Treating Chest and Neck Wrinkles

Now that I'm well into my 30's, I've become extremely diligent about taking good care of my skin. I wear sunscreen religiously, I moisturize and exfoliate, and I drink a lot of water! A couple areas that I've been guilty of neglecting though are my chest and neck. They were always afterthoughts during my daily skincare routines, when really they should be just as important as the face.

I've had horrible lines on my chest since I was 21, and although I find them terribly embarrassing, I wasn't sure how to treat them or make them disappear. As a side-sleeper, I knew that they were going to be chronic unless I changed my sleep position, but no matter what I try at night, I always end up on my side. Every morning I wake up with embedded lines and wrinkles down my chest.

I've tried silicone patches as a quick fix, but I want results that will last. I've even thought about getting botox for my chest wrinkles, but I know it will be expensive and I don't want to go that route if I don't need to. When I was contacted by a local beauty brand that specializes in products for the chest and neck, I knew I wanted to give it a shot. Lola Collective produces 3 key products with ingredients that target lines and wrinkles in the delicate chest and neck area. The goal is to repair, plump, and rejuvenate.

Good Night Decolletage Sleep Mask: This is a thick, rich cream that I've been using every night before bed. I'm pretty generous with it. I'm convinced that this layer of hydration is what really helps with the lessening of the lines. I still end up sleeping on my side, but this at least keeps the skin moisturized and the next day, the appearance of the lines isn't as severe as they were without using this.

Damage Control Vitamin C Primer: We know vitamin C is good to incorporate into our daily skincare routine, so it offers the same benefits to our chest and neck. I use this every morning and it instantly (I mean instantly) firms and tightens.


Bright Morning Decolletage Smoothing Cream: After the primer, I then apply this super thick smoothing cream. Out of the 3 products, this is the one that shows the most dramatic difference in my chest lines. It took a couple weeks, but after using it every day I'm no longer as self conscious about wearing a low-cut top or even my bikini.

The results are pretty great in my opinion. The before was taken when I first received the products and had not started using them yet. These photos are all in natural light with no retouching. What you see is what you get!

Before

After

Also After (about 3 weeks into using the products)

I'll definitely continue using these products as part of my regular skin routine. These products were sent to me, but I will absolutely buy them on my own and am so happy that a local southern California company is behind them! For a complete list of ingredients and to learn more about Lola Skincare Collective, go to their website. 

If you have any questions, let me know!

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Effective Cystic Acne Treatment

In my well-documented struggle with hormonal cystic acne, I think I've finally found two products that are actually effective in treating these embarrassing, painful bumps!

For a brief summary, I was on birth control pills during the entirety of my twenties, so my skin was mostly clear. I would get the occasional breakout here and there, but nothing major. However, once I went off of birth control a couple years ago, my hormones went crazy. I expected as much, but I had no idea how often I'd be dealing with cystic bumps on my chin. Add on extra stress from the pandemic, and this past Spring caused my skin to break out like I've never experienced before. I was diligent about my skincare routine, I changed my eating habits, I drank a lot more water, and I definitely kept my hands off my face. I also tried switching to oil-free products, but I was still getting one or two cystic bumps every month, usually a week before my menstrual cycle. I almost made a dermatology appointment in May, but I decided to try one last product first. If I didn't see any improvement, I'd go ahead with the dermatologist.

In my incessant research, I came across Renee Rouleau's blog and was happy to see that she has products that specialize in treating cystic chin acne. There are so many acne products on the market, but they're mostly for "normal" breakouts like blackheads and whiteheads. Cystic pimples are deep in the skin, and are much harder to treat. You really have to baby them, otherwise the risk of further damaging your skin and causing massive scarring can occur.

I was only going to buy the Anti-Bump Solution, meant as a spot treatment as soon as you start feeling the cyst coming on, but I noticed that she actually makes a chin breakout treatment kit. Hello! These two products feel like they were made for me. Used together, they are a powerful duo.

The Rapid Response Detox Masque is formulated with key ingredients like tea tree oil (which is a natural microbial that deep cleans and eliminates bacteria within minutes). It also contains lactic acid and salicylic acid. I use this masque once per week and leave it on for about 15 minutes. It feels nice and cooling.

About a week and a half before my menstrual cycle, I begin using the Anti-Bump Solution (which is clear) all over my chin and jawline before bed every night. What I find especially beneficial is that this serum doesn't dry my skin out whatsoever like some topical treatments do. If I feel any slight pain (a sign that a bump is forming), I use the solution right on that specific area, morning and night. I actually felt one the other night, and by the next morning, it was completely gone!

You can also use these products on other parts of the face, but my acne is concentrated on my chin. Sometimes I'll get a pimple in between my eyebrows, but that doesn't occur very often.

I'm not claiming my skin is perfect now, but since using this kit I haven't had a single massive breakout and these products are the only things I've changed in my routine. I'm going to continue to monitor everything. The safest bet if you do have any skin issues is to go see a dermatologist, and I'm keeping that in mind if the problem returns or worsens. But if you've tried other acne treatments and nothing has worked yet, try this!

This post is in no way sponsored...just my honest thoughts. Let me know if you have any questions and I hope you enjoyed my review.

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New Beauty Products I’m Trying During Quarantine

In keeping with this post on my blog last week, I just want to reiterate that nobody needs the beauty products I'm about to share. I'm not even sure I need them. But I did run out of eye cream and shampoo, so I decided to replenish them with products I've never tried before. Anything to add some excitement these days, right? I took advantage of Sephora's Spring sale to get a discount, and I bought the shampoo directly through my wonderful hair stylist who was kind enough to drop it at my door.

I've been using all of these products for a little over a week, which isn't enough to write full reviews. I do have some initial thoughts:

1. Tatcha The Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream:
 I don't have any fine lines or wrinkles around my eyes just yet, but I am concerned with dark circles, puffiness, and overall hydration. I see why this is called a "melting" cream, as it is extremely cushiony and smooth, sort of like a balm. A little goes a long way. I pat some underneath my eyes using my ring finger, and then a little on my lids as well. It's very hydrating without being too slick, and my concealer has been applying seamlessly afterward. So far, I like it a lot, but I wouldn't say it's any more moisturizing than other eye creams I've used for years from Kiehl's and Origins.

2. Drunk Elephant Time to Wake Up:
I've used Drunk Elephant's Protini moisturizer and have sampled their vitamic C serum. I really enjoyed both, so I picked up this duo that includes the C serum as well as the B-hydra serum. You mix both and apply all over the face in the morning for a fresh skin boost. I really love the result. They combine perfectly, and absorb quickly into the skin without a greasy, oily residue. I'm very impressed with this line of skincare.

3. Peace Out Acne Healing Dots:
My struggle with hormonal acne continues, and it's probably been made worse due to stress. I'm being extra diligent and barely wearing makeup, so why the crazy flareups? I think a visit to the dermatologist is in my future, but in the meantime, these acne healing dots have made a noticeable difference. Overnight, the spots I had on my chin were significantly reduced in size, and they dried up fast. I can't say peace out completely, but I'm just relieved they did something. Good to keep in my medicine cabinet!

4. Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo:
I mentioned in my low maintenance hair routine that I was in search of a new shampoo, and after weighing some options and researching a few brands, I decided to go with Olaplex. So many people (including my hair stylist) rave about it. After using it only a couple times, I can see why. It's the thickest, richest formula I've ever tried, it lathers well with the smallest dime size amount, and the scent is lovely. I'm in desperate need of toner and a good healthy trim, but at least I have a nice shampoo to hold me over.

I'll keep you posted on all of these as I use them more, but this has mostly been the extent of my online shopping (in-between groceries, Etsy birthday gifts, and organic cotton bed sheets).

Have you tried any new beauty products during this crazy time? Linking up with Straight A Style.

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What I'm Using on my Dry Winter Skin + Eczema

After a fairly rainy 2019, I had high hopes that this Winter would be similar. Unfortunately, much of the season has been extremely windy and dry. Most people dread humidity, but I'm the opposite and dread the desert-like climate of my area. I also have mild eczema that flares up in Winter, so I make it my mission every year to try and avoid the symptoms of dry, red, itchy skin. Thankfully, relief can be found in the skin care aisle. There are so many more options these days than there used to be!

Here are my current favorites.

Raw Sugar Pure Scalp Therapy 

People with dry skin usually have a dry scalp, and there's nothing more irritating than that! I've heard a lot about scalp treatments and exfoliators, so when I saw this product at Target I decided to give it a shot. My scalp has been in pretty good shape over the lasy year, but I do get occasional boughts of itching and flakiness. I've used this treatment a handful of times and it's worked well at soothing my scalp. The treatment has a nice cooling, tingling sensation that rinses squeaky clean. I think because so many of us go that extra day now without washing our hair, our scalps need more attention and extra nourishment. Dry shampoos can also cause buildup and congested pores, which definitely affect the health of both the scalp and hair. If you have any sort of dryness, definitely try this treatment! If you don't, try it anyway! Trust me, you'll love it.

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Itch-Relief Balm

The rough, dry patches and bumps on my lower legs have been intense this Winter. I'm talking itching that feels more like burning. Just super uncomfortable, even unbearable at times like I want to crawl out of my skin. At the beginning of the month, I'd had enough and stalked the internet for help. So many reviews gave this balm by Aveeno an A+ rating, so I quickly purchased a jar. This treatment is super thick, almost sticky. It kind of reminds me of vaseline, only richer. Containing colloidal oatmeal, it soothes on contact but really takes effect after a few minutes on my skin. I really don't know what I'd do without it now! I use it mostly in the evenings as part of my nightly routine. In the mornings, I use a regular body cream and then lightly put this on any obvious dry patches. This also comes in a version for children, as I know eczema is common in kids. Go figure I just never grew out of mine. 

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

Hydration is key to any Winter skin regimen, but so is exfoliation. In order to get rid of dry, dull skin, you really need to exfoliate. Some people do it daily, but I do it two or three times per week. These facial radiance pads from First Aid Beauty make it so easy and convenient. After cleansing, I sweep a pad across my entire face (especially around my nose and chin) and it instantly reveals brighter skin. It also helps to improve the texture, so my foundation applies more evenly and my overall complexion just looks healthier and more glowy. 

Let me know if any of you struggle with eczema or dry skin in general. I would be happy to do more posts on this if you're interested!

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My Struggle With Hormonal Acne & What's Working

There's nothing more frustrating than getting a giant cystic pimple on my face. It seems that every month like clockwork, one pops up overnight. This normally happens around my menstrual cycle so although I can carefully time it, there's still a feeling of helplessness. There's only so much I can do to prevent and then ultimately treat a cystic pimple.

That doesn't stop me from trying.

If you're unfamiliar with cystic acne, consider yourself lucky! Those who've experienced them know what I'm talking about - red, swollen, painful bumps that form deep in the pore underneath the skin's surface. I get them on my chin, around my mouth, and along my jawline which is a classic symptom of hormonal imbalance. They're so stubborn that I typically get them in the exact same spots as previous flareups. So even though I can expect them every single month, there are a few steps I take to prevent "a big one." Some bumps are more manageable than others.

A little backstory on my skin: I had combination skin as a teenager with occasional breakouts on my t-zone. My chin was the home of cystic acne, especially around my period. I went on birth control pills when I was 18, and my skin was quite happy about that! The tone and texture evened out. I still would develop occasional bumps, but instead of getting them monthly, they would occur maybe yearly. In fact, my skin became pretty dry during my late twenties, and acne was no longer an issue until I went off of birth control two years ago. The progression was fast. My skin immediately began producing more oil and I tossed out my thick moisturizers and heavy oils in favor of lighter weight products more suitable for acne prone skin. I've read that if you had problem skin before birth control, then you will likely deal with it after stopping birth control. Of course every case is different, but many women take birth control pills to regulate their hormones so once they stop, hormones can go haywire.

My skincare routine isn't perfect just yet, but I've found that these steps have indeed made my monthly visitors less painful and more tolerable:

Cleanse:
Girl, wash your face! I don't have to remind you that it's the single most important step in any skincare regimen. My most used cleanser is Cetaphil, and you can easily find it at your local drugstore. It's gentle enough for all skin types, and it cleanses without stripping your skin of essential oils. Lately I've been using this cleanser by Kate Somerville, but any basic oil-free face wash is just fine. It's not about the price or brand, but about the ingredients.

Exfoliate: 
When you have acne flare-ups, you realize how crucial it is to exfoliate your entire face at least once per week. There are two types of exfoliants - physical and chemical. Physical exfoliation such as a scrub is the most common way to slough off dead skin cells. I use the Vasanti Brighten Up! Cleanser about twice a week in place of a regular cleanser. The little grains are just effective enough to work into a slight lather and rinse clean. You really need to be mindful of avoiding abrasive scrubs though - too harsh (or larger grains) can cause the reverse effect and can damage/tear your skin! Chemical exfoliation uses - you guessed it - chemicals to remove dead skin cells and create cell turnover. I personally feel that this form of exfoliation is the most effective. Not only does it remove buildup from the pores, but it also instantly brightens the skin. I use my favorite Kate Somerville ExfoliKate once a week, concentrating on my chin and jawline. 

Mask:
The week before my menstrual cycle, I make sure that the lower half of my face gets extra attention every night. I use a clay or charcoal mask to deep clean and detoxify the entire area around my mouth and on my chin. I rinse with cool water for a squeaky clean finish.

Moisturize: 
I don't care how oily your skin is, moisturizing is a must! A non-greasy, oil-free lotion is what I prefer daily, and then I use a serum by Glo Skin Beauty at nighttime. It contains salicylic acid which gets rid of excess oil and deep cleans the pores. It helps prevent future breakouts.

Treatments:
Okay, now here's what I do when I first begin to feel a big red bump coming on. I wrap an ice cube in a paper towel and then hold it to the affected spot for a few minutes. This helps to reduce the redness and swelling. After that, I mix a bit of benzoyl peroxide (it kills the bacteria) with some hydrocortizone cream and apply a thin layer to the pimple. This works best overnight! I usually notice a decrease in size of the pimple the next morning, and the hydrocortizone helps eliminate much of the redness. I do this for a couple nights until the pimple disappears or starts to come up to the surface where it dries out within a few days.

I've tried so many different acne clearing products over the years but this system has worked the best for me. Like I said, it isn't perfect and I'm still in the process of figuring it all out. If you have any advice, please let me know in the comments or send me an email! Hormonal acne isn't fun, but it also doesn't have to control your life either. I hope some of you found this helpful!

Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style.

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Pour Moi Climate Smart Skincare Products

This post is sponsored by Pour Moi Skincare. They provided the products, and I have been using them for over one month. All opinions are my own.

One of the challenging parts about living in Murrieta is the dry climate. My skin feels it the most. I have an oily face but incredibly dry, eczema-prone skin everywhere else on my body. Sometimes it can be hard to manage!

I've always read that the skin you have is part hereditary, and part how you take care of it. Thankfully, my mother is almost 70 and her skin has always been flawless. She can count on one hand the number of times she's gotten a pimple. My dad on the other hand had a bout of acne as a teenager, and has since had fairly problematic skin, so I guess I fall somewhere in the middle. I do what I can to stay healthy - drink lots of water, eat nutrient-rich foods, exercise. But I hadn't thought of how the environment I live in directly affects my skin, even more so than other factors.  Why wouldn't I use products that are formulated for a desert climate? I didn't even know this existed until Pour Moi Skincare.

Their whole line consists of skincare products designed with different climates in mind. My skin in Maui is MUCH different than my skin in Murrieta. I'll even go down to the coast for a day and my skin instantly feels softer and less dry than it does when I'm home. Climate smart skincare is brilliant!

Desert Day Cream, The White Serum

Whether you live in a tropical place or a more mild climate, there's a cream for that.

Murrieta is dry, hot, and did I mention dry and hot?

Desert Day Cream: I use this morning and sometimes at night. Designed for high temperatures ( 75 degrees F - 120 degrees F) and low humidity (less than 45 %). It has a very light-weight feel that sinks immediately into the skin. It barely has any scent at all, which is great if you're more sensitive. It isn't oily or greasy, and doesn't leave behind any residue. I love applying it first thing in the morning, underneath makeup, for an even finish.

The White Serum: I use the white serum at night, underneath the day cream or another nighttime moisturizer. This is designed to control excess oil production, which I definitely need these days. It is extremely light and silky, not at all oily like most serums I've tried. I don't feel like I'm using something that will cause a breakout, as it absorbs into the skin very quickly. If you have oily skin, I highly recommend this!

Both of these products feel very light, comfortable, and just the right amount of moisture I need this time of year here in SoCal.

What do you think of "climate smart" skincare? What climate do you live in?

Linking up with On The Daily Express and Straight A Style

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Skin Smoothing Favorites

We all want to look our best, and that means having great skin. It's one of the first things people notice, especially in photos. It would be nice if we were all blessed with it but I think I stand with the majority when I say I'm usually trying to conceal dark circles, discoloration, and an acne mark every now and then.

So what's a girl to do? Fake it! There's a new batch of products that are designed to help you achieve smooth skin relatively easily. I've been testing these and have discovered that not only are they perfect on-camera, but they keep you looking fresh and youthful off-camera as well.
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1. Tatcha The Silk Canvas -  Besides this being the prettiest packaged face primer I've ever seen, it's also the best I've ever tried. With my skin being rather oily, I was worried that this would create more shine. Thankfully it's for all skin types, oily included. It has a faint citrus scent and applies as a silky balm. It's slightly like other silicone primers I've used, but it absorbs much more quickly, doesn't feel as slick, and really provides a nice even base for makeup that lasts for a whole day.

2. Dr. Brandt No More Baggage - I use this as a quick fix on days where I have more puffiness under my eyes than usual. It's essentially an orange tinted gel that disappears onto the skin. It's cooling to the touch and dries to a smooth layer almost like a liquid bandage! You can feel it tightening as it dries. I know, sounds really weird but surprisingly effective. I then pat concealer on top for a well-rested appearance. This seems to go on sale frequently so look out if you want to give it a try.

Tarte Shape Tape -  Not necessarily skin smoothing but I just bought this concealer and so far, so good! It's a much thicker consistency than my NARS, and the coverage is perfect on acne marks and dark circles. I dabbed some on an old scar and it covered very well. This just might be my new holy grail! I'll do a proper review in two weeks.


Have you tried any of these products? I hope you ladies are having a fantastic week!

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Changes After Stopping The Pill

I currently have a pimple on my forehead. I also have a couple fine lines right next to it.

Pimples and wrinkles? Welcome to thirty-three.

Products // L'Oreal pure clay cleanser, Glow Recipe sleeping mask, Kate Somerville exfolikate, Smashbox primer water, Kiehls creamy avocado eye treatment, Laneige lip mask

And so it goes, just another typical week around here. Stuck between puberty and adulthood, or so it appears that way. It was only a few short months ago that I had my skincare routine down to a science. Then I stopped taking birth control pills over the Summer and now I'm just trying to understand my own body again.

Ch-ch-ch-changes...

I'll admit that I've been reluctant to write about this, mostly because it's a little embarrassing. But if I'm experiencing these changes then I'm sure a lot of you are (or have) as well.

I started taking the pill when I was eighteen. I had horrible menstrual cycles that were extremely painful, making the week of my period absolute Hell. My skin was fairly normal but when I broke out, I really broke out! We're talking red, cystic bumps. When my doctor recommended I try a low dose birth control pill to help regulate my hormones, I gladly accepted. All the nerves I had about taking a pill every single day quickly faded away as my skin, hair, nails, everything seemed to improve.

I never had issues on ortho tri cyclen lo. I didn't have the same hiccups that plagued my girlfriends. Many of them tried different methods because the side effects of birth control really impacted their bodies in a negative way. It was confusing to me because I didn't have any complaints. It worked well! My cycle became regular, my skin looked amazing, my hair shined, and I lived my life without worry. I felt in control of my body.

Then in June, Nate and I decided that we were ready to start a family and I stopped taking all of my medications including the pill. I was SO nervous. After over a decade of relying on it, I was done. Just like that. I poured over online articles, medical journals, consulted with a doctor, and asked my girlfriends if stopping birth control was easy. Namely, was my body going to freak out? Spontaneously combust?

Before I go on, let me caution you guys against reading too much into somebody else's experience. I read horror stories of women suddenly getting horrible acne, mood swings that bordered on institutionalization, and oily hair that couldn't be tamed. The last part scared me the most. "Damn, I'll have to wash my hair every day?" No thanks. I have enough trouble as it is.

The truth is, everybody is going to react differently when starting or stopping any type of hormonal treatment, just as everybody reacts differently to  certain medications. So before you have a meltdown like I did in June, just relax. Your body may change like mine has, or you may not notice any changes at all.

So right now, a little over six months after stopping the pill and I have:
An oily complexion. The rest of my body is dry as a desert (I suffer from mild eczema and dry patches).
I have intermittent periods where my skin still looks and feels like it did before, but I break out more often especially little bumps along my hairline and jawline. I cannot express how irritating this is to me.
My hair gets oily faster, especially in the front. I now wash my hair three times per week, in comparison to twice before.
My period is regular and actually fairly easy. Not too much pain either, thank God.
The one thing that has really been a struggle is my mood. I go up and down so much and quickly too. I'm still unsure what to do in order to create balance, but I'm hoping that my body will regulate  itself. 

The products shown above are what I've been using. I find that I still enjoy most of them, but I have a less heavy hand with the creams. I also have been exfoliating more, about three times per week. I am super diligent about cleansing too. The L'oreal pure clay cleanser has been amazing at removing impurities, so I plan on buying another soon.

This post isn't necessarily me giving you advice because I'm sorting through it all myself. I just wanted to share that if you're going through hormonal changes too, that I totally understand how frustrating it can be! I would love to hear from you guys on this topic! Any tips, special products that I should know about? Our bodies are resilient, and we will adjust.

Linking up with Pumps & Pushups, On the Daily Express, Straight A Style

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Skincare in Your 30's

Managing your skin once you hit your 30's can be a little daunting. So many of us still have the same concerns as we did in our 20's, but we are also trying our best to prevent signs of aging. After being on birth control pills for nearly all of my adult life, my skin has changed drastically in just three months time. I used to battle dryness, and now I'm more oily and prone to cystic bumps along my chin and jawline (in fact, I'm nursing a giant monster right now). Talk about an identity crisis! Just when I had my skincare routine down, my hormones shifted and now I'm back to feeling like a teenager again...A teenager that is worried about fine lines and wrinkles on top of breakouts.

Everyone's skin needs are different of course, but I think it's imperative that we all take great care of it. It's the first thing people notice! It's easy to be careless when you're younger, but once you reach 30, it's high time to lock down a routine that works for you, invest in some quality products, and really take skincare seriously. Here is what I do for a healthy, youthful glow:

Step 1) Cleanse

I wash my face morning and night. At the moment I'm using a cleanser by L'Oreal, but I also love Cetaphil, First Aid Beauty, and Glo Skin Beauty. I don't think the brand matters so much as the effectiveness. Use whatever works for you, but don't forget to wash off the day's makeup! This is the key to having great skin.

Current cleanser

Step 2) Exfoliate

I don't exfoliate every single day, only twice per week but it definitely makes a difference! If you have sensitive skin, once a week is good enough to slough off dead skin cells. Out of all the products I use, Exfolikate is the one I recommend to absolutely everyone. It's pricey, but a little goes a long way and it's the best I've used.

Step 3) Moisturize

Moisturizing has been the area in my new routine that I've been struggling with. My old moisturizers are fairly thick and heavy, and I've been so paranoid about developing a breakout. However, keeping your skin hydrated is important for all types so I've been using my moisturizers sparingly and with a lighter hand. I apply before makeup in the morning (I use one with SPF) and at night before. I also use an eye gel to help keep my undereye area soft yet firm.

Step 4) Treat

My problem areas include some discoloration on my cheeks and around my nose, as well as old acne marks on my chin. Lately I have been using a spot treatment on my chin to get rid of blemishes, but I don't use it nightly because it can be very drying to the surrounding skin. If you have any concerns like these, a great serum can help lessen the appearance of unwanted marks.

Step 5) Prevention

Lastly, the best time to prevent lines and wrinkles is in your late 20's and early 30's. Your skin is most resilient! I use a serum with retinol and fatty acids. Below are some newer products that I'm excited to try and two of them moisturize while you sleep. I'll let you know how I like them but i've only read positive things.

Is your skincare routine similar? If you have any specific questions let me know!

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VIIcode O2M Oxygen Overnight Eye Mask

This post is sponsored by VIIcode. All opinions expressed are my own. 

Now that I'm well into my thirties, skincare is my main concern in my beauty routine. I know I've said this before and I'll say it again - no amount of high-end makeup can cover up problematic skin. If you don't have a good canvas, there really isn't much you can do. My skin looks better than it ever has, and I know it's because I'm making it my priority every morning and evening. I can comfortably go without wearing makeup on some days, and I love the freedom and self-confidence that comes along with being able to do that!

One product that has entered the beauty market over the last year or so are eye gels. I'm sure you've all seen them alongside sheet masks and even lip masks. I have used a different brand before, and while I love those for a quick fix, I wanted to try something with a little more lasting power. When I was contacted by VIIcode to sample their oxygen overnight eye mask, I was ecstatic. Banishing puffiness and under eye wrinkles while I sleep? Sold! Sign me up for that. 

The box comes with six treatments. They call it a treatment because it's the only eye mask that you can use overnight as you're sleeping. For best results, you should use them two to three times per week. I still have one more pair left and I'm saving it for my Las Vegas trip on Sunday night.

What I like about them is how saturated they are. The gel formula really sticks to the skin and feels incredibly soft and cooling. It's been so hot here the last few days and using them has been a soothing treat.

You can wear them overnight for up to eight hours, but I think my maximum number has actually been around seven because I'm not a good sleeper. However, I still saw amazing results and even Nate commented on how much better my under eye bags looked, or rather, the lack thereof. I don't yet have any wrinkles around my eyes, so I can't attest to disappearance of those. I believe these are so moisturizing though that fine lines will definitely benefit.

I'm a side sleeper so I worried they would slip right off during the night. However, they stayed in place which is quite a feat. I'm impressed! These would be great to wear on a night before a big event, when you want to look extra refreshed.

What do you ladies think? Have you tried eye masks before? Thank you to Elle at VIIcode for kindly sending these to me. 

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SiO Beauty

This post contains products that were sent to me by Sio Beauty. The thoughts expressed below are all my own. 

Something I've been self-conscious about since my early twenties are the lines that have formed on my chest. I thought it was due to sun exposure, but the real culprit is that I am a consistent side-sleeper. I can't sleep on my back nor stomach, and I spend countless nights tossing and turning from side to side. The results are massive lines running down my decollete and chest (in a word, gravity is my problem). They don't go away either. I often tell Nate NOT to take close up photos of pretty necklaces I wear in my outfit posts because I'm so embarrassed of these noticeable wrinkles. I also don't use photoshop, so what you see is what you get.

When I was contacted by a representative from Sio Beauty about trying a product designed to lessen the appearance of these wrinkles, I knew I had to!

I was sent two products that promised to smooth my wrinkles overnight. The first are the cleansing pads. I used one pad per night on my chest and cleavage area to ensure that the product would adhere properly to my skin and to get rid of any oils or residue from the day. After a few quick swipes, I then applied the skinpad to my chest where the lines are most visible.


The skinpad is made from silicone and oxygen. According to the website, "these basic atoms are crosslinked with hydrogen and carbon, helping your skin to hydrate, plump, and smooth itself." The great thing about the pad is that it didn't feel constricting. I honestly didn't even know that it was there. That was my main concern with the pad - I wasn't convinced it would feel comfortable during sleep and I thought it would move every time I did. Fortunately, the pad stayed in place. They are reusable too, which is super convenient. I just run them under water for a few seconds, pat dry, and store them on the sheet that they arrived on.

Before

Wearing the pad the next morning before removing it

After

I'm incredibly impressed with the results If you've read here before, you probably know that I have dry, irritated skin. Moisture is my best friend, and these pads are perfect for providing that. Because of my eczema, I have to constantly hydrate and keep up with a good skincare routine in order to prevent any further issues. I never realized that wrinkles would be a big part of that as well. In the before and after, there is a noticeable difference in the smoothness of my skin. You can see where the pad previously had been placed, and if anything, I'd want a larger pad. I'd use them everywhere! My skin also felt much more supple in comparison to the rest of my body. There was some redness for a about 15 minutes but that disappeared. I would definitely recommend this product and will be buying some with my own money once the weather warms up and I need to break out my bathing suit. I wish I had these for my wedding day when I wore my sweetheart neckline dress. Oh well, now I know. Pricing is $99.95 for a single purchase, or there is an option for auto-delivery every 30, 60, or 90 days at $69.95. Something worth thinking about if you have a special event coming up, or if you are like me and just want a smoother appearance in that area.


What do you think? Let me know in the comments below!

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Managing Eczema

I have a (not so secret) confession to make: I have been dealing with dry, itchy, bumpy skin otherwise known as eczema. I've struggled with problematic skin for years, but it has gotten to the point where I'm actually embarrassed to show my arms sometimes due to the red scaly patches underneath my elbows. I even went to my doctor because the irritation was getting to the point where I was scratching so severely. I was breaking the skin, not exactly an attractive look. He prescribed me a cream that definitely has helped, and told me to stop clawing at myself because it just makes the problem worse. Okay doc, easy for you to say! I know it's a vicious cycle. The itch causes the scratching, but the scratching just makes the itching more intense.

Anyway, aside from the topical medicated cream, I have been using two products in conjunction that have soothed a great deal, and the eczema isn't nearly as bothersome as it was just a few weeks ago. If any of you suffer from eczema (which apparently is pretty common) or if you just have sensitive dry skin, read on!

 Loccitane almond shower oil...I have used different body washes in hopes of treating my eczema, but the one I find to be the most effective is this. The lather is minimal, and I don't feel it strips my skin of moisture. It's gentle enough to use every day.

 Skinfix soothing lotion...This is tremendous and if you have any form of dryness then you need to try it! I got mine at Target, but you can also find Skinfix products at Ulta and CVS. In doing some research on eczema, I found out that colloidal oatmeal is the main ingredient that helps alleviate the irritation, and I can feel the difference as soon as I put this on my body.


Here are some more tips for eczema-prone skin:

1. Don't take long hot showers. It promotes dryness. Instead try taking short, luke-warm showers.

2. As soon as bathing is done, pat your skin dry (don't rub) and immediately slather on lotion while skin is still damp. It provides a moisture barrier.

3. Apply lotion a couple times per day.

4. An epsom salt bath can also provide some relief if the itching is especially bad.

5. See your doctor or dermatologist if symptoms persist.

And now I sound like a brochure, so I am done here. I hope this helps! I'm worried my skin will freak out again once the weather really changes, because my skin always gets insanely dry in Winter. I'll update you if anything changes in my routine.

Do you suffer from dry skin or eczema? I'd love to hear your experience! Any other tips are greatly appreciated.

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Glo Therapeutics and My Skin

I've been working with Glo Professional and their skincare line, Glo Therapeutics for about two years. I was initially contacted by the company, and quickly fell in love with their mists, serum, and moisturizers. Although these products were kindly sent to me a few months ago, I can honestly attest to the quality of their brand and I would (and soon will) pay for my own products in a heartbeat. That's how much I love it! Let me also stress that I have used these products for a substantial period of time, so I've really been able to see the difference in my skin. It looks more radiant overall, and even though I've had a spell recently with eczema, my face has remained untouched and looks just as I want it to - glowing, moisturized, and more even.

I start by cleansing, and then apply the Cyto-luxe toning mist all over my face. I do this morning and night to boost my skin's brightness and provide a layer of fine moisture. It smells clean and natural, and I find that it's the most refreshing step in my skincare routine. It does feel slightly tingly, but the sensation fades within seconds of application. It's the perfect canvas for my next step.

I then apply the Cyto-luxe light moisture cream. It goes on smoothly and smells of citrus, just as the toning mist does! It isn't greasy, so it absorbs into the skin rather quickly. I have dry skin, but it still provides just the right amount of moisture. My skin feels immediately more supple and plump. I also think this product would be even better for people with oily or combination skin since it's so light. 

The Cyto-luxe line is relatively new to Glo Therapeutics, but I love these products in conjunction with my other favorites from their regular line.

I use the renew serum every night. It has anti-aging properties including retinol, and I feel like it really has improved the tone and texture of my skin. The pure hydration almost feels like water! It is a gel-like consistency, and it goes on like a dream providing my skin with a good base for makeup. I'm almost out of both so I need to order more. Overall, I love that these products are plant based, but still contain beneficial ingredients like retinol and glycolic acid. There is something for everyone whether it be acne, anti-aging which is mostly my concern, sensitive skin, and dryness. I do sometimes like to go outside the brand to try other things, but these products are the basis of my routine and that won't change. As long as this brand exists, I will continue to use it.

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments!

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Dry Skin Relief

I mentioned in my last beauty post that I really struggle with dry, cracked skin. I think I might even have excema but have not been formally diagnosed by my doctor. It goes away once the weather gets warmer and more humid, part of the reason why I love going to the coast so often. By the water, I instantly feel relief from my allergies and dry skin. But, since we can't afford to move to the ocean, I have to be a little clever and trick my skin into believing that it's hydrated right here in the valley.

These are just a few new products that I've recently discovered over the last few weeks. I'd like to share them with you because so far, I'm loving the results.


First I'll begin with a product that was recommended to me by my snapchat and Instagram friends. They tagged me in a photo from Target:

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My Target store didn't have the body butter, but they did have something similar:

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I had never even seen this brand at Target before, and the line does appear to be limited, but this lotion is A-mazing! It really is so moisturizing. It also doesn't have much of a scent. I wouldn't say it's completely fragrance free, but it is very faint and so it's great to layer my favorite perfume over it. My legs get really itchy so I need something that will soothe the irritation while still providing a blanket of long-lasting moisture. It also absorbs rather quickly and doesn't feel greasy so I can get dressed right away. I slather this as soon as I get out of the shower, focusing on arms, hands, legs, and feet. The price point is great too at $14.99. It's natural and gentle for all skin types.

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This was a total surprise from the hubby. We usually get each other chocolate, candy, and small amount gift cards in our stockings every Christmas, but I was shocked at what he came up with this time! In all honesty, I felt so guilty! I got him a Starbucks gift card, movie tickets, and candy. He got me some perfume, a Sephora gift card, and this primer water by Smashbox. He must have had help right?! He swears he picked this out on his own, but I'm not convinced. Either way, this stuff is the s@#!
I love setting sprays and misters, but this one takes the cake because it has many purposes that actually work! I use it to prime my face before makeup, and then I use it to set my makeup as well. The scent is beautiful, very soft but lovely. The spray nozzle is great too. Sometimes my MAC Fix + can squirt out like a hose, getting my face completely drenched. This spray is very fine and even. I will definitely purchase one for myself once this is gone.


These next two products were sent to me for consideration from a shop based out of Canada. The sweet email I received could not have come at a better time! Just as I was complaining to friends about my dry skin, I got an email from Batty's Bath (how cute is that name by the way). I was sent two products. The packaging is a selling point!

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The first product is my favorite and most functional for my skin. This product is very thick, and comes in a stick form that you push up from the bottom. I have been carrying this in my bag for midday touch ups when my skin needs extra love. I have this annoying dry patch on my right pointer finger and it almost feels like elephant skin. Lovely, I know. But this is great for spot treating dry patches. I even use it on my nose because being sick the last month made the sides of it crack. It feels very soothing. The ingredients are cocoa seed butter, coconut oil, shea butter, sweet almond oil, sunflower, vitamin E, and avocado. It has a slight herbal scent, but it's barely detectable. I can see this working well on cuts, scars, and even mild burns. It's a great on-the-go balm when you don't want to carry a tube of lotion in your bag.

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So it's been established that I love mists. They are great for cooling down in the hot Summer months, but I love them even more for hydration in the Winter. I can't say I love this more than the primer water above, but I do use this every night as a last blast of moisture before bed. I use it to set in my serums and eye cream. I love the scent! It reminds me of tea. I wouldn't say this would replace a regular moisturizer, but if you are craving an extra little something, then this is perfect for that. These ingredients are organic as well. They include aloe, German Chamomile, rose, vitamin B3. and provitamin B5. All very healthy, good for you elements that you can feel secure about putting on your precious skin. 

If you have any questions, as always ask in the comments! I hope you'll give these all a try to alleviate dry skin. 

Note: Batty's Bath sent me two products for review, but I was not compensated and all opinion are my own. 

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Winter Skin Essentials

Is it Winter yet? No? Not until next week I believe. Well you can tell my skin that because it has been in Winter mode for about a month now and it looks like it might be a rough season (pun intended). As much as I love the cooler temperatures, my skin goes into shock every year and becomes so bitterly dry that I spend a small fortune trying to find the latest and greatest products so I don't look like a withering piece of old fruit. Not only is dry skin bothersome, but it can also be itchy and painful. Not to mention how it ages you! I'm still on the lookout for a great body balm or butter, but I do have some other products that I swear by every Winter. If you suffer from the same problem, maybe these will be worth trying for you as well. I've already done little reviews on most of these products so I'm just refreshing your memories and letting you know that I don't just buy things, blog about them, and move on. I really am very loyal to certain items because they work!

For the undereye area

The best lip balm, really.

Ultra moisturizing hand cream. This came in a pack of three 

Body scrub (scent) from Heaven. I use this every day on my arms and legs. 

Can you tell I love this brand?

This product is new. I bought it in place of my Lush body conditioner because that product isn't easily accessible and this one by Nivea is. I think I prefer the Lush, but only because of the rose scent. Otherwise, this works just as well and leaves my skin much softer than if I didn't add the extra step.

I just bought a new body lotion from Target that I'm going to test, and I also was sent a couple of organic skin products from a Canadian brand. Stay tuned in the next couple of weeks for reviews on those. Winter skin is serious beauty business! Let me know if you ladies have any recommendations for me! 

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