Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Tip

Carmex has SPF 15, so if you're using a lip gloss that isn't SPF, just put on some Carmex first and you're good to go!

Also, I always keep a tube of Carmex in my glove box in the car, just in case I forget to grap chapstick/lipgloss/whatever for that day. It's saved me more than once from going somewhere with bare chapped lips!

If you don't already have an insane collection of these like I do, they sell for about $1.59 at Walgreens or 2/$3.

The Microdelivery: In-home Vitamin C Peptide Peel

If you're ever looking for a great microdermabrasion or peel, or even just something to smooth your skin and get all the gunk out once or twice a week, this is your baby. The way my skin feels after using this is somewhere between butter and baby's skin. No moisturizer or scrub has ever left me feeling this soft and smooth. And, it doesn't leave my skin filmy, waxy, or on my way to a week of break outs. This is one of those products that you really don't need (when you're a college student, anyway) but so worth it.

It's super easy to do in the shower. I wash my face with my normal cleanser, dry it off with a (dry) wash cloth, apply and massage in the peptide crystals, add the gel over top, do the rest of my shower routine, then rinse! It comes off very easily and the effects are immediate. The awesome thing about microdermabrasions at home is that you control the pressure when massaging it in, so you don't have to suffer through an intense session and come out with red and irritated skin. Awesome.

From the Philosophy website:

how to apply 
step 1 - vitamin c⁄peptide resurfacing crystals - apply a teaspoon amount to clean, dry skin. once applied, crystals should appear almost like a mask. gently massage in a circular motion over entire face for up to 60 seconds, avoiding eye area. do not scrub. (use less pressure for sensitive skin.) step 2 - lactic⁄salicylic acid activating gel place a generous teaspoon amount in the palm of your hand. massage gel onto fingertips, and apply on top of crystals. as activator is applied, a warming sensation will occur. white foam will appear, indicating activation. leave foam on 2-3 minutes to infuse vitamin c and peptides into the skin. (you can massage foam for extra exfoliating benefits or let it sit for sensitive skin.) rinse thoroughly. (you can use a washcloth for removal, to avoid getting the peel in your hair).

ingredients 
gel: water (aqua), lactic acid, hydroxyethylcellulose, linoleamidopropyl pg-dimonium chloride phosphate, salicyclic acid, polyquaternium-10, propylene glycol, dizolidinyl urea, methylparaben, propylparaben. crystals: peg-6, sodium bicarbonate, oleth-20, glyceryl stearate se, silica, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, tocopheryl acetate, retinyl palmitate, ethylhexyl palmitate, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) oil, tribehenin, sorbitan isostearate, palmitoyl oligopeptide, beta-carotene, isopropylparaben, isobutylparaben, butylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben.

tips & tricks
clinical results show that after just one microdelivery peel, 82% of respondents agreed their skin appeared to be resurfaced, and 80% said their skin felt smoother and more refined.

FREE Body Shop Mini Item Coupon

The Body Shop is offering a FREE mini item of your choice and 10% off any purchase until September 6! Happy shopping!

Print out the coupon here:
http://www.thebodyshop-usa.com/img/landing/TheBodyShopCoupon.pdf

Relief MD Eucalyptus Epsom Salt Bath

Relief MD Sore Muscle & Back Soak
Eucalyptus Scented Epsom Salt
Natural magnesium sulfate crystals

"To provide soothing relief from overexertion & stiffness, for muscle cramps, soreness & fatigue, calming & relaxing soak aid with a light eucalyptus scent."

I have been using Epsom salt a couple times a week for baths for a long time. Many people are deficient in magnesium, and this is a great way to replenish! They are also great for sore muscles or when you've had a long day. I just recently tried this kind with eucalyptus in it and it smells so great, it is very calming. I definitely recommend trying an epsom salt bath if you've never done one before! Just add a cup or two to your bath water and soak for 20 minutes. I found this version at my local dollar store (a regular store will try to sell you this stuff for 2-3 bucks, definitely go to the dollar store, the ingredients are exactly the same). Enjoy!

e.l.f. studio Glitter Gloss & NYC Lip Plumper

NYC Lip Plumper in Peach Parfait

Let me just start by saying I love both of these products. They are my current go-to glosses. I'm not sure if a lot of people like lip plumpers or not, but I have lips that are on the thin side so sometimes it's nice to have a little plump. I got this in 473, Peach Parfait and looove the tint. It's very neutral without washing out my skin tone. Immediately after putting this on I feel a slight tingly sensation and within a few minutes can tell that my lips are a little more plump. This product won't give you Jolie lips, but they will enhance what you have! It is glossy but not the glossiest I've seen. It's also not sticky, which is always a plus. The product lasts for a couple of hours before having to reapply it.

 The package says, "Cinnamon and Ginger help to enhance lip shape and fullness while Vitamin E formula hydrates, smoothes and soothes."

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 I actually probably didn't put enough on for the pictures, but I'm not one to layer it on very heavy. Next time I'll take two different pictures of it applied lightly and then applied with layers.

For $3.39, you really can't beat this. If you're looking for a good plumper or daily wear gloss that isn't too sticky and doesn't dry out your skin, try it out! You really can't lose at this price.



e.l.f. studio Glitter Gloss in Glam Guava

Another amazing find, only $3.00 for this beautiful sparkly gloss. It comes with a brush applicator, which can be annoying with certain glosses but for this one it actually works quite well. Again, I love the color.

Here's a sample...

It feels somewhat grainy while on but that's because of the glitter, you can't really escape that for this type of shimmer.

Isn't it so pretty? Overall I'd have to say this is my favorite gloss so far. And it's only $3!!

Biore & Olay Cleansers Review

Biore Steam Activated Cleanser with SteamActiv beads (oil-free) 5 fl oz - $5.00
Olay Acne Control Face Wash (oil-free) 6.7 fl oz - $5.99

I think I've tried more cleansers since I became a teenager than any other product. The only ones that have worked for me and my combination/acne prone skin have been big name and price products such as Proactive. However, lately I've been using Olay Acne Control Oil-Free Face Wash. It is AH MA ZING. And this is coming from someone who has had trouble controlling her acne for what seems like forever. With this cleanser I still get occasional SMALL bumps that are easily covered with my foundation (no big red irritating spots yet). I also occasionally use Biore's Steam Activating Cleanser in the shower. It has mint in it and it leaves my skin feeling so cool and refreshed after I use it. It was one of Marie Claire's 25 Best Beauty Products in 2010. The reason I don't use the Biore cleanser every day is because it doesn't do enough to clear my acne - but using once a week has proved not to be a threat. The one thing I don't like about this Biore product is that there aren't enough steam beads in it - I maybe get one per pump. It works anyway, but still. If that's the main selling point of the product, I should have lots of them in each pump!

Back to Olay... I'm tired of paying an arm and a leg for my cleansers and secretly have always envied those women who can use the simple yet extraordinary Olay products! Also, I find that when using products such as Proactive I'm more likely to "accidentally" fall asleep with my makeup on, because the entire 4 step (5 if you use an eye cream!) seems like too much when I'm exhausted. This Olay product also doesn't bleach my towels, as Proactive unfortunately has. It doesn't have a very strong scent, but don't use a full pump because you will literally be inhaling bubbles if you do. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean, and it completely takes off all of my make up - even waterproof mascara. I've read reviews for this product and I think people who have had negative experiences with acne cleansers aren't using a good moisturizer. The salicylic acid really dries the skin and even if you have oily skin you need moisturizer to protect it. I'll be doing a review on my moisturizer soon - it is from Mary Kay (my cousin is a rep) and although I'm not a huge Mary Kay fan, this stuff is honestly the only moisturizer I've ever tried that has not made me break out. In fact, I'll take a picture of the entire drawer filled with moisturizers that have failed me! I think I'm going to try an Olay moisturizer next, so if you've tried one you love let me know!