My Tips & Tools to Keep Your Skin Looking Flawless

If it's one thing I am passionate about it is skincare.  I have tried so many products and tools over the years that I really do consider myself somewhat of an expert, even if it's only an expert regarding my own skin.
Even at the age of 41, I still have very oily skin and I constantly struggle to keep my skin clear of breakouts and I also deal with the on-going threat of spots from Melasma.  As a result, I have a few rules, tools & a Holy Grail products that I use to keep my skin in check and looking flawless and I am sharing them all with you!

My Rules for Keeping Skin Clear and Flawless

1. Cleanse skin a.m. & p.m. - Never go to bed with your makeup on!  You need to take full advantage of the fact that your skin repairs itself during the night which means it's the best time to use all your serums, lotions & potions since they will be the most effective during this time.  Also, never skip washing you face in the a.m. either.  Also, make sure you wash your face in the a.m. as well.  That nice glow on your face in the a.m. isn't just leftover residue from the product(s) you used the night before but it's also sweat!  If you simply cannot make yourself wash your face twice a day then by far the best choice is to skip the a.m.!
2. Pillow Cases - Pillow cases should be washed at least once a week.  I highly recommend to invest in some really nice, cotton, high-thread count (600+), WHITE pillow cases.  Why?  Because, higher thread count pillow cases are much more soft and much better for your skin and white because you can SEE how dirty your pillow case is and you are much more likely to was it if you can see the dirt and grime on it.
3. Clean your Make Up Brushes - This is one rule that is SO easy to skip but you should be cleaning your makeup brushes at least once a month.  There are a lot of fancy brush shampoos and soaps out there right now but I like to use baby shampoo, it's gentle, effective and best of all...cheap!
4. Moisturize - As someone with oily skin I know how it is to feel like you don't want to put any extra moisture on your face and when I was younger I used to be afraid of all moisturizers but now that I am...um...older and wiser I know better, much better.  Even oily skin needs to be moisturized.  For oily skin peeps like me a good oil-free moisturizer will actually balance out your skin and help reduce the amount of oil it wants to produce.  Just make sure you choose the right moisturizer for your skin type!
5. SPF - Whatever you do, DO NOT forget to put on SPF no matter what age you are!  This is especially important if you struggle with Melasma as I do.  Plus, the sun damage your getting today can wait and show up years later so you should be applying at least SPF 15 or more, to your face daily and with SPF in most lotions and cosmetics these days that should be fairly easy to do. 

My Favorite Tools & Products for Keeping Skin Clear & Flawless

I started to go into great detail about each tool and product but it started to turn into the longest post in blog history so I just decided to list the items that I use everyday or weekly basis.  If you have any questions about anything I use just leave me a comment or question below and I promise to respond back to you!
Also, I want to preface this list by saying that I use a lot of other skincare products simply because I am a beauty blogger and I test out everything that is sent to me by beauty & skincare companies and while I have yet to test a really bad product (Thank Goodness!!) I have a lot of different products in my rotation on any given day.  That being said, I want to mention that in addition to the list below, I highly recommend a good Vitamin C Serum that contains Hyaluronic Acid.  Please refer back to any of my previous posts for Vitamin C Serums & specific brands that I have tested and that I recommend.  Finally, here is my list in no particular order...

1. Clarisonic
2. PMD-Personal Microdermabrasion Tool - Holy Grail item
3. bliss Pore Fector 
4. Derma Roller
5.  IT Cosmetics - Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with SPF 50+
6. Paula's Choice Resist BHA 9 - Holy Grail Item
7. bare Minerals Matte Foundation SPF 15
8. Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47

              


               

As I said, please make sure to leave me any comments or questions you have and I will respond back to you.  I would also love to hear your thoughts or any suggestions about products or tools that work for you!

Kyoku for Men Wind Body Scrub-Review

*Kyoku for Men Wind Body Scrub

I love skincare products with the word "scrub" in them!  That word "scrub" just oozes promises of clean, exfoliated skin to me.  So, naturally I was pretty excited to receive the Kyoku for Men Wind Body Scrub to review for my blog, or I guess to have my husband review for my blog, but I got in on the action too!.

This is a scrub that can definitely be a universal scrub for men & women.  I think a lot of women tend to like the smell of scents that men wear/use, especially if they are not too manly and overpowering.  The scent of this scrub is almost herbal and is very subtle.  I for one, love those kind of smells!  The Kyoku Scrub is made with natural ingredients and lathers up nicely to give a really good, deep clean and leaves your skin feeling soft, refreshed and with just a hint of herbal scent.  

I would say that the Kyoku for Men Wind Body Scrub get a thumbs up from both me and my husband!

You can purchase the Kyoku for Men (or women) Wind Body Scrub on Amazon using the link below...



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Fitness Friday ***Tracy Anderson*** Method: Dance Cardio Workout

Tracy Anderson

Happy Fitness Friday!!  

Before the Tone It Up girls that I love so much there was Tracy Anderson.  I have always loved Tracy Anderson and her workouts.  Her body is amazing and so are the bodies of the famous women that she trains, J. Lo, Cameron Diaz and Gwyneth Paltrow, just to name a few.  Her method is to consistently and strategically open up new conversations between the brain and the body.  She pushes the boundaries of what we think is possible, and finds new ways to tap into our vitality making sure that we are highly functioning, healthy, and feeling our best at any age.
If you are into the big muscles then her workouts are not for you.  She is more about precise definition and maintaining a more lean but womanly shape...which is exactly the kind of look I love!
I currently have the Dance Cardio Workout & Dance + Cardio & I just purchased the Precision Toning but I am really wanting to her new Metamorphosis which one of my girlfriends just purchased so I can't wait to borrow it!  As you can see, her DVD's are very affordable, except for the more pricey Metamorphosis but I think they are a great little investment in yourself!

              

Resurrect Anti Aging Moisturizer by Uplifting Beauty-Review + Giveaway

*Resurrect Anti Aging Moisturizer by Uplifting Beauty

I have been hearing a lot of hype about the Matrixyl 3000® lately and what a great anti-aging ingredient it.  Luckily, I have been fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of some great products that contain it like this Resurrect Anti Aging Moisturizer that Uplifting Beauty sent me to review for them.  Matrixyl 3000® has had some really great results in studies that have been done such as: significant reductions in wrinkle depth and skin roughness and improved skin tone.

The Resurrect Anti Aging Moisturizer by Uplifting Beauty is a really lightweight moisturizer that is easily absorbed and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth and makes fine lines appear less noticeable.  It also has a nice, subtle peppermint scent which is very refreshing.  In addition, I have very oily skin and this moisturizer helps balance out my skin and wears really well under makeup.

You can grab yourself a bottle of Resurrect Anti Aging Moisturizer by Uplifting Beauty by using the link below...

Or...enter my giveaway for a FREE bottle!  Uplifting Beauty has generously offered to give away a FREE bottle, a $36.95 value, to one of my lucky readers!  The giveaway starts 01/22/15 @ 4 p.m. PST and ends at 8 a.m. PST 01/31/2015 and is open to U.S. Residents only.

Entry-Form

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

BRI Nutrition Spirulina-Review

*Spirulina by BRI Nutrition

What is Spirulina?  Essentially, it's blue-green algae and blue-green algae is a great source of B-vitamins, and iron and it's also a great source of protein, especially if you don't eat meat or drink milk since it's not really a cost effective source otherwise.

I have been taking this Spirulina by BRI Nutrition for the past several weeks and it's been a great addition to my supplement arsenal.  BRI Nutrition Spirulina has some great benefits like, supporting my immune system, helping my body detox naturally thanks to the high concentration of chlorophyll and it even helps improve my digestive system, among other things.  Overall, since I like all the benefits that Spirulina has I feel like it's a great supplement to take on a regular basis.

Go to brinutrition.com for more information on Spirulina and also check out their Klamath Blue Green Algae which is another great supplement to try!  You can also purchase on Amazon.com.

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Havens Arc Organic Argan Oil-Review

*Havens Arc Organic Argan Oil

Oh, how I love Argan Oil!  Most recently I have been using the 100% Organic Argan Oil that Havens Arc sent me.  Their Argan Oil is EXTRA Virgin Argan Oil, 100% Pure, Certified Organic, Cold-Pressed, Unrefined and All Natural with no fillers, binders or artificial ingredients.  All Aragan Oil is not created equal, Havens Arc is a superior Argan Oil!
Argan Oil is a true multi-purpose oil for me.  This is one oil that I can use on my face and not worry about break outs.  I literally use it everywhere, face, body, nails & cuticles and on the ends of my hair.  I love to put it on at night right after I get out of the shower and before I go to bed so that when I wake up my skin has a nice glow and feels super soft and hydrated and my hair feels really smooth & silky.

Have you tried Argan Oil yet?  Well, you can try this one from Havens Arc risk free since they have a Lifetime Money Back Guarantee, no matter where you buy their product.  If you're not satisfied, simply contact them for a full refund!  You can purchase using the link below...

 

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Organic Eye Serum by Adeline-Review

*Organic Eye Serum by Adeline

I have been loving all these great eye products that I have been able to try out lately!  As you know I have a slight addiction to eye products of all kinds, gels, balms, creams and serums.  Adeline sent me their Organic Eye Serum to test out and review for them and now it has become a staple in my night time skincare routine!
The serum itself is really lightweight and absorbs really easily.  I only use it in my night time routine because I am testing out another eye product at the moment but you can easily wear this serum under makeup.  Not only does it help with my dark circles but the skin around my eyes seems to run on the drier side no matter what I use but this leaves my eye area feeling well hydrated throughout the night.  I have actually been using it on my neck and decollete as well since it has ingredients that helps lighten dark spots and even out skin tone and I am really liking my results so far!

For more information about the Organic Eye Serum you can check out their Facebook page and of course if you would like to try it for yourself just click on the link below...

 

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.