My current skincare routine

I wanted to share with everyone my skincare routine. I don't have it down to a science yet, but I think I am getting closer. If only I could get this oil under control, everything will be well in the world. I hope this helps with anyone trying to figure out their next skincare purchase!

Morning Routine

Every morning, I start by washing my face in the shower. My current cleanser is Dickinson's Witch Hazel Cleanser. I really like this one because witch hazel is great for balancing oil levels, and I really feel as though it is doing just that. || Once I'm out of the shower, I will tone my face with Simple Soothing Toner. I like this one because I'm finding that it really gets all of the dirt out of my skin and lets me start with a clean pallet.  || I don't moisturize often, but when I do, my favorite is Mario Badescu AHA & Cermide Moisturizer. I actually used to use all Mario Badescu products until I got bored and I still really like this one because its one of the lightest that I have found. || When I use a face mask, I actually make an asprin & honey mask. I use Bulk Assured Asprin from Dollar Tree (because its cheap and uncoated). I will take four and dissolve them in water to create a paste, and then mix a small amount of honey to soothe my skin. I really like the asprin because it does a great job at shrinking my large pores.

Nightly Routine

When I am getting ready for bed, I am lazy and use Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes to remove my makeup. || Then, I use what I have left of my Proactiv Repairing Lotion to help prevent acne (its too moisturizing for me during the day, oddly enough). || When I want to shrink my pores without the asprin mask, I found that applying a coat of Proactiv Refining Mask over my cheeks and forehead before bed will do the trick, as well. I probably wouldn't recommend this to anyone who has dry skin.

Eyecare Routine

Right now, I am using Neutrogena Eye Make-up Remover to take off all of my eye make-up, as needed. It is usually twice a day: once at night to get most everything off and then again in the morning to get residue mascara off after washing my face. || When I remember to apply an eye cream, I grab my Lancome Genefique sample, which has lasted me forever. I do like it, but not sure if I'll give up the money when I run out. I may try something different (Back to Mario Badescue? Who knows!)

My valentine's day wish list

Valentine's Day is almost here! And it is definitely one of my favorite holidays. I know that it upsets a lot of people or it is a "Hallmark Holiday", but I really don't think there is anything wrong with dedicating an entire day to love. Everyone should give love everyday, but sometimes, we just need a little extra encouragement. 

 

I am okay with a special day with my loved one, or with a romantic dinner... even a movie. Dates that remind me of when Alex and I first started dating 3-years ago. But, if he were to get me something as a gift, any of these items would be welcomed with open arms.

 

1. Lancome Tresor Midnight Rose Perfume. I received a sample of this perfume over a year ago. I absolutely love perfumes, but I refuse to spend the money on them myself. This one has a really deep, beautiful, romantic smell. 
2. Studio Petra Azar Heart of Gold Sterling Silver Ring. We actually sell Studio Petra Azar products at the Jewelry store that I work at, and some of her styles are my favorite. I really love the meaning behind her "Heart of Gold" pieces, and I think the ring is my current favorite. 
3. Tanglerose Sweet American Rose Wine. A few months ago, I hosted a wine tasting party with Traveling Vineyards. (If you like wine, I would definitely look into it!). This particular wine was a hit at the party because everyone liked it. I was upset that I didn't buy myself a bottle... but its never too late to do so!
4. Urban Decay Naked Pallet. I have been wanting this forever, and I just can't break down and buy it. It would definitely be a great surprise!
5. The Five-Year Engagement. This is one of my current favorite movies! I'm not going to lie, Alex got annoyed by it the first time we watched it and went to do something else half way through the movie. But, it would definitely be an investment so I can quit renting it from Redbox!     

Empties review {la base pro}

I have another Empties review for you all! It's pretty pricy when you run out of all your products at once. I've been doing a lot of these empties reviews lately... and I have more coming!

So this time, I want to talk to you about Lancome's LA Base Pro. It is a smoothing make-up primer. I purchased mine from Elder-Beerman for $34 or $36, but it's listed on Lancome's website for $42. Who knows, maybe I payed $42. But the selling point for me, besides loving Lancome's products, is that they had one of those gift with purchase bags that Lancome sometimes does. By making a qualifying purchase, I was able to receive a free lip gloss, eyeshadow quad, mascara sample, and a couple of skincare samples.

Here is what I though of this particular Lancome product: It is my least favorite of any of their products I have tried. I honestly could not tell the difference between this primer and any other primer, and even that I had a primer on. I used this with that Cargo foundation that I didn't like, and this did nothing to prevent oxidation. I actually asked the sales person about it before purchasing. For me, using a primer to control my oily skin is the key aspect. Although its formulated for someone who is normal to oily, it may work better on someone who is on the drier side... it had that nice velvety feel to it.

Pros: None that I could find.
Cons: Pricy, especially when no real benefit was found.
Repurchase: I have already repurchased another primer by Neutrogena for a fraction of the cost and that is actually formulated for oily skin. 

Empties review {bi-facil}

I have another empties review for you all today! This time it is Lancome's Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover. I received this product as part of a free gift with purchase. Sometimes when shopping at department store counters, you are able to receive goodie bags with your purchases. At my local Elder-Beerman, I was able to receive a handful of products with a $35 purchase at Lancome (which I used on makeup primer). Some of the products I received were a cute clutch, skincare samples, a juicy tube lipgloss and an eyeshadow palette.

I apologize for the quality of
this picture. I tried to clean it
up before posting, but the picture
itself was just too blurry.

So, I received this product for free with my purchase... and it is only a sample size anyways (a couple of ounces?) According to Lancome's website, a full-size bottle of this product will run you $27. Call me cheap, but this seems like a lot for something to take make-up off...

Besides the price, I really like this product. I had never really used an eye makeup remover before, but now I think I'm hooked. I liked this one because it was non-irritating and very moisturizing to the eye. Not sure if it was just how I was using the product... but I would use this at night to remove my eye makeup, but then I would have to use it again in the morning because I would have some mascara run off from my shower (but my cotton pad looked cleaned the night before).

Final review:

Pros: Extremely Moisturizing without being oily

Cons: Price tag

Repurchase: Probably not, at least not before trying other products first.   

My Ultimate Christmas List 2012

My Ultimate Christmas List 2012 by stazzy04