At Home Spa Day

Since I've been busy packing and moving to another house, I haven't been posting like I should. I also haven't been taking care of my skin like I should. Boy oh boy, do I see a difference! So, finally on a day that I am off--it's Netflix and skin therapy time. Down below are a list of fotd (aka face of the day). 

1. Nuxe Gelee Exfoliante Douce

I've recently ran out of my Ole Henriksen Walnut Complexion Scrub and decided to try something new. My skin can be sensitive when it comes to testing out new products. I'll get all itchy and eventually break out in hives. But I have to say, I can't get enough of Nuxe's products! This gentle gel exfoliant feels more like an exfoliating masque.  The mixture of lychee seeds and walnut shell powders help slough off dead skin. While the gel soothes and gently exfoliates the skin. If you're sensitive this is a perfect scrub! Just remember to use your middle and ring fingers and gently scrub. This left my skin feeling fresh and smoother! I'm not a huge fan of the scent, but that's because I don't like the smell of rose. But if you do, it's a lovely product. If you don't, just hold your breath, like I did. 

2. Nuxe Reve del Miel

If you've seen my pervious post, you know that I brought four of these! Stocking up, just in case there's a zombie apocalypse. Just kidding...sort of. This is my must-have lip balm. There's always one on my night stand and one on my desk for my AM/PM regimen. Reve del Miel is a lip-saver! Especially during the dry and cold seasons, my lips can gets pretty dry that it cracks and swells up. However, by using this lip balm before bed and then again in the morning, my lips are always hydrated and smooth. No more cracked or inflamed lips! Whoot whoot!  

3. Image Skincare The MAX Stem Cell Masque 

Although Image Skincare is a little pricey, it is completely worth it! You don't need much, just a thin layer and you're good. I only use this masque once a week, so it has last a long time. MAX Stem Cell Masque leaves my skin feeling hydrated, tighter, and glow-y!

XX

I don't think I've ever mentioned this...but I am NOT sponsored by Image Skincare.  Four years ago, I was introduced to Image when I was still studying esthetics and I've been using Image Skincare ever since. Luckily my spa also carries Image Skincare and I am able to share my favs with my clients and to you guys!

Bedside Beauty for the (Lazy) Busy Gals

I've made cleansing my skin part of my daily routine like brushing my teeth and making my bed. Something my middle school and high school me didn't quite think was important. Yes, I too used to sleep with my make-up! Some nights, my bed or desk was far too comfy for me to get up and walk to the bathroom (which is only about 10 steps away from my room) to actually wash my face.

But when I went to college, things changed. I left my beauty products on my nightstand or closet, because my dorm was one of the oldest and we didn't have the luxury of huge cubbies (plus I didn't want any of the boys stealing my shampoo)! This sudden change made me question what I've been doing all of my teenage years. Having all of my beauty essentials right by my side, make it easier to lazily cleanse my skin, as I'm finishing up an essay at one in the morning or after a night out. So, when I came back home, I kept my beauty products like my facial wipes, night creme, and serums on my nightstand for emergencies. I also picked up an odd habit during my years in college which is showering really late at night no matter what. But that's a different story for another post!

Anyways, keeping my beauty essentials on my nightstand was the best thing that happened to me and my skin! Besides being too tired to wash your face, hopefully some skincare science will help you with the transition--did you know that you should never store your skincare products in the bathroom, because the heat and steam from showering can cause the product to deteriorate? Yup, it's true! But maybe that doesn't matter to you as much as being able to cleanse your skin in bed with your eyes closed is. Either way, there's no morning guilt!

So for all my lazy busy beauties, all you need by your nightstand are:
1) Cleansing wipes
2) Moisturizer/night creme
3) Lip treatment

*Whatever your night regime is, keep it by your night side! Maybe minus the cleanser, because that'll only get messy and it's weird. As you can see, I like to keep my serum, hand creme, and essential oil on my nightstand too. One to combat dryness and the other to relieve stress.

What's on your nightstand? XX

Beauty Favs: SPF Edition

It's no secret that you have to wear SPF during the summer when the sun is blazing. But did you know that you still need the same protection during winter? The truth is, whether it's rainy, cloudy, or snowing you still need to wear sunscreen! The sun's powerful rays not only penetrate through clouds, but even your very own car windows. The damage to your skin is much greater, because it's something you can't visible see until later. While UVB is dangerous and results in sunburns and skin cancer, you're somewhat protected during your commute, because UVB doesn't penetrate through your car windows. UVA on the other hand does. UVA not only causes aging and wrinkles, but also contributes to skin cancer too! No matter the weather or seasons, both the UVA/UVB is dangerous and harmful to your skin and health.

So, remember--wear sunscreen even during the winter to protect yourself and your skin from skin cancer, aging, and hyperpigmentation. Choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (to protect yourself from UVA/UVB) with SPF 25+.


These are my three favorite broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection SPF:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 30
I started using this product when I was in high school and just never stopped! This is my go-to lazy day and gym day SPF. Even during my Netflix-in-bed-marathon, I'll cleanse my face in the morning and lather this on.  It also has a nice floral scent meanwhile giving me the ultimate protection and it's budget-friendly. I also apply this on my hands before driving. It doesn't leave me hands sticky or white, but I love knowing that I'm taking care as well as protecting my hands as I do for my face. Can't be looking all cute and having my hands ruin (or more like age) me!

Image Skincare Prevention+ Daily Tinted Moisturizer Oil-Free SPF 30+
I looove this tinted SPF!  I wear this literally everyday (unless it's my lazy day, of course) and even my night out around the town. It gives me great protection, coverage, and a nice glow. For me, the tinted moisturizer has the right amount of moisture and coverage that I can actually substitute foundation. It's the only thing I wear, day or night, working or clubbing--I'm wearing this!

BareMinerals Original Foundation Board Spectrum SPF 15 in Medium Beige 
Like I mentioned before, you must reapply your SPF every 2 hours! But like most ladies out there, I don't like touching my face after I've put on my "face". Especially when blush is involved. However, I found out that dusting on a power that also has SPF, like BareMinerals is the secret! Not only are you eliminating your chances of smearing or messing up your make-up every time you're reapplying your SPF, you're also applying a layer of coverage and protection! That is something I can't get out of any regular SPF.


What's your favorite SPF? XX

Give The Gift Of Beautiful Skin

I recently went to an Image Skincare Event to get together with some old friends, network, learn, drink champagne, and of course get my hands on Image Skincare Merry and Bright 2014 Holiday Gift Set! I wasn't so excited for it at first prior to the event, because I thought it would just be their mini holiday 1 oz pump bottles. However, this holiday, Image surprised us with full size products and a FREE bag! If you haven't heard of Image Skincare yet (you must be living under a rock), their products are highly effective, paraben-free, natural, full of antioxidants, medical grade ingredients, easy to use, and suitable for all skin types! The thing about Image is, it isn't sold in drugstores, department stores or online. But at your local spas or dermatologists' office. So, although it may be harder to get, it's completely worth it. If you don't know where to find Image Skincare, you can comment below where you're from and I can help find you a spa or you can call Image Skincare directly at 561-791-2602 and a licensed esthetician can help. 

What's great about this holiday set is, it contains the essentials: cleanser, serum, moisturizer/SPF, and a lip treatment. So, if you're running low on skincare products or have a long Christmas list, this is a great gift set to give to anyone on your list! Now, let's talk about the moola...it's value at $200, but you can get it for $125 (the MAX Stem Cell Serum alone is $93.50...ekkk)! Okay, I know, it's not the cheapest holiday set. But like I said before, it's completely worth it! Honestly, you know you spent way more than that during Sephora's VIB Rouge and VIB member event. Am I right...or am I right? 

Here are the four products that is included with one complimentary bag!

1) The MAX Stem Cell Facial Cleanser 
This is my mom's favorite cleanser. I think the smell alone is what got her hooked! Besides the lovely smell, the Max Cleanser is acid-free, sulfate free, and paraben free. Like all of Image Skincare cleaners, it's a triple treat, a 3-in-1 kind of cleanser: facial cleanser, toner, and exfoliator. Not only is the product convenient and easy to use, but the Max Cleanser also helps optimize your skin's pH level--meaning balance, protection, and products absorbing deeper into your skin!
2) The MAX Stem Cell Serum 
I've never actually tried this serum personally, not because I don't want to, but it's because I'm already using two serums from Image Skincare! Although I haven't used it, I've heard nothing but great things about this serum from clients. According to Image Skincare, this day and night serum helps rejuvenates, plump, and firm your skin. What takes this serum to the next level? Three words: stem cell technology. What is that, you ask? Well, plant-derived stem cells are great to have in products, since it protects and repairs your living cells! Maximizing results and healthy skin.
3) Prevention + Ultimate Protection Moisturizer SPF 50 
Now, this is a product that I have tried and adore! This ultra-sheer, lightweight moisturizer with a build in SPF is beyond amazing!  It gives you the moisture your skin loves while giving your skin the ultimate protection and prevention. Although I really love this product for its great benefits, the smell alone is what did it for me! I mean, who doesn't like the smell of pina colada?! Humm...pina colada sounds nice right now.
4) Ormedic Balancing Lip Enhancement Complex
This is a must have, if you want smooth and Kylie Jenner's lip (not pre-teen Kylie, but current teen Kylie). It gives a subtle shine, but not sticky, something I love when I'm on-the-go and on a time limit. The smell alone is just amazing, I think it smells exactly like how M&M's White Chocolate Candy Corn tastes! But like all of Image's products, there are great benefits besides the smell. This product contains the purest organic ingredients, polypeptide complex, and antioxidants! It's also great for dry, dehydrated lips, and post dermal filler injections. This is a must have item!

Hee hee...I just realized I raved a lot about the smell of Image Skincare products! Anyways, this is how the bag looks like!

Beauty Tip: Plucker Up and Protect Your Lips!

Happy Sunday!

I'm sure that a lot of us are guilty with neglecting our lips. We think that smearing on lip balm is enough to keep them moisturized and protected, while lathering and treating everything around our face from cleansers, exfoliants, serums, moisturizers and SPF. But sadly, our lips rarely get that much loving. Protecting your lips is important, because it's expose to harsh and unpredictable weather, and dun...dun...dun...sunlight! Our lips also has a very thin protective layer and can easily crack from lack of care, which can be very painful and may lead to infection! Plus, what's the point of applying lipstick if your lips are dry and flaky?

Here are my steps on obtaining soft, smooth, and healthy lips:

1. Cleanse

Cleanse, cleanse, cleanse! I know, I know, you know, but believe it or not, cleansing one's lip is often forgotten! I normally just take a cotton pad, dab Image Skincare's Vital C Cleanser and add some water (of course you can just cleanse your lips as you're washing your face). What I love about this cleanser is that it's creamy, ultra-hydrating, and paraben free! 

2. Refine & moisturize

Grab your old toothbrush (or a mascara wand), Vaseline and just move your toothbrush in circular motion until you effectively remove the majority of the dead skin cells or until it feels soft enough for you! If you're not busy, lazy, or just in need of some extra lip loving. Mix some brown sugar, honey, and coconut oil to get a deep exfoliation! Both are excellent for exfoliating and moisturizing your lips! 

Tip: If you're traveling or feeling like "ain't nobody got time for that", I recommend getting a lip scrub. There are many lip scrubs out there, but I love Burt's Bee Soothing Lip Balm with Eucalyptus and Menthol. It's not often used as a lip scrub, but it's amazing and I always feel like the product is bead-y enough to use as a go-to exfoliant! It's also inexpensive and you don't have to worry about contaminating it with your fingers, which I appreciate and love!

3. Protect

This is something a lot of people forget! We protect our face from sun exposure, but don't realize that our lips needs a little SPF loving too! To protect my lips from sun damage and well moisturized, my go-to SPF lip balm is Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF 15. 

4. Put on your favorite fall lipstick 
Ahh! Isn't this the fun part? My two favorite fall lipstick is Chanel Rouge Allure Adorable (what's more adorable about this lipstick is that my adorable 79 year old grandma gave me this!) and YSL Rouge Volupté Forbidden Burgundy. Chanel Rouge Allure Adorable is more natural and I normally grab this lipstick when I'm in a rush or just want a little color. YSL Rouge Volupté Forbidden Burgundy is POP POP POP! It's my go-to when I feel a little down or a night out in the city with my girls!

Xoxx

Heather