuzz stuck to your face.

* A step up from your nighttime moisturizer, the Korres Greek Yoghurt Sleeping Facial soothes redness and adds proteins, minerals and vitamins to stressed skin leaving the complexion soft and hydrated. It is supposed to be used every so often as a 'facial in a jar' but it is gentle enough to use every night if you wish. Unlike the other two masks, this one will absorb completely into your skin like a moisturizer, so you won't have to worry about it getting onto your pillowcase! I love its subtle scent and soft texture, and I sometimes even use this during the day when I'm feeling extra dry.

* Boscia just released another mask, sure to be a favorite just like their peel-off Luminizing Black Mask. This one is also meant to be left on overnight and promises a smoother surface, smaller pores, a bright glow and hydrated skin. This mask delivers with a subtle flowery scent that is pleasant and not overwhelming. I love how soft it leaves my face and how creamy the mask texture is on my skin. Again, this mask stays wet on the surface of the skin, so you might wake up with your hair or bits of fuzz stuck to your face.


Lip Products
Don't forget about your lips, they get ragged this time of year as well! The best way to combat dry, chapped lips is with a lip scrub and an intensive balm. 

* My favorite lip scrub is by Bite Beauty, it tastes like cherry and it's all natural, made with food-grade fruit butters. 

* When I want a tint, I love my Dior Lip Glow and my Fresh Sugar Lip Balm in 'Rose'. The Dior one changes to a girly pink that suits your individual skin tone, and the Fresh one adds a subtle, natural looking hue. (Dior just added a coral color as well!)

* For intense overnight repair you want to use a product without SPF, and the Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy balm is the best I've ever tried for deep hydration.

UPDATE: I had written this post before I found this next item, but I wanted to share it because it is better than anything else (even the Fresh Sugar Advanced Therapy) I've ever tried for deep hydration!

* The Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask is incredible! This antioxidant packed treatment is comprised of agave nectar, jojoba oil and vanilla CO2 extract that will intensely hydrate the lips and get rid of cracks or dryness. It's natural, free of gluten and petroleum, and it smells and tastes amazing! It's thick in the tube but it feels like a soothing lip balm once applied, so I like to wear it throughout the day and at night.

Stay warm!