My Winter Skincare Must Haves

My skin is combination oily. I get very oily on my nose and dry patches on my chin if I'm not careful. 

Come winter time, my skin goes into crazy mode. It's not sure what it is, it's dry, irritated, and oily. 

Many people don't understand that oily skin needs moisture and so does dry skin especially in the winter time. Here are my current go to skin savers at the moment, mostly oil based. 

Oil! Yes OIL! Especially if you are oily, oil can be your best friend. For my oily skin people, your skin over produces oil because it thinks it needs it. That's why you can be dry and oily at the same time. 

By using a high quality oil, like the Coco Kind facial repair serum pictured above on your skin, you tell your oily skin that you don't need to produce so much and also hydrate at the same time. 

Many of my viewers have been commenting on how glowing and healthy my skin looks, it's because of oil. I apply this oil based serum day and night before my moisturizer. At night I use a cleanse off oil (currently using one from coco kind) to remove all my makeup and dirt. Oil is great at removing stubborn makeup. 

During the day I just use a cleansing water on a cotton pad, then apply a toner, and this amazing oil to refresh my skin. The best part is the coco kind  facial repair serum is only $12! 

I've also been using body oils after my shower. I like the Aromatherapy Associates De- Stress Massage & Body oil which makes me feel relaxed. The packaging is so luxurious and beautiful too. During the day or when I'm in a hurry I'll use my Avene Body Oil, this one is great for travel since it's in a plastic bottle.

Now my hair has been colored and bleaches, so after any heat styling I like to bring back shine with this Agave Revitalizing Shine Spray. A little goes a long way and boy does it smell amazing! Start from the ends and work your way up.

My lips have been just as dry as the rest of my body and this does not work well with the bold red lips I like to wear this time of year. My go to lip scrub for a few years now has been Lush's Santa's Lip Scrub. It smells like cherry cola and tastes great! 

After my lip scrub and before headed to bed I like to apply a very heavy lip mask or lip balm. Currently i'm suing the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask. It's super think and hydrating, but smells a bit like tires. Also my husband hates the texture of this, but he loves the way my lips feel in the morning.

Lastly I like to use a exfoliating and hydrating mask once or twice a week. My current favorite is from SkinFoods. If you watch my vlogmas video you would have seen me shop at the SkinFood store in Glendale. This Black Sugar Honey Mask smells divine. It gently exfoliates and hydrates my skin at the same time. My skin feels amazing and plump after using this. 

One more tip before heading off to bed, this is a trick I learned from my voice teachers in collage, but alway sleep with a humidifier next to your head. The steam is great for your sinuses, vocal cords, and skin. I use a warm mist one in the winter time. 

Stay hydrated this season!

XOXO

Serein

Vita Liberata Custom Tan & At Home Sunless Tan Solution

Growing up in Orange County, California, I always wanted to be a beach girl. I would lay out at the beach never reapplying my sunblock and getting myself as tan as possible. For an olive complexion girl, that's pretty tan. Almost unattractively tan. 

Flash forward to my mid twenties and my first dermatologist visit. Even though I had long since stopped my bad sun habits and became a religious sunblock wearer and shade seeker, the damage had been done. My "beauty marks," freckles, skin texture, and pre mature aging had already begun. 

In a vain effort to remove a few sun spots, I underwent a bunch of painful zapping sessions. This removed a few freckles and sun spots. The down side every year new spots show up from 10 years ago and I'd have to get more zapping done, painful for both my wallet and my face. 

Before yesterday and Vita Liberata, I had never been a fan of self tanners. Mainly because of the smell and orange.

Long ago in my collage days I tried mystic tan booths, but I just looked way too dark and almost muddy, plus the smell was awful. I tried every drugstore and department store self tanner and have looked streaky, orange, and smelled like wet dog. Finally I found St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse, but that still had a weird fragrance that was used to cover up the products scent. Needless to say I had come to terms with my pasty self. Until yesterday...

Yesterday, I received my first ever custom tan from Fiona Locke from Fiona Locke Studio, located in Santa Monica, California. My life has changed!

The studio is located within Saulino Smith Salon, clean, chic, and convenient. There is complementary valet and a friendly receptionist to great you with coffee. 

When I first met Fiona, she was warm and friendly. I couldn't get over her beautiful complexion, just the right hint of a natural sun kissed glow. Fiona looked healthy, radiant, and classy. 

Fiona uses Vita Liberata products exclusively. Why? Because there is absolutely no smell to the product at all! Vita Liberata is 100% organic and scent free! My dream come true! No need to smell like a wet dog or an overly fragranced wet dog. 

She took the time to listen to my concerns and what I wanted to look like. I wanted a gradual tan. To look glowing, not dark. I wanted my tan to be darker on my legs and body with a gradual fade up my neck and face. My concern was that I wouldn't be able to use my current foundation anymore. Fiona listened and really took her time to hear my needs.

I was a little nervous about being fulling naked in front of her, but she really made me feel comfortable and gave me different options from wearing my bikini top and bottom, just the bottoms, disposable bottoms, or nothing at all. She never made me feel awkward or insecure. In fact I wished some of my health care providers would take a few lessons from Fiona.

My custom tan turned out great! I got exactly what I asked for and feel so much more confident in my skin. This is exactly what I needed after being sick for so long. Strange how just a little glow makes you feel so much better.

Below are some photos of Fiona's work. It doesn't surprise me she's customized tans for celebrity red carpets, editorials, and Television and film.

Photo Credit Fiona Locke Studios

Photo Credit Fiona Locke Studio

Photo Credit Fiona Locke Studio

If your not local to Santa Monica or the L.A. area, don't worry! You can try out Vita Liberata products at home. I was blown away by two of the products Vita Liberata has to offer.

The pHenomenal Tan offers you a tan that can last 2-3 weeks and comes in 3 shades! This is unheard of! You apply the tanner 1-3 times in a row. This would be a perfect weekend pamper session to do and you'll look glowing for 2-3 weeks. The ideal self tan product for folks going out of town or who have busy work weeks. This comes in a light weight mousse that is also odorless. 

The Rapid Tan is my favorite. This mousse will develop in 1hour! You can come home from work, apply, decide what to wear, and shower off the product and go out. The Rapid Tan lasts 4-7 days and is completely odorless. I hate waiting hours before being able to sweat or shower and this is my solution. No more going to bed with self tanner and ruining my sheets. Leave it on for up to 3 hours for a darker development. 

Some Self Tanning Tips:

I recommend using a mitt when applying any self tan products. This really helps with streaking and saves your hands and nails. 

Mousses are easier to work with and always remember to exfoliate before and keep your skin hydrated to keep your tan going as long as possible. 

Patt your skin dry when getting out of the shower. 

XOXO

Serein

Current Skincare Routine Featuring Mei Yin Skincare

The most important thing in beauty... good skin. 

We all long for perfect skin, we all strive for it, and we all spend hundreds of dollars every year in hopes of achieving perfection. 

Recently I've gotten my routine and products down to give my skin what it needs pure, high grade, organic, natural, parban free products. The results, my skin has never looked better! Just look at my recent videos where I'm barely wearing foundation and feel great. 

I've been on a major skincare revamp lately. In my latest skincare video I share with you my current 3 step skincare routine. 

Now this is my day to day quick get unready routine. 

2-3 times a week I like to pull out my ultrasonic tool or my microdermabrasion at home kit to do a deep clean, exfoliate, serums, and hydrating mask. (more info can be found on my channel)

Here are the 3 products I use everyday for a quick cleanse, tone, and moisturizer. 

Mei Yin Skincare products are based in traditional Chinese Medicine. Formulated by Chinese herbalists and licensed acupuncturists. Mei Yin Skincare is 100% natural, 100% plant based, cruelty free, sulfate free, and parabens free. 

After removing my eye makeup with an oil based makeup remover, I like to start my routine with a good non foaming cleanser. 

I learned the hard way that foaming cleansers contain detergent, which is harsh and strips your skin of it's natural oils and moisture. Most skin types do not like detergents in their cleanser. 

The Bai Shao Yao Cleansing Milk is incredibly gently, creamy, and hydrating while removing any dirt and makeup. If you wear heavy makeup I suggest using a gently makeup wipe first or cleansing twice. 

*Tip use warm water (not hot) open the pores and cleanse the skin, then use cold to close the pores. 

After cleansing I like to use the Chen Pi Daily Tonic with Green Tea on a exfoliating cotton round. Toners are suppose to balance the skin's PH after cleansing. The Bai Shao Yao Cleansing milk is so gently that my skin usually feels great already, but a toner will also remove any residual residue. 

The Chen Pi Dail Tonic is gently and full of antioxidants. I find this step to really refresh my skin and balance it. 

Finally I finish off with a hydrating moisturizer. I really like the Sha Shen Hydrating Moisturizer with White Peony because of the fluffy whipped texture. 

The Sha Shen Hydrating Moisturizer is hydrating without being greasy or feeling heavy on the skin. My skin looks bright and healthy after the 3 steps. Watch my video to see my whole routine with tips here.

Just look at the fluffy texture of this beautiful moisturizer.

The line is priced affordably especially with the high grade ingredients and quality of the products. You can get most of the product for about $30. The moisturizer is the priciest set at $60, but that is a bad price point compared to some other moisturizer out there. I find that I like this moisturizer better than some of the other night creams I've used that have cost twice as much or more.

Overall I love the products, the ingredients make my skin happy, it's fairly priced, expensive quality packaging, and most importantly great for my skin! Did I say that already? My skin just feels amazing.

Mei Yin has offered my readers a discount code incase you'd like to try the products out yourself. Use  Happy20 at checkout.

XOXO
Serein

FTC Disclaimer:
This post is in partnership with Mei Yin. I only recommend products or services I have tested and use personally and believe will be good for my viewers! I do not make commission on any purchases. Also the proof is in my skin. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising.  Thank you for reading! I love you! 

Live Love Spa Launches New Industry Deal & Discount Portal!

If you've read my previous post about the wonderful Live Love Spa Event I was fortunate enough to attend recently, you'd learn about some of the great products and treatments I was exposed to thanks to Live Love Spa.

Well I'm hear to tell you that Live Love Spa has launched a new and exciting industry deals and discount portal for all you spa loving professionals out there!

Live Love Spa is really your one stop to discover the most innovative and new brands, spas, solutions, and anything related to the spa industry. 

Professional or consumer, I highly recommend you check out www.livelovespa.com to learn about all the amazing things the industry has to offer. 

Press Release:

Live Love Spa to Launch New Industry Deal & Discount Portal

LOS ANGELES – October 9, 2014 - Getting a great deal on your favorite spa services and products just got easier thanks to Live Love Spa’s newest Pro-Deals portal.  Live Love Spa is proud to introduce the first and only deal portal designed for spa industry professionals. Similar to Living Social and Groupon, Pro-Deals provides access to top treatments, brand products and services at significant discounts, but exclusively to spa professionals holding a Pro-Insider Individual membership. 

At just $49 for 12 months, working members of the spa community, including spa owners, managers, aestheticians, office staff, brands, etc., can become a Live Love Spa Pro-Insider Individual member to take their industry connections to another level. “The more we can experience what our industry has to offer, the better we can take that knowledge to enhance people’s lives; plus, we are our own best customer,” says Lisa Michaelis, Founder & CEO of Live Love Spa.  Pro-Insiders can also stay connected through educational resources from industry experts within Live Love Spa’s Savvy Spa Community and special Pro-Insider events. Those attending the ISPA Conference & Expo in Las Vegas from October 13^th-15^th will be able to experience the new portal firsthand when they visit the Live Love Spa booth (#537 at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino).

The Pro-Deals portal was created with the needs of spas, brands and professionals in mind. “We listened to what our business members had to say about other deal sites and there was a reoccurring theme of having to give up a cut of their profit or that they were marketing primarily to one-time customers,” said Michaelis. “Our deals are incorporated into our Business Membership fees and reach our highly targeted spa professional community.” Spa properties and brands can become business members and post a deal, giving their company the ability to gain additional revenue and exposure from the industry. Current Pro-Deals offerings include 30% off select services at the Viceroy Miami, 50% off the retail price of Coola Suncare products and many more.

Live Love Spa created a Saturday Night Live-inspired video parody to promote their launch, showcasing the difficult process of obtaining a deal within the spa industry and their solution to this problem. The video’s tagline, “Do you know someone…?” [That can hook up a spa deal], as a Pro-Insider, the answer is yes! 

To learn more about Live Love Spa’s Pro-Insider membership and Pro-Deals opportunities, visit http://www.livelovespa.com/pro-insider

###

About Live Love Spa: Live Love Spa is dedicated to informing, promoting and connecting the spa community by providing the most ideal platform for Spa & Wellness related companies to showcase their products & services that enhance people’s lives. Their platforms include regional industry events and a multimedia website, http://www.livelovespa.com.

Will you be checking out the wonderful deals Live Love Spa has to offer? 

XOXO

Serein

Experience The Skin Perfecter by Le Mieux Yourself!

So if you read yesterday's post, you'll know about my new obsession in skincare by Le Mieux, The Skin Perfecter and how much I'm loving the skincare products Le Mieux has to offer.

Update: It's that time were I get hormonal breakouts and since i've used The Skin Perfecter yesterday, and the ISO- CELL Recovery solution as my toner, my skin is looking brighter, and the breakout have stayed at bay!

If your in the Souther California area, Le Mieux is having their next event in October, and you can attend and experience the products and The Skin Perfecter yourself in person!

Gina from Giniaism XO & I at last Saturday's event

Just make sure to make a reservation! The event is free and there is free parking! Let them know that I sent you! Why not experience everything yourself?!

Easy Come Easy Glow Beauty Suite

Saturday, Oct 25, from 1:30-3:30 pm

please reserve the a spot by calling (888) 327-8188 

by Monday, Oct 20. 

Will you be able to make it? Let me know! I might stop by too!

XOXO

Serein

Ultra Sound Facial At Home!

Recently I was invited to the Le Mieux show room to learn about their skincare products and an amazing new tool on the market called the Skin Perfecter. 

Le Mieux Beautiful Show Room in Pasadena

I literally got giddy when I saw this baby!

Basically the skin perfecter is an at home ultra sound tool for your skincare routine. I was completely over the moon to learn that Le Mieux had developed an at home system for one of my favorite facials. If your new here or to my youtube channel, I filmed myself getting my first Ultra Sound Facial by my esthetician friend Kerry. Videos are below for the full process and why Ultra Sound Facials are so wonderful! 

The Skin Perfecter combines 4 skin perfecting treatments into one ultrasonic, handheld tool. It offers professional strength ultrasonic waves to gently cleanse, exfoliate, extract, and infuse to smoothen, brighten, and basically make your skin look AMAZING.

Gina from GinaismXO came with me and we both got the chance to put this baby to the test. We were both SHOCKED with the immediate results we saw and even more shocked when the folioing day our skin both looked clearer, smoother, and brighter. This was just from one use!

Now Gina and I being the shopaholics we are, both purchased this baby for $225 and were given the TGF-B Booster Serum as well. We do not regret it after seeing the results.

no makeup, before the treatment. 

after using the Skin Perfecter to cleanses, exfoliate, & extract we applied a serum and hydrating masks

immediately after removing the masks

Me being silly with the Skin Perfecter, but it's seriously so much fun!

the beauty tool that has changed my life and my husbands!

The price is completely reasonable for the tool. The average Ultra Sound Facial is anywhere from $75- $200 depending where you go. A clarisonic can be from $99- $250 not including the replacement of brush heads. The Skin Perfecter doesn't require any replacement parts and has a warranty of 1year. 

It's recommended to use the Skin Perfecter 1-3 times a week. 

I'll be doing a full review on the Skin Perfecter on my channel and how to use it in a month, so make sure to subscribe here and to my channel! There might also be a giveaway in that video (wink wink). 

I also purchased a few skincare products form Le Mieux and I have to say it's very impressive. The products are fully concentrated with no water added, so a little goes a long way and the ingredients are amazing!

Watch the videos below for part 1 & 2 of my full professional ultra sound facial and hear what a licensed esthetician has to say about ultra sound facials. 

What are your thoughts on at home skincare tools? Would you spend $225 on the Skin Perfecter?

XOXO

Serein

Skincare Galore!

This week I was fortunate enough to attend the Live Love Spa Splash event at the Hyatt regency in Century City.

This event was full of skincare brands teaching us about their products and sharing their passion for skincare and innovative new ways to protect our skin.

I'm a huge advocate for taking care of your skin, it's the largest organ in our body and the one everyone sees! You only get one, take care of it!

I love learning about new products and meeting the vendors to get first hand knowledge of how their products work.

Check the hashtags for all the images on IG, Twitter, & Facebook

Jindilli was by far the newest product on the market and a very small operation, but I love that!

I had never actually used Moracconoil before, but after chatting with the representative, I can't wait to try the new line of body care products coming out soon!

You know me and my SPF, was very interested in COOLA Suncare.

I was sent home with quite a bit of products to test out! 

Part of my job as a beauty blogger is to test out as much as possible so I can share my reviews with you guys. I was not expecting to be able to test so many of these brands! I have got my work cut out for me the next few months. 

Below are all the vendors that were at the event, a little about them, and my first impression when meeting them. 

HydraFacial: 

"The only hydradermabrasion procedure that communes cleansing, exfoliation, extraction, hydration & antioxidant protection simultaneously, resulting in clearer, more beautiful skin with no discomfort or downtime."

I had this done on my hand and I was impressed with the difference in texture and brightness after a quick 5min session. 

Moroccanoil:

"A luxurious line of professional hair care & body products and services that create a unique head to toe experience." 

Many of you must have heard of Moroccanoil and/or used their hair products, but I was impressed with the body care that they have coming out, so keep an eye out!

Aesthetic Ambassadore:

They had brow & lash conditioners that I was VERY interested in. I was able to take home a lash conditioner and I'm testing this baby out already!

Trophy Skin:

"Designs and develops cutting edge home- use skincare tools that provide effective and affordable, dermatologist- quality skincare treatments."

Trophy skin had a microdermabrasion system that I was in awe over. I have never used a microdermabrasion kit at home and I'm dying to try one out. 

PrAna:

"Is a lifestyle brand that draws its name from the ancient Sanskrit word for breath, life, and vitality of the spirit. The PrAna team creates mindfully-designed, purposeful and stylish apparel for free spirited people to pursue their passions."

I was very intrigued with PrAna and hope to try out some of their active wear as I get fit on my 4 weak beginners calendar. Watch this video to learn more. 

COOLA Suncare:

"Offers 3 distinct lines of certified organic sun protection, including their new pan UV line and recently reformulated mineral and Classic collections."

I'm a HUGE SPF fanatic, so I was excited to speak with COOLA and learn more about this awesome company. 

Jindilli:

"A family-owned Australian company who create beautiful skin care products for spas from the cold- pressed macadamias grown sustainably on their Australian farms. Pure Macadamia Oil is remarkably effective on aging skin, making Jindilli perfect for spa's."

By far the sweets folks I met and the most interesting. I love the company's structure and how they are fully a sustainable product. 

Clarisonic: 

"The sonic technology behind more beautiful skin."

I'm sure you all know what a Clarisonic is, but I got to take a look at the new version launching soon! It actually talks to the brush and home base so it will remind you to change brush heads, as well as convert to body and foot!

Knesko Skin:

"A holistic luxury skincare line that is available in two revitalizing collections- Diamond Radiance & Nanogold Repair."

This company makes the most beautiful, luxurious, and wonderful sheet masks and eye masks with actual GOLD AND DIAMONDS! I mean WOW! They sent me home with samples of each so I can't wait to give them a try!

Circadia:

"Their philosophy of skincare is centered on the body's circadian rhythms, defending from environmental insult during the day, and stimulating repair mechanisms during sleep. Circadia's products utilize paraben-free preservative systems, multitude of cutting edge ingredient technologies and specialty items for comprehensive treatment of aging skin, pigmentation disorders, scene and rosacea. 

I didn't get to speak to much with the vendor on this one, but I did get a day cream to try. Will keep you posted. 

HydroPeptide:

"is an anti-aging line notable for 7 facials and 17 retail products featuring VLR technology- a variety of specific peptides, applied at their active levels, delivered repeatedly to targeted areas in the skin for maximum results."

I have a plumping gloss and serum to try out. 

The Comphy Co.:

"They've set out to design, manufacture and sell truly exceptional spa bedding."

Seriously the softest sheets I've ever touched! I got to take home a pillow case and if my husband approves, I'll be getting us a full set of sheets. I love that they are moisture wicking (someone radiates heat when he sleeps). They also are just so soft and luxurious, but totally affordable and easy to care for too. 

Vita Liberata:

"A luxury Irish tanning and skincare brand that created the world's first odorless and non-toxic self tan collection."

I AM SOLD! I've seen this brand around a bit, but with self tanners you just never know. This self tanner is ACTUALLY odorless and they have a formulation that can be washed off after 1, 2, or 3 hours depending on how tan you want to look. I got to take home the quick formula to try out all over my body, which will come in handy as soon as Fall fully approaches. 

Travertine Spa Collection:

"luxury lifestyle line of botanical body care."

This company is located in Orange County, my home town and I love that the ingredients are very basic. The new scent smells divine and does not over power you at all.  The owner offered for me to come down and have my own signature scent made, which I'll definitely be taking him up on. 

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas:

"is a unique luxury resort & casino featuring residential-styled living spaces with private terraces."

My husband and I LOVE The Cosmopolitan! It's seriously one of our favorite hotels in Las Vegas and if you watch my youtube channel or vlog channel you know we go there a lot! 

(quotes & italics are press releases)

What brands are you most interested in? What should I try out first? Love to hear your thoughts!

XOXO

Serein

July Favorites

Every month the beauty community rally up their beauty favorites to share with the world. As I gather my own collection of favorites to film and upload on youtube, I can't get this overwhelming sensation of how fast time is just passing me by.

All of July's Makeup Favorites, which I use in a very wearable makeup tutorial in My July Favorites and Tutorial Video on Youtube

Summer is almost over and everyone is already on the back to school craze, I AM NOT READY. This brings me back the the anxiety of auditioning for Christmas commercials in summer. If you don't know, because of production turnaround, most commercials, films, and television shows are filmed months in advance. So odds are summer beach bikini commercials are filmed in the dead of winter on a freezing beach and fun festive winter holiday commercials are filmed in the hottest months in summer with fake snow and LOTS of winter gear in the hottest months. It's crazy and uncomfortable.

It seriously freaks me out to keep thinking a season ahead. I want to savor today and live in the moment. of course I will think of future plans, wants, needs, and goals, but somehow these monthly favorites bring me a bit of anxiety.

So without further a due... here are my monthly favorites in video form and in pretty pictures. The "pretty" may be lacking on the pictures, since my uncle just left me a camera that I'm trying to figure out. So while I have finally figured out how to use my Canon Rebel T5i for filming my youtube videos, I'm now trying to learn an outdated Sony DSLR for my blog photos. Bare with me.

For details on the products and how I use them please watch my video. 

Murad Pore Reform Skin Smoothing Polish: 

Murad Blackhead and Pore Clearing Duo

Caudalie Beauty Elixir:

CND Solar Oil: 

(Use coupon code: SereinSleekhair14 for $15 off of $75)

CND Weekly Polish Cerulean Sea:

(Use coupon code: SereinSleekhair14 for $15 off of $75)

CND Weekly Top Coat:

(Use coupon code: SereinSleekhair14 for $15 off of $75)

Mehron Velvet Finish Primer:

http://www.mehron.com/Velvet_Finish_Primer_p/194.htm

Laura Geller Beauty Cool Lids Cream Eye Shadow

2nd Love Baked marble Blush in Sunshine:

The White Queen by Phylippa Gregory

Paper Towns by John Green

*Get a FREE audio book here:

http://www.audibletrial.com/dressyourselfhappy

Amrezy Palette

It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation Medium

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Mousse:

Jose Maran Coconut Watercolor Eyeshadow in Rio De Rose

Cle De peau Beaute Concealer in Beige

Alexa Chung Lash Enhancing Eye Do Eyeliner Eyeko

Chanel Liner in 911

Tarte lights, camera, splashes mascara

Clinque Bottom Lash Mascara:

2nd Love Baked Bronzer in Sun kissed:

It Cosmetics CC+ Radiance Ombre Bronzer

YSL Glossy Stain in #7

Elizabeth and James Nirvana White Rollerball

What were your monthly favorites this last month?

xoxo-
Serein

*some above links are affiliate links. Please read disclaimer page if you have any concerns.

Review Lush's Mask of Magnanimity

Review Lush's Mask of Magnanimity

When I first tried this mask I thought it was a little scary with all the chunks and bright green color. 

What Lush says:

MAKES DIRT A DISTANT MEMORY Mask of Magnaminty isn’t technically a daily ‘facial wash’; it’s actually a deep cleansing face and back mask. China clay and fresh peppermint reach deep down to pull the debris from your pores, giving you that delightful tingly-clean sensation. We add loads of aduki beans to exfoliate flaky or dry skin, vanilla absolute to calm redness and honey to soothe. Our inventors created Mask of Magnaminty to be the ‘ultimate face mask’, intense but not harsh or abrasive on the skin. We recommend using Mask of Magnaminty weekly to keep the skin in good condition. What I Say: I definitely felt my skin got a deep conditioning. After using applying the minty mask and letting it sit for about 5 min. I rinsed off with warm water and towel dried my face. I noticed an immediate difference in my complexion. The pores on my nose (always a problem area for me) was nautically clearer and smaller, huge plus. My over all complexion looked brighter in the mirror and I really felt like my skin was squeaky clean.  The second time I used it I left it on for 10 min. I think it was a little too long because it was really hard to rinse the mask off and I did have a few red splotches that did go away after a few minutes, but the effect was still the same a squeaky clean feeling that brightened my complexion and cleaned out those nasty pores.  Definitely worth the price and if your on the fence Lush is great because you can just hop on into a store and ask for a sample to take home. They are always more than happy to send you home with samples to try, which is another reason I’m a fan of their company. 

How I Treat/ Prevent Breakouts

HOW I TREAT/ PREVENT BREAKOUTS

So lots of my friends ask me about my skincare regiment and what I use. It really depends on the time  of year and even the time of month. My skin can be really oily in the summertime and really dry in the winter time.
Currently I switch off between MaryKay’s Timewise miracle set and Kate Somerville products, depending on the time of the month.
My skin always tends to want to breakout once a month. To clean my pores and keep them exfoliated, I use Kate Somerville’s Exfolikate 2 times a week. It can be a bit pricey, but it usually lasts me 6-8 months. A lot goes a long way.

For those times that you can tell your skin wants to breakout or if you’ve just been wearing a lot of makeup or (big no no) goto bed without washing your face, I use Kate Somerville’s Detox daily cleanser. For me it’s when I’m stressed or been eating badly.

Then I’ll use this mask:
 
To really try and prevent any breakouts. I’ll use it when I’ve broken out as well.
For spot treatments I like to use tea tree oil, applying using a q-tip. or a spot treatment cream like mary kay’s

The tea tree oil works great and it’s all natural. I get mine from Trader Joe’s or whole foods and one small bottle lasts a long time. Just make sure you dilute it with water before applying because it’s strong stuff. I dip my q-tip in water then the tea tree oil.
Another trick I learned from my esthetician a few years ago was baking soda. I know lots of people mix it with a gel cleanser to apply as a mask or other products, but I just use baking soda and water. I mix a paste then apply to clean skin and let sit while I wash my hair and shower. The baking soda really gets rid of blackheads and brightens your overall complexion, plus it’s super cheap!
Looking great always starts first with you skin and I’m a big believer in taking care of the skin you have. Makeup can do wonders, especially these days, but why have to pile it on? I like the option of foundation or au natural.