Hydrate Your Skin

I have a bit of an obsession with lotion and always have. I don’t know what it is; the fact that it smells so good? That it leaves my skin silky smooth? Whatever the reason I’m always buying different brands, scents, purposes, buying just for the pretty bottle. But out off all the brands I’ve tried, I’ve found two favorites: St. Ives Hydrating Vitamin E, and Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula.

Like I mentioned in an earlier blog, I love St. Ives products. I feel like the company is very well-rounded when it comes it skin care and I get fantastic, visible results.

My skin never goes dry after applying the Hydrating Vitamin E and that’s one of the best parts. Other lotions I’ve tried in the past, Jergens for example, only last for a couple of hours and then I may feel itchy or irritated.

Another great thing about this vitamin e lotion, aside from its 24-hour moisturizer, is that my skin actually glows. What’s ironic about this is there’s no claim on the bottle that this product will produce shimmer or glowing effects, but it does! My skin just looks healthy and that’s what I want.

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formulas is also great for all-around-the-clock moisture. Cocoa butter is a great natural moisturizer and is commonly used for the prevention of stretch marks (pregnancy). The bottle claims to smooth marks and tone skin but I haven’t really seen either of these results. Although that’s not to say it won’t happen. I just haven’t been looking for them.

Overall, though, the product is fantastic! It has a perfect creamy consistency and I would recommend it to anyone.

Cleanse, Tone, Moisturize

Skin care to me is one of the most important things a person could do for themselves. If a person doesn’t like to wear makeup, making sure they have a fresh complexion is key to always looking good; that is as far as I’m concerned.

I realize though, that not everyone can have the same routine nor use the same products. We’re all individual and have different needs. My sisters and I, for example, each use a wide array of products with not one of them working exactly the same for one as it does the other.

I’m obsessed with St. Ives products, though I do like to switch it up to make sure whatever I’m using will still work years to come from now and I won’t become immune to it. Also, I find that cleansing, toning, and moisturizing is key to keeping my skin looking good (I found an informative article about skin care that I found interesting, particularly the part about moisturizing).

The green tea scrub (left) is amazing. I had instant results after using it. My skin looked clear and fresh. I usually use this scrub in the mornings before apply makeup. The apricot scrub (right) is another great product from St. Ives. I’ve heard a lot of negatives about this one but it works great for me. I use it for body and face about three times a week and I’ve actually found that this product has helped with some breakout areas.

Toning is really important because it sets the skin back to its PH level. I actually just started using apple cider vinegar (ACV) as a toner and it works great! My skin looks even and it feels fresh and clean. It’s obviously natural so I don’t have to worry about what I’m actually putting on my skin. I just buy the generic brand at any grocery store and if you didn’t know, ACV is great for other health aspects.

For moisturizing I use Olay’s Active Hydrating (before bed) and Complete (in the morning because it has 15 SPF so my face will be protected from the sun all day). Both of the formulas leave my skin supple and  they smell great! The best part is there’s no oily residue.

Maybelline’s Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length Mascara

I’ve always been a loyal consumer. If I find a product I love I stick to it, but when my favorite brand seemed to have disappeared I had to find something new.

I use to be addicted to Max Factor’s 2000 Calorie Mascara but when drugstores stopped carrying it I was introduced to Maybelline’s Lash Stiletto by my sister, Deandra. I was a little apprehensive at first but after I tried it out I loved it!

I make sure to always buy waterproof for a couple reasons: First, because it’s a girl’s best friend and second because it’s less likely to smudge.

I’m not one to apply several coats of mascara so the Lash Stiletto is great for me. It does the job with just one application and always leaves my lashes looking lengthy and feathered. When applying I always press firmly against the lash line and zig-zag it through to the tips. This way I get a thick coat at the bottom and feathered look towards the top.

The right photo shows my results but if you want to read what more people have to say about Maybelline’s Lash Stiletto I found a variety of reviews on makeupalley.com.

I’ve tried multiple amounts of mascaras and I guess I’m just extremely picky. If I can’t have my Max Factor, Lash Stiletto Ultimate Length is a great replacement for under $6.00.

Nail Polish: A Longer, Lasting Look

While at the gym with my sister, Deandra, this morning, she noticed my nails and complimented its fresh-looking condition. She told me the nail polish on her pointer-fingers always seemed to chip easier than her other nails.

A lot of people have a problem with chipping nail polish, it’s almost inevitable. But the conversation got me thinking about whether or not spending more money on a certain brand would produce better, longer lasting results.

I came across Cosmetics Cop and found an article about lasting nail polish tips. It clarified things I had an idea about and introduced me to new pointers I’ve never even heard. An example that the more expensive polishes aren’t as great as they may appear to be, regardless of its claims. Though, lucky for me I never spend more than a few dollars on nail care! Like the article states, nail polish won’t last forever.

Here are some of the brands I use and absolutely love:

Petites (color: Mystical); This brand is excellent for a professional look. The polish is thick enough to hide brush strokes but thin enough to allow for a double coat without the risk of chipping away quickly.

Pure Ice (color: Jaguar); I’ve always been a fan of Pure Ice nail polish. Though this polish isn’t as thick so the results may look a little uneven. Nonetheless, it lasts for several days and there is a fantastic range of colors from which to choose.

Sally Hansen Hard as Nails (color: Natural Tint); I love this one! If I’m not using it as a base coat or I’m running short on time, it adds a nice shine to my nails without cracking or chipping right away. Many of the clear coats I’ve tried in the past don’t seem to adhere to my nail; I never have that problem with Sally Hansen Hard as Nails.

These are just the most recent additions to my collection, all of them under three bucks from Wal-Mart!

Here I used the Sally Hansen Hard as Nails as a base coat and Petites (Mystical). This photo, by the way, is day three with no touch-ups and no top coat.