5 Skin Care Secrets for Healthy & Glowing Skin From an Esthetician

I'm sure you've been told over and over that you shouldn't sleep with your make up on or to drink more water, but probably not the why. So, today I will be sharing five skin care secrets for healthy and glowing skin!

As most of you know, I am a licensed esthetician. I've been an esthetician for about 5 years now. I've worked with other estheticians and skin therapist and I've also trained with doctors and R.Ns. So, I've learned a few secrets and wanted to share some with your guys. Be sure to check out my video and if you have any skin care related questions, please comment down below! 

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Five Habits That Gives You Wrinkles

I've talked about the little habits you do every day and night that is causing you to age a little bit faster before, but this time I decided to really talk about it. If you want to hear how I sound like...check out my first skin care video! If you have any questions, comment down below and I might answer it on my next video! 

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BYOB With Me at Birchbox in Soho | Travel Vlog | Passport Beauty #2

Have you ever wanted to buy a monthly subscription with Birchbox, but fear getting things you might not like, or fear commitment, or don't have the funds? Have no fear, for Birchbox in Soho is here.

Birchbox is like an adult candy store. Wall to wall of great selection, from hair to skincare, it's all there for you to try and buy. My favorite part is all the way in the back, where you can build your own Birchbox (BYOB) for $15. Although it is $5 more than their monthly boxes, you're choosing the five items you want yourself. Sadly, you can't get a Beauty Blender, but you do get to choose one item from each category: hair, skincare, makeup, fragrance, and body. If you're allergic to fragrance, you can opt out and choose two items from one category.

If you head downstairs, there's a salon and a tiny men's department.  There's also a BYOB station and boy oh boy, is there a lot of beard stuff for the fellas! To BYOB for guys, I believe it's $25 (finally, something guys have to pay more for). Salon services aren't too expensive. Nails are just $10, however if you want to get your hair-braided you'll cost you $30!

I honestly had a blast while I was at Birchbox. It was a tad bit stressful to build six different boxes, for six different people. But I had a lot of fun with the two lovely ladies who helped my cousin and I. They were super sweet and informative. It's definitely a must visit beauty spot in New York!

Come With Me to Bite Beauty Lip Lab | Travel Vlog | Passport Beauty #1

When I was in New York, I visited a couple of beauty hot spots. Come along with me as I visit Bite Beauty Lip Lab in SoHo for the first time. 

While strolling around SoHo, trying to find Birchbox. I stumble upon Bite Beauty Lip Lab. Although walk-ins are welcome, I've heard that it gets crazy busy during the weekends! So make sure you give them a ring beforehand to avoid a long wait time. Luckily for me, I stumble upon this miraculous place on a Wednesday. They were able to take me in right away and I walked out of there with a customized lipstick within 20 minutes! 

Bite Beauty is known for their pigmented colors, but more importantly, what they put into their products. Like I mentioned before, it is important to be aware of what you put onto your skin because your skin will just eat it up. Bite gets this concept and have provided great products with healthy and natural ingredients! It's even in their name!

It was a lot of fun for me to see my lip scientist help me concoct a Kylie Jenner inspired nude lipstick. The prefect shade of nudes and reds are so hard to find and what may work for someone may not work for another. So, to have a prefect shade of nude that was made just for me was a huge relief and extremely satisfying! It was also fun to design my lipstick package and choose a scent or two for my lipstick.  Totally worth the splurge! 

You can also check out my visit at Bite Beauty Lip Lab down below!

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!

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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!

What's Your Skin Really Eating Up

Like most, I normally don't do a bunch of research or bother reading the ingredients on the back of beauty products, because I tend to only stick with brands I'm familiar with and can trust. The only thing that I do keep my eyes out for are, bunny ears (cruelty-free and vegan) and words like "paraben-free" or "sensitive" labeled on the products. You know, the simple things. 

But sometimes it's just not that simple. Sometimes we just can't trust such claims due to false advertisements and loosely used terms like "natural".  Although it may be a little tricky and sometimes overwhelming to understand what is in your beauty products. I've made a short guide that you can keep in mind the next time you're at Sephora (or where ever you purchase your skincare and cosmetics at) and in search of something new, because what goes on your skin can be absorbed into your body! 

5 Ingredients You Should Avoid:

1) Paraben 

• Are preservatives commonly used in cosmetics and pharmaceutical products  
• Found in underarm deodorant, lotion, ointments, shampoos, and makeup 
• Linked to breast cancer, birth defects, reproductive issues, and neurotoxicity 

2) Sulfates 

• Acts as cleaning agents
• Help products produce a good lather 
• Found in shampoo and cleansers
• Linked to skin irritants 

3) Talc 

• Helps absorb moisture or create a better feel in beauty products*
• Found in baby powder, blush and cosmetics
• Linked to lung damage and acne 

4) Benzoyl Peroxide 

• Can damage DNA overtime 
• Found in acne products 
• Linked to skin cancer, premature aging, and DNA damage 

5) DEA, TEA, MEA

• Acts as a "foam booster"
• Found in toothpaste, shaving creme, and baby shampoo
• Linked to contact dermatitis, liver and kidney damage 

Natural VS. Organic 

• Natural
• Loosely defined and used term 
• Any product can be labeled "natural" even if there are no natural ingredients used
• Products labelled as "natural" can contain as little as 3% natural substances**
• Organic 
• Contains at least 70% of organic ingredients 
• Terms "organic" and "made with organic" are not the same thing

Other Interesting Facts:

• The skin is the body's largest organ
• The skin creates a barrier against possible invasions like germs and bacteria
• The skin absorbs about 60% of what we put on our skin and body 
• Over a lifetime you will potentially swallow a kilogram (2lb) of lipstick**
• The average woman spends 450 days applying her make-up in a lifetime**

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Let me know if you guys what me to do more posts on ingredients and beauty products! Also comment down below if there were any products you had to throw after this post! 

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*FDA.gov 

**Source: Toxic Beauty by Dawn Mellowship exact text insert 

All other informations opinions, and facts are inspired from esthetics/beauty school, clinical training, and estheticians and RNs

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Please check out Toxic Beauty by Dawn Mellowship if you want to know more! 

Fall Back in Love with Berry Lips | Autumn/Fall Beauty

Starting next week, it's going to be fall! That means berry lips and nails are going to be worn from now to next season. Let's not forget about leggings, sweaters, and cute booties either! Oh, how I love fall. Fall is also the season of pumpkin spice lattes with lipstick prints on every white coffee lids. Can you say or more like hastag: #instagram #basic #yum. To get ready for fall (and Instagram), here are three of my favorite fall lipsticks.


1. Clinique in Different Grape
This is my go-to and almost everyday lipstick. I wear it to brunch, late night drinks, and even to work. Spring or fall, the season doesn't matter. While Different Grape is a deeper shade on my best friend who is fair, it is the perfect tint against my skin tone. So depending on your skin color, it may be the perfect berry lipstick or just the perfect "I just ate a bunch of blackberries" tint. It's smooth and easy to slap on without a mirror. I've even considered buying a few more to keep in my work bag, purse, and at home. A girl can never have too much lipstick!

2. YSL in Forbidden Burgundy 
I save this lipstick for special occasions. It's the perfect dark berry lipstick, but also very build-able. You can apply lightly for a more berry tint or you can apply a few layers for the perfect shade of dark berry to your liking. With this lipstick, you will need a mirror. It's easy to build, but it's unforgivable. By that, I mean that it bleeds without a liner, you might look like Miranda Sings if you apply it without a mirror, and it's not an easy lipstick to eat with. Especially cheeseburgers, trust me. However, YSL is by far my favorite lipstick. Although it's a little pricy for a lipstick, YSL is extremely moisturizing and smells fantastic. It smells like Jolly Ranchers to me!

3. MAC in Russian Red
I know, I know...this is red and not at all berry, but sometimes a classic red is the way to go. You can do no wrong with a good red lipstick. This is the first red lipstick that I have ever gotten and the one color that can pull me out of a funk. Russian Red also has a blue undertone, meaning your not so white teeth may appear pearly white to others. If that doesn't give you some sense of power, I don't know what would (but maybe an all black attire with Russian Red).

How To Maximize Your Skincare Just By Layering Right

1. Go light

Start with the thinnest products like serums. With serums, a little goes a long way but it's the most effective way to deliver active ingredients into the skin. The secret is pat (not rub)!

So what are serums you ask? Serums are like cocktails, it's easy to mix and match and customize to your skin needs. If your skin is dry, you can try hyaluronic acid. If you're trying to prevent and reverse the sign of aging, try vitamin c and glycolic acid to promote collagen production and speed up cell renewal.

2.  Spot treatment/Eye creme

After going light, you want to target your "problem" areas. Whether it's a random huge pimple or crow's feet, you want to treat it after your serums! Do not apply before your serums, because you'll just be smearing everything around...and that eye creme would more likely be a facial creme.

3. Moisture

After you've layered your skin with active ingredients and target all your problem areas, you want to seal it with a moisturizer. This helps retain and provide moisture to the skin which is very important for healthy skin. Lack of moisture may cause the skin to be dry or crack, leaving the skin unprotected, exposed and vulnerable to irritants, damage, and etc.

4. SPF

You should never ever (never ever never ever never) skip or skim on SPF. Skipping this step because you're staying indoors all day or because it's raining--is a big no-no! Although SPF should always be included in your skin routine, it should be the last step in your morning routine. You do not want to apply this on first before your serums, spot treatment, or moisturizer. SPF is meant to sit on your face, not mixed and diluted with other skin products!

Ps. you may skip this step only when you're heading for bed!

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Four easy steps to maximize your product and skin! 

What's your laying technique? 

Waxing 101

The do's and don'ts of waxing.

Do:

1. Avoid the sun after you're freshly waxed. Newly waxed skin are prone to hyperpigmentation and other skin damages!
2. Exfoliate your skin before waxing and 3-5 days after waxing to avoid ingrowns.
3. Let your wax specialist know if you're on any medication, recently had surgery, or Botox.
4. Take Advil 30 minutes before waxing (only if you're waxing your lady parts).
5. Take a shower beforehand to freshen up. It also helps open up the pores, making waxing l
6. Wear breathable clothing. Maxi dresses are great for Brazilian Day's.
7. Limit caffeine the day of. Caffeine may cause you to be more sensitive than usual.
8. Schedule your waxing appointment after Aunt Rose visits. You are less sensitive several days after menstruation.
9. Go long! Your hair should not be shorter or longer than a grain of rice. If it's too short, waxing may not pick up all of the hairs and can be much more painful. If it's too long, it can also be painful so trim, trim, trim.
10. Breathe!
 

Do not:

1. Forget to apply SPF!
2. Wax if you're using Accutane, Retin-A, blood thinners, or any medication for acne.
3. Expose your newly waxed skin to the sun.
4. Head to the gym after you've waxed (down there). Avoid the gym for 24 hours...and treat yourself!
5. Exfoliate right after you've been waxing. Wait a few days.
6. Tan or sunbathe 24 hours after waxing.
7. Shave in between waxing sessions. It messes up the hair cycle (leaving some hair longer and shorter than others) and also a more painful and less "clean" experience.
8. Touch freshly waxed skin if hands are not clean.
9. Apply fragranced or alcohol-based products to freshly waxed skin. It may cause redness or irritation. However witch hazel and tea tree oil is great to use to soothe redness and irritation.
10. Wax at home (unless you or your BFF is a licensed esthetician).

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

DIY Sugar Kiss Scrub XOXX

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and while you are stressing out about booking a mani-pedi and wax appointments. Don't forget that your face needs some extra loving too! Have no fear (for an esthetician is here), there's no need to book another appointment this time. Instead, try out my DIY facial scrub! No worries, everything you need can be found and created in your very kitchen.  XX

Sugar Kiss Scrub Recipe:
1 cup sugar (brown sugar works too, but I prefer granulated sugar)
1/2 cup coconut oil
1-2 drops vanilla extract or your choice of essential oil
1 teaspoon Honey (optional)

Directions:
1. Microwave the coconut oil for 45 second if it's in solid form
2. Add sugar
3. Mix the vanilla oil into the coconut oil and sugar. If you like honey with your scrub, be sure to mix it with vanilla extract/essential oil before adding it into the mix--it'll clump up otherwise!
4. Cleanse your face to wash away dirt, oil, and bacteria
5. Apply the DIY Sugar Kiss Scrub and scrub-bah-dub
6. After a few minutes you can rinse off and pat your pretty face dry and apply your moisturizer or you can give your face some more loving with my DIY Chocolate Facial (don't worry you and lick the spoon or your face after).
5. Now, just sit back and relax with your boo thang, girlfriends, or Netflix.

P.S. This recipe can be shared with your boo, girls, or you can give yourself a body treatment! Trust me, it's a lot. But why not treat yo self?

What's your favorite Valentine's Day beauty treatment? XOXX

10 Beauty Sins: Oily Skin

Are you struggling with oily skin? Does your make-up "slide" off after you just applied it? Are you constantly blotting your face every hour? Do you find used blue blotting sheets everywhere?  If you answered yes to these questions...you may be suffering from oily skin. But what exactly is oily skin?

Oily skin aka lipidic skin is characterized by an excessive amount of oil production (duh). If you happen to have oily skin, you'll notice that you have much larger pores than someone who has dry skin. The visible and large pores can easily lead to blemishes like pimples and black/whiteheads, due to excessive oil and dead skin cells clogging the pores. The buildup of dead skin cells can make the skin appear thick, oily, congested, and unhealthy. Having a good skincare regimen, diet, and regular facials can help balance the skin, keeping blemishes at bay and your skin happy!

Here are 10 oily beauty sins!

1. Genetics 

If oily skin runs in your family, than chances are you'll also inherent oily skin (but keep calm and know that you're less likely to wrinkle and sag than your dry-skin friends). 

2. Whack out hormones 

Whether it's medication or stress; hormone changes can cause an increase of oil production. Meaning an oily and shiny face. Them crazy hormones! Hormones can also lead to dehydration which can cause even more oil to secrete.

3. Too much washing

If you think that cleansing your face 3+ a day is going to help control your oily skin...you're wrong! Stripping the skin too much of its natural oil and drying out the skin causes the skin to freak out; unbalancing the skin and acid mantle can send your oil production in over drive. Resulting to more and more oils to be produced and a very very shiny face. 

4. Overusing products 

This is not an easy one. I think a lot of us ladies are so used to bad beauty myths. We think that the more we cleanse or so, than we'll rid ourselves from our skin's problem. But that's not the case! Especially with oily skin, however overusing or overdoing can irritate and even dry out your skin which makes it worse, because it actually triggers the oils glands to produce more oils.

5. Not moisturizing your skin

For some reason, a lot of ladies (and especially the gents) think that oily skin doesn't need moisture, because they're already "oily". But did you know that neglecting to provide your skin with the moisture it needs can result to an increase of oil. Why? Welp, because the skin notices the lack of oil and in result tries to lubricate the skin by producing more oil! Hey--your skin is just trying to help you out!

6. Using the wrong products 

Sharing in this case is not caring. Just because your friend is using a certain product or because so-and-so is using it, doesn't mean that it's for you! Everybody's skin is different and not all products work the same for everyone. Using the wrong skincare products for your skin can once again freak the skin out, causing it to react. Such reactions like an increase of oil production, blemishes, or even hives! Ekkk!

Even products that claim to control oil or eliminate oil can be wrong for oily skin, because it may contain ingredients that irritate the skin or too strong.

7. Doing too much

Having oily skin doesn't excuse you to try on every treatment or products all at once. Doing too much to your skin may irritate your skin, triggering more oil. Yup, just like over-cleansing or using the wrong products!

8. Not having enough water 

Not drinking enough water means dehydrated cells and dehydrated skin means shiner appear and more oil production. The reason why there's more oil being produced is the body's way of making up for the lost or lack of much needed water *mind blown*. 

9. Excessive exfoliating 

Although it's important and beneficial to slough off dead skin cells. Excessive exfoliation can not only make you appear shiny in photos due to light reflecting off the skin but it can actually make you oilier too. If you're not sure if you're over exfoliating, listen to your skin. Shineness, oiliness, tightness, and even redness is your skin telling you that you're over doing it. Try to limit your scrub days to 3 days a week.

10. Greasy food, greasy skin

It's simple, you are what you eat. This is linked to hormones where certain food can trigger excess oil to secrete. Too much processed and unhealthy food not only harms your insides, but the harmfulness can also reflect on the outside from oiliness to blemishes. Introducing a balanced and healthy diet can not only improve your skin, but also your body.

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

Something New and Something Old

Somethings are new and somethings are a little old. The new-new is of course NARS Vitual Domination Cheek Palette and Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade! I'm sure everyone has heard of these products or own them, I mean who hasn't?! It seems like every beauty bloggers and make-up collectors has gotten their hands on this palette! So, although this may be a bandwagon effect or an impulse purchase--I'm okay with it. More than okay with it, because I reasoned that I need a compact cheek palette for my trip to Europe next week! Yes, I may have gotten it for the sole propose of not having to carry three products: blush, highlighter, and bronzer. Ain't nobody got time or room for that! Especially if I'm planning on making a stop at City Pharma when I'm in Paris. Now, for my brows, I knew I wanted Anastasia's Dipbrow! With Europe's unpredictable weather, my worst fear is my eyebrows going missing. That just ain't cute, boo. Not only that, but for some reason my left eyebrow is always on point and then my right one is always either faded, smudged, or half gone. Humm...does this just happen to me?

The oldies are seriously oldies! I think I've had these products since I was in high school. I know, that's cray cray. But it's the truth! However I think I've brought about four Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo since high school. Seriously, it's magic and I don't go anywhere without my brows! Nowhere, no how, no way! For my cheeks I use MAC Mineralize Blush in Dainty. I like to lightly apply this during the day for a nice subtle and glowy look. However if I going out at night, I do add a few layers for more color. It's not too pigmented so I've never had a problem with looking like a Elsa Mars. It's also shimmery, which I don't mind because it gives me a luminous glow! While MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle helps give me a dewy and glowy skin. I like to add it to my cheek bones, bridge of my nose, cupid's bow, and brow bones. I do this in exactly this order so that it doesn't look like I applied too much shimmer! Also...blend, blend, blend! It doesn't have to be prefect, just make sure you don't have a distinctive shimmer line. For my brows and blush, I use Laura Mercier's travel collection brushes, I received as a gift about four years ago. But you can purchase the new Laura Mercier's travel brushes at Nordstorm! I love love love Laura Mercier's brushes and the double-end brushes are so convenient for daily to travel uses.

Dry & Flaky Skin 101

Ahh, winter. The season to be jolly and...a little flaky? Winter brings more than pumpkin lattes, gifts, and family gatherings--it also brings the discomfort of dry and flaky skin. Even if you're normally oily, winter can cause your skin to dry out. This generally happens when the seasons changes and harsh dry air steals away the thin oil on our skin that normally protects and maintains moisture in the skin. Resulting to dry, tight, rough, flaky, and sometimes inflamed skin.

Dry Skin 101: 

1) Tell-tale signs of dry skin

• Your skin feels dry or tight right after a shower or through out the day
• You have small pores (it's an indication that you have dry skin)
• Flakiness or itchiness

2) Lack of oil

The natural oil that occurs on the skin protects itself from environmental damage and aging. However dry skin does not produce enough lipids (oil), which makes the skin vulnerable and sensitive. If you have dry skin, just know that you skin needs extra protection and care--so stay hydrate and moisture up!

2) Dry VS. Dehydrated skin

• Dry skin = lacks oil. 

Dry skin is a skin type, which you've probably had since you were a baby. Dry skin may feel a little rough, tight, and itchy. Find rich creamy products without any fragrance to help hold in moisture, combat dryness, and minimize irritation/inflammation!

• Dehydrated skin = lacks water.

Dehydrated skin is a skin condition, which can be experienced by anyone and any skin type...yes even oily skin! Signs of dehydration is flakiness, thin, and dull looking skin. You can reverse the signs of dehydrated skin by looking at what you put in your mouth and on your skin. Avoiding or limiting caffeine, alcohol, over exfoliation, and the sun can make a difference. Hydrate your skin with ultra-hydrating moisturizers with serums like hyluoronic acid is also great for the skin, since it binds 1000x its weight in water. Also stay hydrated by making sure you drink plenty of water!

3) Genetics 

Dry skin is often genetics. However your skin type can change with age.

4) Internal and external factors

• Medications
• Improper skin care regimen/habits
• Poor diet
• Allergies
• Products
• Change in climates 

5) Moisturize, moisturize! 

Winter changes, and your skin changes along. Find a moisturizer that is oil-based, as the oil will help your skin stay soft and smooth by retaining or increasing its H2O content; it also create a protective layer on the skin to help keep you skin moisturized, protected, and combat the dryness. 

Tip: Moisturizing while your skin is still damp is key! Your skin shouldn't feel tight after cleansing or exfoliation, if it feels tight, you've taken too long to moisturize.

6) Be generous

I'm not just talking about your face, but your entire body! Cleaners, serums, moisturizers, and humectants can help combat dryness and dehydration. 

7) Exfoliate

Not exfoliating and applying moisturizer and your skin will still look dry and dull. While exfoliating help your skin appear smooth and hydrated, by sloughing off the dead skin cells. Exfoliation also helps get rid of flakiness and help products penetrate better. 

8) Shower

Hot or too long of a shower isn't good for any skin type, especially dry skin. I know this might seem like a joke! I know the crazy temptation of hot showers in winter (or after a terrible day), but hot or long showers actually robs the skin of it's naturally oil and moisture. For dry skin, this is a big no-no! Dry skin needs as much moisture as possible and hot showers is stripping away the little moisture it has. Keep your showers short and lukewarm can improve your dry skin tremendously. 

9) Hyaluronic Acid 

I love love love hyaluronic acid. It's made a huge difference to my skin, so much so that I use it every season and every day (sometimes night). 

Don't like the work "acid" scare you, hyaluronic acid is want occurs naturally in the body to provide moisture, plumpness, and firmness to the skin. However, as we age, we our natural hyaluronic acid deteriorates. Adding a hyaluronic acid serum, filler, or moisturizer can help improve and hydrate your skin. 

10) Switch up products

Products that you were using in the summer can stripe away your skin of its much needed oil during the winter, making your skin drier I tend to trade my foamy cleanser for a cream-based cleanser and add hydrating serums and moisturizer. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 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!

10 Beauty Sins: Wrinkle Edition Pt. 2

1. Tanning beds
Ewh, just stop it!

2. Sleeping on your side or face
The way you sleep can cause your face to be squished upon hours and hours! Overtime, the creases eventually become wrinkles. For all my side-sleepers, wrinkles may form on your décolleté too! Double whammy!

3. The way you apply and remove your make-up
If you're stretching your skin to apply make-up, you may be increasing your risk of crow's feet and wrinkles. The area around your skin is very sensitive and thin, especially your eyelids. The constant tugging and pulling may impact and increase the chances of wrinkles forming around the eyes. Like applying make-up, removing your make-up the wrong way can cause fine lines and wrinkles. In general, being rough around the eyes can irritate the skin around your eyes (especially the days you're wearing waterproof eyeliner), increasing your chances of sagging and wrinkles!

Tip: try moving your face around to see which ways will naturally hold your skin taut without having to forcefully stretch your skin out.

4. Not cleansing your face
If you find yourself always waking up to yesterday's make-up (and maybe one false lash stuck on your cheek or pillow) you need to get your life together, girl! Not only can sleeping with your make-up clog your pores, causing breakouts, dryness, and irritation to your skin, but yesterday's make-up and the environmental pollutants you accumulate during the day can also break down collagen and elastin. Two very important protein for healthy, firm and plump skin.

The lazy girl tip: keep cleansing wipes by the side of your bed! I really like Neutrogena, but there's a lot of wipes out there that are great too. But remember, wipes are not intended to deeply cleanse your skin so make-up and dirt can still be on your skin. *This lazy girl tip is only for that one or two lazy nights...not every night!

5. Avoiding monthly facials
Getting facials regularly can improve your skin tone, texture, appearance, and overall health. Taking care of your skin early on can be very beneficial! The short term benefits for facials are: glowing and soft skin, increased blood circulation, plumpness, elimination of blackheads. But in the long-run, regular treatments will soften fine lines and wrinkles, tighter and toner skin, and lighten hyperpigmentation. Investing in your skin will save you in the long-run from the need to perform extra treatments and products to reverse the signs of aging.

6. Frowning
If you spend your life with the same expression as grumpy cat, eventually you're going to have frown lines. Just like drinking from a straw, the repetitive motion can increase the risk of frown lines. However, frowning isn't a single indicator for getting expression lines or wrinkles!

7. Smiling
Just like frowning, smiling and any repetitive expression you increase the chance for fine lines and wrinkles.

8. Overthinking and Stress
Overthinking and chronic stress causes hormones to go all out of whack and makes us appear tired and older. However there are some researchers who have found that chronic stress contributes to premature aging, because of what it does to our body and cells.

9. Not following product instruction
Sometimes I am also guilty with this. I think in our heads, we think that if we add a few more drops or scrub every day that the product would give us faster results. But that's not the case, sometimes it actually causes more harm than good. Especially products like retinol that sloughs off dead skin cells at a rapid speed, leaving your skin vulnerable and expose (this is when your skin is at its weakest and can easily damage due to too much sun exposure and not enough SPF). Just to be on the safe side, read and follow the instructions! But most importantly, listen to your skin. Your skin will let you know if the product you're using is too much or too strong and vice versa.

10. Not enough beauty sleep
Not getting enough zzz's makes you look tired and sluggish, but it can also increase wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and limit the skin's ability to repair itself! When we're sleeping, our skin is still at work trying to repair itself from the damage of the day. However, the lack of beauty sleep has an adverse affect; instead of repairing the wear and tear of the day, it releases a certain hormone that slowly breaks down collagen and elastin. Resulting in fine lines and saggy skin.

What To Expect From Your First Facial

I know this might seem a little bit crazy being an esthetician and all, but I did not get my first facial until I was 18. Not sure if that's "normal" or not, but I've had friends who've had facials around 15 years old (so Persian or a mom who owns a nail spa ;)). However, my first time was horrible! I guess I expected what I normally see in movies: champagne, fluffy white robes, soft music, and relaxation. Mine was the complete opposite! No champagne, no robe (until she saw how uncomfortable I was and went through a rack full of coats and purses to find me a cover up), no music, and just pain! My first (very painful) facial included extractions (removal of black and white heads), let's just say I had tears streaming from my face and my face bruised for the next several days. My lovely esthetician also surprised me with a high frequency treatment...something I didn't even knew existed at time! It honestly felt like she was snapping a rubber band constantly all over my face! For a couple of years, I never even thought about getting a facial again, that was until I applied to esthetics school and received a complimentary facial and fell in love with facials.

I'm going to say this right now, your first facial should not be extremely painful. Yes, you might experience some discomfort while extractions or a chemical peel, but not to the extreme. Facials are supposed to be relaxing and beneficial, not painful. However, I believe that a good esthetician always consults with her client on what treatment is going to be preformed and also during the treatment. I think surprising a client is always a huge no-no, because the client might not have wanted a certain treatment or completely freak out if they suddenly experience discomfort. I also want to mention that pain does not equal results! Capisce?

So, whether you've never had a facial before or simply had a bad experience. Here are some tale-tell signs that you're under good care:

1) Meet and greet

• Your esthetician will introduce him or herself
• Your esti may also ask if you need to use the restroom or water

2) Consultation

• You may be asked to fill out a consultation form: this is where your esthetician will see your contraindication(s), lifestyle, diet, medications/supplements, products you're currently using, and your primary concern, and etc!
• It's important to be honest, because your skin might react to certain ingredients or treatment
• This also helps your esthetician choose the best treatment for your main concern or skin type

3) Escort to a clean, neat, and calming room
4) Your esthetician will then prepare you for treatment

• Let you know that you can undress and gives you a robe (I normally let my lady clients know that they can keep their bra on if it's more comfortable or take it off, which ever they prefer)
• Show you where to place your clothes and belongings
• Show you the massage table and ask if you prefer being under or over the covers
• Your esti will leave to give you a chance to get ready (before stepping out, I like to ask my clients if they have anymore questions for me before I step out to prep and look over their consultation form, it gives them an opportunity to ask questions before the treatment begins--I notice this helps them feel more at ease, especially for first timers)

5) Cleanse

• Your hair will be wrapped with a headband, towel, or both. This is to protect your hair and also keep it from getting in the way of the treatment 
• Your esti may cleanse with 2x2, cotton pads, sponges, or fingers
• S/he may or may not put on gloves at this time (depending on the type of treatment, your skin type, or if she or you may have open wounds)

6) Skin analysis

• Your eyes should be protected with 4x4s or an eye mask
• Your esti will now ask you about your skin, what meds or supplements you're on, what product you're currently using, and your primary concern (basically a recap of your consultation form)
• S/he will also be feeling your face, jawline, neck, and ears--this helps your esti understand the texture, tone, and what's going on with her skin
• This is when your esthetician would recommend a customized treatment

7) Steam 

• This helps soften your sebum, making extractions easier
• Your esthetician may skip this if there's contraindication(s)
• *If you have difficulty breathing, just let your esti know*

8) Exfoliation

• A process of manually or chemically removing the surface of dead skin cells

9) Extractions 

• This is a process where your black and white heads are removed
• Sometimes this is part of your facial, sometimes it's an add-on
• You may ask your esti to skip this step or go gently 

10) Facial massage

• Helps with relaxation and stimulates your skin and facial muscles  

11) Masque 

• Your esthetician may leave for a bit during this process to tidy up or s/he will perform a massage 
• Steam may also be involved 

12) Serum, eye creme, moisturizer/SPF

• This step is very important and beneficial after a facial
• Because dead skin cells are removed, serums and eye cremes will penetrate better and deeper
• If you had a facial during the day, SPF is VERY important in protecting your skin from the sun

Volià!

Of course your esti will help you up, ask you if you need anything (like bathroom or water), and ask you to come to the front desk whenever you're done, show you the products s/he used and make recommendations, and you're on your way out! That's about it, of course not all spas are the same! Just make sure you feel comfortable with your esthetician, treatment, etc. If you feel any discomfort, just let your esti know! Hope this is helpful!

Xo,

Heather

10 Beauty Sins: Wrinkle Edition

I think a lot of people fight aging by going under the knife, skin fillers, botox, or even the most expensive and well advertised cosmetic products. We try to get the latest procedure or product in order to reverse the skin of aging. However, here are some inexpensive and fool-proof practices to maintain your youthful look from any age! Of course having an appropriate skin regimen, avoid the duck face, and good posture early on, can help slow down the aging process. Prevention is key, ladies!

Let’s take a look at the 10 beauty sins that we do everyday that may cause us to age faster!

1. Not wearing SPF 25+ and reapplying SPF every 2 hours

Yes, you read that right! There are many reasons why we must reapply every 2 hours. The effectiveness of SPF lessen by the minute, no matter what. But let's just say you're swimming, sweating profusely, changing in the fitting room, etc. The SPF is either being rubbed off or melting and off, leaving your skin vulnerable to the skin. After hours and hours of sun exposure and no SPF, your skin is at risk to sunburn, brown spots, wrinkles, and dun...dun...dun, skin cancer.

2. Drinking from a straw
I'm not talking to the sometime straw-drinkers, but to the straw-lovers. You know, that one friend I think we all have that drinks wine from a straw so that she doesn't mess up her red lips or stain her teeth or that friend who uses her plastic Starbucks reusable travel cup everyday (something I'm guilty of). The reason why drinking from a straw is a no-no is, because when when doing so, we're pursing our lips and that can increase the risk of laugh lines and wrinkles! So...that's why we should say no to straws (and the ultimate duck face)!

3. Smoking
Free radicals, free radicals, free radicals! Smoking can speed up the normal aging process leading to sagging and wrinkles, making you look older than you really are. So say bye-bye to the cigarettes and hello to your lovely skin!

4. Facial exercises
Facial exercises is awesome...if you're trying to get wrinkles and fine lines. There's a lot of believers of facial exercises out there, but the truth is: the more you move or use your facial muscles, the more the lines deepen. Think about it, laugh lines are call laugh lines for a reason!

5. Over exfoliation
Over exfoliating your skin can eventually thin out your skin and make it more irritated and susceptible to sun damage! We all know that the sun is a huge no-no and can accelerate premature aging and brown spots.

6. Consuming too much sugar
Not a smoker, ehh? Well did you know that too much sugar could age your skin like you're a smoker? Sugar also damages your collagen and elation production, leaving your skin saggy and less plump.

7. Reading in bed
Let's talk about your neck now. The way your body is position while reading may be creating deep lines across your neck. However, I know exactly how comfy reading in bed is, especially on Sunday mornings! The secret is to prop yourself up so that your back isn't curved! Also make sure your neck isn't pointed too far down (that double-chin is realz and it's only doing to get worst...by forming into deep lines AKA wrinkles).

8. Not having enough water

You have to be hydrated! By drinking water you help moisture your body from the inside and out. Water is extremely important since our skin alone is composed around 20% of water and if your body is not lacking water, it steals it from your skin. Resulting to dry and flakey skin, making wrinkles more visible and deeper. Hydrated skin means younger and plumper skin--so pour it up, pour it up!

9. Consuming too much caffeine
Drinking too much caffeine dehydrates your skin, causing you to appear dull! Dehydrated skin may also cause the lines on your face to appear deeper too, since your skin is trying to hold onto as much water as it can.

Tip: for every cup of Joe or caffeinated tea, just add an extra cup to your 8 cups of water a day!

10. Not wearing sunglasses
The best way to reduce eye wrinkles or crow's feet is to protect your eyes! Wearing sunglasses not only protects your eyes from harmful ultraviolet rays, but you're also less likely to squint. The less you squint the less crow's feet, fine lines, and wrinkles will form around your eyes.

DIY Chocolate Facial

Chocolate facials are full of antioxidants, which helps repair your skin cells, hydrate, soothe, and increase plumpness and firmness to your skin! For a little help on sloughing off that dead skin cells of yours, just add a little bit of oatmeal to your chocolate facial masque and voilà! Oatmeal also helps fights dryness, is very soothing to the skin, gentle exfoliant, and acts as a natural defense for your skin!

Now, don't forget to lick your face or the bowl when you're done! Seriously, not only is this chocolate facial beneficial for your skin, but it's also a great cure for PMS, mood-swings, and for satisfying that chocolate craving! Dessert and a more radiant, glowing, and hydrated skin? Yes, please!

(My lovely model AKA birthday girl!)

What you'll need: 

1/2 cup milk or dark chocolate chips (preferably dark chocolate)

1/4 cup heavy cream (for dry skin, I recommend coconut oil)

1 oz oatmeal

1 tbsp honey 

Directions: 

1) Melt the chocolate chips

2) Mix all the ingredients together

3) Apply Chocolate Masque (make sure your skin is freshly cleansed before applying)

4) Enjoy for 15-20 minutes (like watch an episode of your favorite TV show on Netflix)

5) To remove, pat gently with a warm towel to dry 

6) Follow up with your favorites: serum, eye creme, and then moisturizer/spf

Xo, 

Heather