Face On: A Lesson On Skin Care

I'm sure we all know that we should be washing our faces well and often but with all the cleansers, toners, serums, and moisturizers out there how do you know which one is right for you? Well, for anyone wondering I hope this post gives you some insight! 

Before I dive into this post though there are a few terms you should all know and the things that they do! These terms are:

• Exfoliant 
• Cleanser
• Toner
• Serum
• Moisturizer  

Exfoliant

An exfoliant is a granular wash or scrub that you should use 1 to 3 times a week (depending on your skin type) before washing your face. Why? Because it removes dead cells away from the surface of your skin which makes it easier for your cleanser to unclog your pores.

Cleanser

Facial cleanser is a soap like substance that you use to remove any remaining makeup, dead skin cells, oil, dirt, and pretty much any other pollutants that could be on your face.  This step unclogs your pores and prevents you from getting pimples!

Toner  

This is a type of liquid lotion that is designed to cleanse and shrink pores. Best applied with a cotton ball or pad. 

Serum

Serums are basically moisturizers without the air tight moisturizing ingredients such as petrolatum or mineral oils that keep water from evaporating. Serums also have less thickening agents such as nut and seed oils (most serums are actually water based eliminating the oil component all together). Why use it? Serum, like moisturizer, keeps your skin from being to dry or too oily. The only difference is the ingredients and the feel of it on the skin, it's so light and airy feeling opposed to how heavy moisturizer can feel but with the same result: silky smooth skin. 

Moisturizer  

Moisturizers are used to prevent your skin from becoming to dry or too oily. Moisturizers also make your skin soft and smooth.

And now that you know the works, let's talk about the best skin care routine for your skin type! 

Oily Skin

If you struggle with the annoyance of a shiny face that somewhat resembles an oil slick, chances are you have oily skin. So how do you tackle it? Well the first step you should take is finding a good exfoliant, exfoliating is the best way to remove that build up of dead skin cells and other pollutants ultimately unclogging your pores, if you have oily skin you should do this 2 to 3 times a week.

Next you should use a gentle cleanser twice a day, but beware, any product that makes your skin tingle should be avoided. This is because the product most likely contains alcohol, and should be avoided because though you may think that its helping your skin by drying it and making it feel less oily, its actually just making matters worse. This is because by applying this right to the oil glands you're just causing them to produce even more oil!

Okay so you got your cleanser now what? Well now you're going to need an alcohol free toner. Toners like this help your skin heal, minimize pores, and remove any remaining dead skin cells.

Lastly before bed you should use a hydration gel, which is basically just a type moisturizer. This is because it simply provides hydration as well as heals your skin  while you slumber.

Best products for your skin type?

From left to right:  Exfoliating Scrub: $20.00, Liquid Facial Soap: $17.00, Clarifying Lotion: $13.50, Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel: $26.00 (all products available at Macy's)

Dry Skin

First things first: Warm water yes, hot water hell no. Sure that steam feels good but it's not good for dry skin. This is because hot water strips your skin of it natural oil that you need to trap moisture hence making your dry.

People with dry skin can use an exfoliating scrub but I wouldn't suggested considering your skin is already dry a scrub may make it irritated, so I suggest simply using a soft bristled electronic facial brush along with your cleanser . (Face brushes can be bought from Olay, Neutrogena, and Clarisonic)  For those of you with dry skin I would reccomend a gentle moisturizing cleanser with no fragrance. This is because products with deodorant or antibacterial additives are harsh on skin. Same applies for a toner.

Next you need a serum and a hydration moisturizer. You need both because with having dry skin, serum works right at the source of the irritation for immediate relief and the moisturizer with keep you skin hydrated for the long haul, leaving it smooth and reducing flakiness.

Best products for your skin type?

From left to right:  Soft Clean Facial Soap: $32.00, Perfectly Clean Toner: $20.00, Soft Clean Hydrating Lotion (serum): $32.00, Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Lotion (moisturizer): $44.00 (all products available at Macy's)

Sensitive/Normal Skin

For those of you that are like me and have sensitive or normal skin, you know what a hassle it is to find products to benefit you, at least in a set. But hopefully my next suggestions will help you! Firstly much like with dry skin you want to only use warm water because hot water can leave your skin irritated and splotchy. 

Just like with dry skin, I wouldn't recommend using a exfoliating but just a  soft bristled electronic facial brush along with your cleanser . (Facial brushes can be bought from Olay, Neutrogena, and Clarisonic)

Next you need an alcohol and fragrance free cleanser. Fragrance free is just my personal preference, but alcohol free is a must because like every other skin type alcohol will dry out your skin. Now the type of toner that works best for this skin type is oil minimizing which  boosts the moisture in your skin while it minimizes oil. This is good for your skin because it reduces pores and replenishes your skin.

This next step you don't necessarily need but I like it and this is a sculpting serum. I use this in the morning opposed to moisturizer because it is so much lighter on my skin and leaves my skin feeling fresh!  I also use it at night along with my  moisturizer just for the added benefits of even smoother skin.

From left to right:  Clarisonic Gentle Hydro Clenser: $25.00 (clarisonic.com), Olay Oil Minimizing Toner: $3.50, Olay Regenerist Micro Sculpting Serum: $21.94, Olay Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid Lotion: $6.49 (all Olay products available at Walmart)

Three Bottles, Three Reviews

Throughout my high school and college experiences I have tried every perfume under then sun. Everything from the light and airy Light Blue by Dolce and Dabbana, the fun and fruity P!NK by Victoria's Secret, the sultry and sensual J'adore by Dior, even the sickeningly sweet Can Can by Paris Hilton. (Cringe I know, I like to think that was a dark and less fashionable time in my life.) 

But now in my early 20's I have found a new taste and appreciation of the finer scents in life and have narrowed down my tastes to three absolute go-to faves! 

First up to bat was my first love, Daisy by Marc Jacobs:

Looking back now, though I still absolutely adore this perfume's scent, it's definitely more of a jeans and white tank-top kind of perfume. I would not be wearing this particular scent while dressed in my LBD to go to dinner at the Grand Concourse. But this scent is definitely one of my favorites to wear during the spring and summer to have a nice walk through downtown Pittsburgh, go to the museums, or to wear during a night out in South Side sporting my cutest jeans and crop top. What I mean is this scent is nice and subtle, to me it's not really a "WOW!" fragrance, but it's great for the social situations that I listed above because it's not overpowering.

Bottom Line: I would describe Daisy's scent as just sweet and simple, much like the flower it was named for.

Second (or should I say fifth-- Ha, bad joke!) is Chanel No. 5 by Chanel

This perfume is probably my favorite perfume in the entire universe, yes you read that right universe. There is just something down right magnificent about it, I mean it is world famous and iconic for a reason. It's a symbol of good taste and timeless chic. It's the perfume you wear on an elegant date night while in that awesome LBD from BCBG. But it also can be paired with jeans and a blouse, hell for that matter it goes well with no clothes at all--take it from Marilyn Monroe! 

Bottom Line: I can not explain what it smells like, and even if I could, it wouldn't do it justice anyways. It doesn't smell like anything on  this planet. Chanel No. 5 simply smells like Chanel No. 5.

Last but not least, Untold by Elizabeth Arden

Honestly, prior to receiving a sample of this perfume from my mother, I had always dismissed this brand as an "old lady" brand, but after my sample bottle from my mum ran out I just had to get a bottle of my own of this floral, fruity fragrance. When you wear it it simply fuses with your skin and creates such a beautiful, feminine, and sweet scent.

Bottom Line: For those of you who want to try a different perfume for this spring (though unlike Daisy, Untold can be worn year round in my opinion), give this one a chance, let it mingle with you... you maybe surprised and be leaving the perfume counter with this lovely perfume along with some change in you fabulously fashionable bag!

Once On the Lips

With none of that "forever on the hips" nonsense:

This post is about lip balm because if any of you readers are like this Pittsburgh girl you have to be out and about in the city, which means harsh weather conditions and your lips suffer from it. (And last time I checked no one wants to wear lipstick on chapped or cracked lips.) And since I know this is a struggle for me, I figured I would share which lip balms I use, why I use them, and their effectiveness!

First on my list is Blistex Silk & Shine 

The reason I feel this lip balm is so effective is because not only does it  make your lips smooth and protect them from all weather conditions (it's SPF 15 too!!)  it soothes and heals very dry, chapped, or cracked lips and it does it quickly to boot. When my lips are terribly cracked (which happens frequently with these frigid  temperatures and wind whipping through the buildings of the city) this is my go-to fast fix lip balm.

If you are interested in trying Blistex Silk & Shine you can pick it up at you local Walmart or order it here! (This product costs $2.44)

Evolution Of Smooth

This section might not be much of a shocker to most of you, due to the fact of this product's growing popularity, but it is incredibly effective and worth every penny-- this next lip balm is Evolution Of Smooth also known as EOS.

I personally am a HUGE fan of this brand, not only does this lip balm have awesome flavors but because in my opinion I feel each flavor does something a little different. Crazy right? Well let me explain!

My favorite flavors actually all come in a 5 pack and every year my dear mother gets me them as a stocking stuffer for Christmas (mum knows best right?) they are as follows:

• Passion Fruit
• Honeysuckle Honeydew
• Strawberry Sorbet
• Summer Fruit
• Sweet Mint

Now this is where I explain why each is different and when I personally think the best time of day to use each are. I suppose this is my "lip balm routine".

First thing in the morning after doing my facial beauty routine and brushing my teeth I either put on the Strawberry Sorbet or Summer Fruit flavor because I feel these two are a great way to start the day due to their sweet and refreshing aromas. To me it's like a little morning pick me up-- until I get my iced coffee.

Then through out the day I use either the Passion Fruit or Honeysuckle Honeydew because these two flavors have very little aroma too them and that makes them perfect for the office. Another perk with these scents are they are practically tasteless therefore while eating my lunch (or during my mid-day Americano run) I can't taste the flavors while eating or drinking. I don't know about you but I can't stand having my food taste like a flavor that it should not be!

Lastly I always use the Sweet Mint right before bed while enjoying some Zen Green Tea, the reason I do this is I find the mint very relaxing. I mean in my book there is nothing more calming than the crisp fresh smell of mint! Also this balm is unique to the others due to the fact it has a nice little tingle after it's applied which is very soothing no matter if your lips are agitated or not!  This is the perfect balm for a relaxing evening snuggled in bed with a good read.

If you want to try my "lip balm routine" you can order the  5 pack I use  here!  (This product costs $14.95)

Not Feeling These Clear Lip Balms? Then Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm is for You.

Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balm is the perfect combination of color and comfort! While in my opinion, it's not as light and smooth as the others, it still does the trick of keeping your lips moisturized and smooth while adding that perfect pop of color. (Personally I've taken to wearing some of the colors during the day in place of lipstick, saving my bold pouty lips for date night or a night out with the girls!) 

The other awesome thing about this lip balm is there is a color for everyone! Burt's Bee's Tinted Lip Balm has eleven colors ranging from light beige to deep sultry reds (my favorite!). 

Another cool thing about this brand? Burt's Bees products are 100% natural ingredients.

You can purchase Burt's bee's tinted lip balm here or you can pick it up from your local Walmart, however there is only a $0.03 price difference so you might be better of (and get a better color selection) by ordering online.

Princess Cake & Sugar Plum by the themefragrence shop on Etsy

Last but not least is a lip balm that I have not tried but have my eye on and am very, and I mean very tempted to order. The lip balm is from the Etsy seller themefragrence and the two flavors I want to try are Princess Cake and Sugar Plum, but FYI the seller has five stars so that's a good sign right? The seller describes their balms as smooth, non grainy, long lasting and emollient. 

Each are $4.00 try them with me here  for Princess Cake and here for Sugar Plum