Beauty, Charm & Style

I remember when I first realized I needed to take better care of my face and skin.  When I was eight I just scrubbed my face in the tub and went about my day.  But when I was eleven, and a burgeoning woman, with puberty looming over my head, I realized I needed to step up my game.

Going strictly off my commercial watching and TEEN magazine advertisements, I decided makeup remover pads, astringent and my mom’s face lotion was the perfect skin care combination for me.

Following a good face scrub, I wiped the damp pad across my face and tossed the pad in the trash.  Then I soaked a cotton ball in astringent and spread the alcohol laced, sterile smelling potion all over my face.

And then my face began to burn. Beauty is pain. I smoothed over some lotion and looked in a mirror and my face was RED!  Eek!

I ran downstairs, found my mom, she laughed at my red face and I instantly began to cry. After calming me down, she lathered on some super strong lotion.  I cancelled my evening plans of a pizza party and a sleep over, and hit the hay early that night.

After a good night sleep, the lotion sank in and my when I awoke, my face was back to normal – more or less. It still took about another day to completely heal, but my skin is resilient and it returned to its normal, pre-pubescent state.

The important lessons learned here were that I have sensitive skin, I shouldn’t use alcohol-based products and that my face takes a long time to de-redden.  Luckily, I’ve come a long way since this red-faced revolution and have a better knowledge of what my face needs and what works well with my system.

During the week, I keep my appearance clean, light and professional.  But once I punch the timecard at 5 o’clock on Friday, I leave my office attire and makeup in my cubicle and don’t look back.  Pantsuits become hot pants.  Sensible shoes become stilettos.  And my makeup gets a little, oh, HOTTER.

Which is great Saturday night, but come Sunday morning…raccoon eyes, dark circles and mascara creases everywhere.  Even when I try my best to get my eyeliner, shadow and mascara off before I pass out after a long night, I just can’t get it all. But now I’ve started using Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Makeup Remover, and my Sunday eyes are clean enough for church.

Boots Botanics Soothing Eye Makeup Remover

First, I thoroughly rinse my face.  Then, taking my Boots Botanics, I shake the bottle up, I mix the plant extracts and oils together and then dampen a cotton ball.  Here we go.  Wiping down and away from the eye, I easily remove eye make-up. Mascara, liners, concealer and any shadows disappear and I don’t even have to rub my eye.

To keep the delicate skin around the eye in good condition it’s important to remove make-up gently but thoroughly. And afterwards, I make sure to use my favorite eye moisturizer and ta da! Ready for bed and ready for Sunday brunch.

The Breakdown:

• $5.99 for a 5 oz. Jar
• Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
• Contains Iceland moss extract to hydrate and calm skin

Tips:

• For a quick pick-me-up, place Boots Botanics in the refrigerator until cool.

I’m not much of one to use tools when it comes to my personal maintenance; I prefer my own delicate touch and the caress of my fingers.  But I’ve been using an electric toothbrush for a while now and I think I ready for the leap. I’m going to try DermaNew Facial Rejuvenation System.

DermaNew Facial Rejuvenation System

Simple to use, I put the batteries into the Resurfacing Tool and stick the applicator to the LOW side.  I’m hesitant to use the HIGH setting till I see what this baby can do.  Washing and drying my face and pulling back my hair, I dab the cream onto the applicator pad and then dot onto my forehead, cheeks, chin and nose.

Here we go.

The vibrating sensation feels nice on my skin as I rub the cream in small upward circles.  I gently move across my face, careful not to put too much pressure on my skin and not miss a single spot.  A minute later, the bell has rung (literally, there’s a timer on the tool) and I splash warm water on my face to rinse off any remaining residue and I pat dry.

After applying my night cream, my face looks fresh, alive, clean and radiant!  My skin feels soft and supple, like when you leave the spa after a nice facial.  And I’m glad I tried something new today, a little risky behavior has paid off.   The proof is on my face.

The Breakdown:

• 5 piece system includes, Dual Action Resurfacing Tool, Teardrop foam applicator, Sensitive Formula Microdermabrasion Cream, Body Foam Applicator and Polishing Brush.
• Batteries ARE included
• $70.00
• Suitable for Normal and Sensitive skin types

Tips:

• Use twice a week to keep skin rejuvenated
• Use body applicator pad to bring new life to your chest, neck, shoulders, arms, elbows or any other part of your body that needs a little resurrection.

A man once said, ‘If I owned Hell and Texas, I’d live in Hell and rent out Texas.”

Anyone having visited the Lone Star State in the summer months (March – October) knows that there is no relief from the sun, the heat or the humidity and the only hope for a breeze is the occasional tornado.

Luckily, I carry in my clutch my Murad Oil-Free Sunblock with an SPF 30.

Murad Oil-Free Sunblock

As a fair skinned lady, I know my sunblock.  And so does Dr. Murad; he’s been influencing modern dermatology since the 80s.  A believer of good body health leading to good skin health, Dr. Murad has been utilizing antioxidants; such as pomegranate to help treat the environmental damage skin faces every day.  Thinking back, my skin always looks clearer when I’m healthy and looks terrible when I’m sick.

As part of the Age-Proof Suncare line, the Oil Free Sunblock gives me the coverage I need and it doesn’t sweat off!  That is THE most important part of my sunblock regime.  As an active girl, I’m outside most of my weekends.  Biking, walking, gardening, softball practice – I can’t worry about my sunblock melting away and leaving me exposed.

It’s oil free so I don’t break out the next day.  My face stays clean and smooth and protected and never shiney.  Pro-active about sun exposure, I’m so glad Murad’s got my back…er, face.

The Breakdown:

• Oil Free Matte Finish
• Infused with pomegranate extract – a great antioxidant
• 1.7 oz bottle for $30
• Not tested on animals

Tips:

• Apply 30 minutes before going out into the sun
• Also available in an equally awesome waterproof version

“Forgive me Father, for I have sinned, I went to bed with my makeup on.”

“For your penance, promise never to do this again, and revive your faith with Peter Thomas Roth’s Cucumber Gel Masque.”

Peter Tomas Roth Cucumber Gel Masque

Friday night was one hell of a party.  Wearing my new heels and a new frock, I stepped out on the town for an unforgettable evening of drinks, dancing and devilish good times.

12 hours later, my eyes peel open, my head is pounding and I think I may be dying.  I shuffle to my bathroom, splash water on my face, look in the mirror – I’m a train wreck.  Hair disheveled, mascara smudged and my skin, my usually porcelain white skin, looks dull and grey.  Talk about a dingy mug.

After a quick jump in the shower, I begin my regular face routine, wash, eye make-up removal and then I opened up my new jar of Cucumber Gel Masque.  A pure green color with a bit of a jiggle, this stuff smells so yummy that I know it’s going to be good for my face. I spread the gel generously and evenly over my face and I wait.  10 minutes.

While I wait, there are three reasons as to why I like this stuff.

1. The gel doesn’t dry out and crack like most masques, I feel the hydration happening the entire time I wear it.
2. Though the gel is green, the mask is relatively clear.  I can walk around my house and not scare my roommates, mailmen, plumbers or unexpected pizza delivery boys.
3. It’s made for even my super sensitive skin.

10 minutes is up.  I rinse off the masque with cool water, pat my face dry with a clean towel and use my regular eye cream and facial moisturizer. And behold – I have exorcised the demons of last night! And though my previous night’s behavior is not to be condoned, if you find yourself in a similar position, it’s good to know that Peter Thomas Roth’s Cucumber Gel Masque is available to wash away your sins. Hallelujah!

The Breakdown:

• 5.3 oz
• $45.00
• Contains cucumber, papaya, chamomile, pineapple, orange, lemon and bilberry extracts.
• Suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive and irritable.

Tips:

• Keep your gel in the fridge for a cool revitalizing burst in the morning
• Spread this stuff lightly on your face when you hit the gym, it will keep your face calm, cool and clean while you sweat away on the elliptical.
• Safe to use every day or just special occasions.