An Introduction, Pt. 3 - Nighttime

Okay, so we've touched on the basics of my health care routine and now we'll get to my nightly routine stuff. Also, you'll realize I've developed a bit of an affinity for Mason Jars. They're just so handy.

The Tools

So the above really is my nightly routine. At least, most of it is. You'll see I have a backup deodorant there, but that's just because I lost mine at one point and had to buy another and then the old one showed up and, well, I'm sure we've all been there. Anyway, the Ball Mason Jars are so handy. Originally used for canning and preserving foods, you can really use them for a lot. Above, you'll see I've got them holding onto my cotton balls, Q-tips, and face wipes. The cotton balls and Q-tips I'm sure you've got covered. Every night I use the face wipes to take off my makeup. I never used to bother, but I've slowly started to think about long-term health-care and I was told for years and years by pretty much everyone that it's very important to take off your makeup nightly. Like I mentioned in the previous post, I ended up stopping the use of traditional cleaners and opted instead for cleansing cloths. They are much lighter and take off my makeup without damaging my skin with loads of harsh chemicals. Right now, I'm using Olay Wet Cleansing Clothes for Sensitive Skin. (The blue bag I had mentioned was my extra, but here I've put them in my nice little mason jar.) I just switched from using POND'S Evening Soothe Wet Towelettes in White Tea & Chamomile. They worked great and I loved the smell. The only reason I switched was because I needed more and there was none at the only store in the area I could get them. Since I've started making an overall switch to Olay products in general, I just picked up a pack of those instead. 

*Side Note: So for years I used the heavy liquid foundations. If you've read the earlier posts, you'll know I have sensitive, combination skin, and so for years I had problems. My skin was constantly clogged. Then I started using powder foundations. I still had problems. I switched at one point to Physicians Formula mineral powder makeup. As I said, for years I wouldn't take my makeup off at night. When I started using this foundation, my skin was actually noticeably better. In fact, I stopped using it for awhile and didn't use any foundation at all and my skin actually got worse. The foundation is even talc free I highly recommend this brand in general too. I used them for years before I graduated myself to Sephora-level brands.

Yo Face, I Like that Shit

So, right before I wipe down my face with the towelettes, I use the cotton balls and Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Removal since 90% of my makeup is on my eyes. It works. I guess that's about the only real pro. It's not the best eye makeup removal I've ever used, and for several reasons: 1. It leaves a lot of oily residue behind, which is why I use it first and then wipe it off with the cleansing wipes. 2. While it kind of takes off waterproof makeup, it only kind of takes off waterproof makeup. 3. It's not contact-sensitive and since I use monthly day/night contacts and therefore they stay in all the time, I have a bit of a problem with that. A pro, however, is that it is one of the cheapest eye makeup removals out there, so if the above doesn't bother you or doesn't apply then it's a good deal.

After the makeup is all gone, it's time for the moisturizer. My nightly moisturizer is Olay Regenerist with Broad Spectrum SPF 15. There is also an SPF 50, but since I use it for my nightly routine and the 50 is more expensive, I opted for the 15. Now, I'm only 21, so you might be wondering why I'd get something designed for anti-aging. Well, two reasons: 1. You're never to young to start anti-aging, which is why it's anti-aging. 2. I have (again) sensitive, and pale skin. I've had sun poisoning twice in my life already. I've already started getting lines in my forehead. No bueno. But since I don't have a steady income that I should be considering splurging on, I went for a mid-level anti-aging lotion. Now, if you see the price on the link there, it'll say somewhere around $30, but I picked mine up for $20 at the local grocery store, so it's all about where you buy. I should mention here that the reason I'm switching to Olay almost exclusively is because my mom has been using the brand since she was a teenager. She recently turned 43 and yet she looks to be in her 30's. She gets mistaken for my sister all. the. time. Which is either good news for her or bad news for me and since I have vain tendencies, I'm going to say it's good news for her. So, Olay it is. 

On that note, I then put on the Olay Age Defying Classic Eye Gel. This is a bit of a splurge at around $10 for about .2 oz, but you use so little of it that it's going to last for awhile. I got this because I foresee a lot of wrinkles around my eyes since I "smile with my eyes" as my stepmom called it once. Also, I sort of refused to wear my glasses for years in elementary/middle school and therefore squinted a lot and that will no doubt bite me in the ass. Anyway, all this Olay stuff you can get at any drug store, really, or even Target and the likes.

Now, something that a lot of people neglect is their lips. And no, lip gloss does not count. Proper moisturizer and sun protection is important for your lips. More and more doctors are seeing the certain areas being neglected in terms of sun protection and those areas are causing problems for many people. The lips is one of them. During the day time, be sure to use some sort of lip moisturizer that has an SPF and reapply often. Notice I said lip moisturizer and not chapstick. Something I found out a long time ago is that a lot of "chapsticks" actually have high amounts of things like rubbing alcohol in them which actually dries out your lips more and can make you, in a sense, addicted to the chapstick. You'll feel a constant need for it because the petroleum jelly will make you feel short-term relief from the longer-term drying out of the rubbing alcohol. So beware. Check the ingredients list. If any of the first four are "alcohol", it's a no go. Nevermind about the whole "active" versus "inactive". Those are mostly selling points nowadays. The brand name Chapstick is actually a huge perpetrator in this. Personally, as you see in the picture above, my preferred brand is Burt's Bees Lip Balm in Colourless. It's fairly cheap, environmental, and has added peppermint that gives a nice little tingly feeling. Now this balm doesn't have any SPF, so you'll need another for day-time use if you're going to be going outside at all. Alba has a decent lip balm that won't dry out your lips sensitive skin and has an SPF of 25. Also, it's very affordable. Always a plus.

The last facial care product up there is Porcelana Skin Whitening Cream. As I said, I'm pale. But since part of my heritage includes deep Irish/English, I have this wonderfully pinky tone that turns red at the slightest bit of embarrassment or activity. Boo. So in order to even out my lovely skin tone I started using this. I really only use it in the winter though since my skin does get a tiny amount of colour in the summer and, what I like most, my freckles. But the cream would get rid of those, so I sacrifice. However, I don't really recommend it for anyone else, because it's not entirely healthy for your skin. It's mostly my vanity and wanting to have Victorian-era China doll skin. :P

How's the Hair?

First is the brown bottle. That there is One 'N Only Argan Oil Curl Cream. It smells A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. And it does help. I usually shower at night, so after my Twistie Turbie (yes, that's right) gets the excess moisture out of my hair, I slick the curl cream through it lightly and grab one of my hair clips. I've only just started using it, so I can't attest to the long term effects, but I have high hopes, because, well, I love the smell of it. And that's important to me. Now, after my hair is drier, I wrap my hair again. I used to use the Twistie Turbie, but I finally invested in a satin scarf. It will help to cut down on the frizz while keeping my hair in place for curl-definition whilst I sleep. Also, it'll hold in less heat, which can and does cause headaches. No one wants that...

The next one there is the little clear spray bottle with the waves and sun on it. That's my own little mix. It's just a teaspoon of sea salt and water. But it creates a nice little beach-wave effect. Really. Just make sure you lightly mist your hair in layers to get it all. The more salt you use, the "crunchier" it gets. This I usually put on in the morning.

The Other Stuff

Nivea Creme. I use it on my hands since they get really dry too.

The which bottle in the back is BioFreeze Pain Reliever. I have active jobs, so I get sore. A lot. This stuff, works great. I couldn't tell you how much it costs, though, since it was given to me.

Anywho, that's enough for tonight. We'll get to the fun stuff soon. I promise. Until then!

- KissMYGorgeous

Patrick: You can’t prevent death with face cream.
Sally: Yeah? That’s what everyone thinks, but no-one’s ever used it in the quantities I do. 
~ Coupling

Getting Started, Pt. 2 The Hair and Others

So, I'm just going around the vanity in sections and this is the other side. Mostly, my hair stuff.


The Mop
So, starting from the left and going to the right, I have Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly Mousse. My little sister gave it to me and it works pretty well. My hair has a sort of natural curl to it but it usually ends up all poofy and frizzy. This stuff kinda gave it a more defined curl without weighing it down too much. Next up is the Paul Mitchell Extra Body Sculpting Foam. My friend goes to the Paul Mitchell school and after I had her cut a foot, yes a foot of hair off, I told her that I really wanted some body in it and she recommended this to me. Verdict? It works, but not without making my hair get "dirtier" faster. But due to my tendency to have oily (yet somehow dry) skin, my scalp is certainly not exempt so I tend to have oily hair faster. And the last one pertaining to hair is my new savior to the previously mentioned problem. Since my hair gets to feel so dirty so quickly I have a tendency to want to wash my hair at least once a day. However, because, like I've said, I also have sensitive/dry skin, washing my hair every day tends to dry out my scalp more, not to mention the cleansing chemicals damage the hair with such frequent use. So, I found my solution from Beyond the Zone's Rock On collection with a pretty effective dry shampoo. I found it at Sally's Beauty Store. Now, I've tried other dry shampoos and was initially deterred not only by the price (I would spend close to $20 for a can smaller than that above) but also the fact that it would leave a distinctly white residue behind no matter how much I tried to blend it into my hair. And I have blonde hair, so I can only imagine how much it showed on darker shades. But Rock On is only about $6-$8 for that can up there (I jumped on it and bought two at the recommendation of my aunt), and tried it. Now, it does leave a little bit of residue, but it's barely noticeable, at least on my dirty-blonde hair. And most importantly, it worked. Last note on the hair, you'll see that I have hair clips there that my aunt so generously donated to me. :) I have enough hair still, somehow, that I still need to make sure I get it pulled back when I'm doing my make up or when I'm getting ready for bed. Also, the wide-toothed grip allows my hair to breathe while still holding shape which help my curls stay a little bit better after the shower. You can get those no problem at any drug store for a few bucks a piece.


The Others Stuff
Now, on the top rack there on the far right, is just an air freshener in one of my favorite scents: lavender. It's an uber calming scent and perfect to help me unwind while I'm doing my daily-pamper. Also, hanging there is the Downy Wrinkle Release. I keep it nearby because I'll spray down my clothes (since I just don't iron, ever) and hang them on the back of my chair while I put on my face. That blue bag there is face wipes, but I will get to those in the next post...

Let's Get Started: The Basics

So before I really delve into the whole makeup thing I want to give you a little look into exactly what my routine is and what products I use that way you have an idea if you have something similar you'll know what to use or if you see something you like, you'll know what to get and where to get it.


At the moment, I'm staying with my aunt and uncle for the summer and their guest room has, strangely but awesomely enough, has a sink/vanity in it. So luckily, you get a nice little presentation to kick off the blog with.


Here's what we'll start with:

Quick Touch Ups
This is a good start since it gives you a general idea of simply my health routine. I have very sensitive, combination skin, and for years I bounced from cleanser to cleanser trying to clear my acne and get rid of my oily skin without drying out my already dry skin. Fun stuff, right? Well at one point I learned you should wait roughly a month in between switching products as a sort of "reset" that way you actually can tell a difference. Well, I tried that, sort of hesitantly since I was worried that my already painful acne, would go out of control. Guess what? It cleared up. And so did my dry skin. While I still have oily skin, I attribute that more to the fact that I have an easy tendency to sweat and it's much easier to take care of than acne or dry, flaky skin is. I just carry oil-absorption sheets with me to touch up my face throughout the day. Shiseido makes a pretty effective blotting paper, which you can get at Sephora. The absorb the oil well and have a little bit of powder on them to add a bit of matte and continuous absorption. They're somewhere around $18 for a packet of 100 sheets. That has lasted me up to a month before. But if you want something a little cheaper Clean & Clear makes some pretty effective ones as well, which I used for some time before I switched. It's generally around $5 for 50 sheets, which you can get at pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens.


At this point, I'll pause and let you know that I tend to buy my products in the mid-range price bracket. I shop namely at Sephora, but I will try to offer you alternatives when possible.


Cleansing
Okay. So, at any rate, for months I used nothing on my face but towelettes for makeup removal. Recently, however, I've been trying to be more concerned not only about how I look, but also my health. So my stepmom recommended that I start using the Mia. It's costly, so you'd have to consider the investment, but that's exactly what it is. Generally, once you start using it you'll actually get worse for a bit, but once you get into the habit it's a great deep-cleanser. I got the most basic one (there are two or three kinds) and got the extra brushes in Sensitive Skin. I use it around every other day to every two days. The cleanser that I use with it is Philosophy Purity Made Simple, which starts at $10 a bottle and goes up to $50 depending on the size you get. You'll see next to it that there's the Clarisonic Cleanser that comes with the Mia, but I've never used it so I can't tell you how it is. If you want a cheaper, before I switched I mostly used Aveeno's Positively Radient cleanser which helped to even out my skin tone and mostly kept my skin clear.


Healthcare
So on to other health works. As you see, I use Crest 3D Whitening toothpaste (I drink A LOT of coffee so I need to make sure I get those stains off.) Since I travel around a lot I need a to-go container for my tooth brush. It's generally a good idea to have one since it protects your toothbrush from, well, everything. I keep a Venus Disposable razor around the makeup area just in case I need to touchup. I've got Armenian heritage and, let's face it, that's not exactly winning the lottery genetics-wise. But the razor is fairly cheap and I've been using Venus razors pretty much my entire life, but any disposable razor will do really.


Deodorant
Anyway, you can also see I use Secret Minerals Deodorant. I chose this mainly because I like the way it smells and it works. However, like I said, I sweat very easily. I need the antiperspirant. But if you don't, I highly recommend that you use Crystal Body Deodorant. It's aluminum free and paraban free. It's not an antiperspirant, but as a deodorant, it works. The aluminum and paraban is what has been discovered to lead to cancer, especially in women since they shave their underarms and they block the lymph nodes. So, if you don't have a special need to cut down on sweat, and really only need the deodorant, then try it. They have a rock that you wet and apply or a gel roll-on. They both work great. It can now, finally, be found at your typical pharmacy/drug stores.




So anyway, there are some quick basics to get you started, I will be continuing shortly. Good luck and happy health!
- KissMYGorgeous


Susan:  "Sally, does it ever occur to you that age brings wisdom and greater confidence?"
Sally:  "Susan, age brings you more to shave."
~Coupling

Hello!

So, I'm finally getting around to beginning a new blog. I've been thinking about this one for awhile. Bascially, I can share my little knowledge of beauty tips and tricks and the main goal is this: to create a makeup look, namely eyeshadow, for a specific song. So, I'll just pick a song and create a look for it basically. Once there are some followers, I can have people pick songs they'd like to see a look for. So that's the idea of it all. :)
- KissMYGorgeous