Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion 10% Glycolic AHA Review

Photo Credit: http://www.dermstore.com

Lately my skin has not been cooperating with me. I had a few pretty bad breakouts over the past few months and just couldn't seem to find the culprit of what was causing them. So I've been on a mission to find new products to add into my skincare routine and maybe switch it up a little bit. I like to use products that do not contain dyes or artificial fragrances, I came across a treatment called Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion, it contains 10% Glycolic acid, which helps reduce and prevent fine lines, wrinkles, & acne. It also helps to restore & maintain younger, healthier, more radiant-looking skin, and improve the elasticity of the skin. Not only does this product help with breakouts, but also prevents aging, killing two birds with one stone!

I have fair, sensitive, combination skin so when I applied this product it stung a little bit. The stinging goes away within about a minute so it does not bother me at all, I actually like that it stings a little bit because it helps me to know the product is doing its job. I have only been using this product at night because it does cause some sensitivity to the sun. I cleanse my face as usual using purpose face wash, then I use simple's micellar water as a toner, and apply the alpha hydrox to my entire face as a treatment. I then wait until the treatment dries and then I apply my cetaphil lotion on top for some extra moisture (because this treament can tend to be a little drying). So far after using this product for only a few days I have noticed my skin texture is ALOT smoother, the breakout that I had is starting to dry up, & I have not gotten ANY new breakouts! Overall I would say this is an awesome product for those who have a similar skin type to mine (Sensitive, Combination), it will definately become a new staple in my skincare routine.

Photo Credit: http://www.drugstore.com

Ingredients: 10% Glycolic AHA. Water, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Propylene Glycol, PEG-40 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Laurate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Myristyl Myristate, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cellulose Gum, Sorbic Acid, BHT, Imidazolidinyl Urea.

Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion Review

I've always been a huge fan of the Mario Badescu skincare line, i've heard tons of good things about the buffering lotion so I finally jumped on the band-wagon & ordered myself a bottle. Let me just say I LIVE for this product. I mostly use it as a spot treatment at night if I get a pimple, and by morning it is almost gone. Two days, and it is completely gone. It is kind of liquid-y, so i apply a little to a q-tip first, than to the areas where im breaking out. Literally, a life saver in a bottle.

What is does: This potent sulfur- and salicylic-acid solution quickly minimizes large clusters of acne, prevents future breakouts and reduces inflammation and redness. Formulated with nourishing B vitamins and amino acids for healthy skin as well as soothing anti-inflammatory herbal extracts to promote healing. Easily absorbed into skin for treating deep acne at its source.

How to use: After cleansing and toning, shake bottle well and apply lotion with fingertips (or q-tip) to erupted areas of face or directly on the individual, cystic pimples. Use every other night.

Ingredients: Deionized Water, Isopropyl Alcohol, Sodium Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Hydrolyzed Serum Protein, Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, Pyridoxine, Niacinamide, Panthenol, Propylene Glycol, Allantoin, Biotin.

Get it here: Mario Badescu Buffering Lotion (Ulta.com)

The Best Bronzer & Blush According To A Beauty Product Junkie

Over the years many bronzer's & blusher's have graced my makeup bag with their presence. Most of them were tossed to the side, some forgotten, and a few have become a staple in my makeup collection. Below are some of my "all-time" favorite bronzers & blushes that I cant possibly live without! 

Bronzers:

1.  NYC Bronzer in "Sunny" - I have used this bronzer since the high school days, and this product will probably always be in my makeup bag until im 90 years old! It is the perfect matte color for contouring light to medium skin tones, goes on very smooth, never orange or muddy, and looks very natural. (NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer - Sunny)
2. Mac "Gold Deposit" Mineralize Skinfinish - I have repurchased this product over and over. This is not a matte bronzer, in fact its quite shimmery. I wear this when im on the tanner side during the summer, I like to concentrate it towards the top part of my cheekbones. It seriously gives the MOST GORGEOUS bronze glow ever. A little goes a long way with this, it will give your skin a beautiful sun-kissed finish. If your going for a glowy, bronze look this is perfect. (Mac Gold Deposit Mineralize SkinFinish)
3. Neutrogena Natural Radiance Bronzer - This is a recent obsession of mine, I love that it contains Vitamin C to brighten skin and other skin conditioners to improve the look of your skin over time. This bronzer is on the warmer side, so I don't usually use it for contouring. It goes on very smooth and even, and makes you look like you have a natural tan, I really like this for when im feeling pale & need to warm up my complexion. (Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends Natural Radiance Bronzer - Sunkissed)
4. Benefits Hoola - This is the BEST for contouring, the color of this bronzer is very neutral and brown, it gives the most natural looking contour. I really hate when neutral bronzers go on patchy and make your skin look dirty, this product doesn't do that at all. When im in the mood for a serious yet natural contour, I reach for this. (Benefit Hoola)

Blush:

1. Milani Luminoso Blush - I picked this up from CVS a few weeks ago & have been using it faithfully ever since. It gives a peachy pink glow to my cheeks, looks very natural, and is really easy to blend. It has a really subtle shimmer to it which I love. (Wearing Luminoso in the photo to the left) (Milani Luminoso Blush)
2. Mac Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul - This is a very sheer product. It gives a really subtle warm pink sheen, with a little bit of shimmer. I really like the sheer glow it gives to my cheeks. I would only recommend this for fair to light medium skin tones. (Mac Warm Soul)
3. Mac Sunbasque Blush - Saved the best for last, basically if I could only use one blush for the rest of my life it would be this one. It gives a really nice tan to my face, its a peachy tan color with a hint of gold. (Mac Sunbasque)

Halloween Cupcake Decorating Night In

Bath & Body Works Pumpkin Carving 3-Wick Candle, Bathandbodyworks.com

Cupcake Decorating Night In-  With one of my favorite holidays approaching, I felt like doing something fun & festive without leaving the house on this rainy monday. I figure anything that involves netflix and cake is a wonderful thing, so I headed to the store to pick up some halloween themed cupcake decorations, candies, sprinkles.... I thought it would be a fun idea to have a "cupcake decorating night in" watching movies & baking to get me in the fall mood since I live in florida and it basically fells like summer ALL YEAR LONG. So light up a fall scented candle, put on your comfy PJ's, pre-heat your oven, and get your baking mitts ready.

What you'll need: Halloween candies (such as candy corn), Orange, Purple, and/or Black Sprinkles, Halloween Peeps (Basically anything in the shape of a pumpkin that will give you a sugar rush), Cupcake Baking Sheet, Cake Mix (Pillsbury funfetti is my FAVORITE), Frosting, Eggs, Vegetable Oil, & Your favorite scary movie :)

When I was little, me and my cousins used to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas over & over, it was and still is one of my "All-Time" favorite Halloween movies. I also love Hocus Pocus, another movie we used to have on replay during October as kids.

Here are some of the best Halloween Movies to watch on Netflix: (60 best Horror Movies Streaming On Netflix)

As for the cupcakes....

The Finished Product:

Bentonite Clay | Powerful Indian Healing Clay Mask

I always tend to get breakouts around a certain time of the month, so i've been researching tons of natural remedies/products to clear my skin up since it's been a little out of whack lately. (I don't like to use products that have tons of chemicals because my skin is very sensitive to salicylic acid & benzoyl peroxide, depending on the percentage) I came across some info on bentonite clay & I was sold. I ordered a big tub from amazon.com that im currently waiting on to arrive. Below is a little info on bentonite clay:

Photo Credit: imperialmedicalgroup.com

• Bentonite Clay is a powerful healing clay said to effectively absorb toxins, heavy metals, & impurities. It draws the excess oils & dirt out of your pores, removes dead skin cells, and boots circulation tightening the skin and improving blood flow. 
• Bentonite Clay Helps With: Skin irritations, Acne, Blackheads, Dull Skin, Dull Life-less Hair, Hair product build-up, Skin Detoxing, & more
• DIY Clay Mask: You can mix bentonite clay with various essential oils like tea tree, or lavender to increase effective-ness, I am going to try it with one part purified water, one drop tea tree oil, & one part apple-cider vinegar. Apply mixture and let dry completely for about 10 minutes.
• The clay comes in powder form, as the clay is activated by mixing it with liquid, (do not mix with metal bowl or spoon) it doesn't get activated until you're ready to use it which gives maximum results. When the clay is mixed with liquid it expands and takes up a lot more space, so one jar of clay will last you about 32 facials or more, according to the website. 





Photo Credit: HealthyNomad.com





I will list a review after using the Bentonite Clay in the comments!

Fall Style Staples

Camo Utility Jacket, From goJane.com

My absolute favorite time of the year is approaching. I honestly could not wait to break out my combat boots. Even though the weather is still very hot where I live, I try to incorporate some "fall flair" whenever I possible can. Here are my must haves for the cooler weather...

Denim Skirt & Olive Bodysuit, from ShopTheBoutique.com

Hat, from goJane.com

Darker Denim Ripped Jeans, from goJane.com

Over The Knee Suede Boots, from goJane.com

             

               Utility Jacket, from forever21.com

Flannel Shirt, from forever21.com

Lace-Up Bodysuit, from goJane.com

Olive Green Two-Piece set, from goJane.com

Shop: http://www.shoptheboutique.com/ |  http://www.gojane.com/  |  http://www.forever21.com/

Mini Target Haul | Fall Tops & Makeup

I stopped by target today to pick up a foundation that I had ran out of (Loreal Infallible Pro-Matte) but I was extremely distracted by the amount of insanely cute fall clothing! I picked up two sweater crop tops & a loungy NYC t-shirt. As for makeup, Vegas Nay lashes, elf high def undereye setting powder & the foundation I had originally planned on picking up.