Simple Face Tips

smile pretty.
lately, i've been asked by a few girls on how to get flawless skin without breaking the bank. let me just say this, taking good care of your skin will cost you money, but it doesn't have to be hundreds to get the results you're looking for! i have fairly sensitive skin that is extremely prone to redness and breakouts. i burn easy, scar easy and will most likely wrinkle east, however, i do what i can to prevent. here are some simple tips to help maintain flawless skin and beat breakouts if you are a sufferer.


no 1. cheaper skin care lines
low-price point 
*Aveeno ( BEST for sensitive skin )
*Dove ( GOOD for sensitive skin / normal skin )


mid-price point
*NeoStrata ( BEST for anti-wrinkle, blemishes, mild-moderate acne )
*Khiels ( GREAT for anti-aging, acne )
*Clinique ( GREAT for sensitive skin, acne / pigmentation, and mens skin care )
*Aveda ( GOOD for all skin types )


high-price point
*Environ ( BEST for anti-aging, mild-severe acne, vitamin focused )
*La Prairie ( EXPENSIVE! BEST for anti-wrinkle )
*Estee Lauder (GREAT for all skin types, been around forever )


no. 2 vitamins & herbs
not all women want to be on "the pill" to prevent breakouts. although some pills like Ortho-Tricyclen do treat mild-moderate acne, you're still taking hormones which some would argue isn't necessarily a good thing. i try to take holistic roots to most problems and with that being said, here are some natural vitamins & herbs that help your body stay balanced hormonally so that you consistently have clear skin.


*Vitamin A ( acne killer, Acutane, is packed full of Vitamin A )
*Primrose ( i take this daily to prevent PMDD, it's a fatty acid that replaces the fatty acids you loose during your cycle, therefore keeping you as balanced as you can be )
*Hair, Skin & Nail Vitamin ( a vitamin mix including Vitamin B12 & Vitamin A )
*Vitamin C ( always good to take )


no. 3 a good cleanser
a good facial cleanser is extremely important! it is the first step of your face regime. here are some of my favourite cleansers . . .


*NeoStrata Oil-Free Gel Cleanser ( acne prone skin )
*Aveda Purifying Gel Cleanser ( acne prone skin, great for taking makeup off )
*Clinique Liquid Facial Soap ( all skin types )


no. 4 exfoliate 
you must exfoliate once a week. at least! do it in the shower if it's easiest to remember. you don't have to go all fancy with exfoliants . . . many will do the trick. the importance is that you are stripping off any bacteria, dead skins cells & excess oil that will block your pores.


*Laura Mercier Face Polish ( my favourite )


for more tips on beauty maintenance check out My Beauty Secrets post.


hope this helps you take the best care of YOU!

My beauty secrets...

Confidence is beauty.

Since not every woman was raised by a  beauty-loving mother, I wanted to share some of my beauty secrets so that you too can age gracefully and look radiant doing it. My mom has worked in cosmetics and various salons/spas for most of my life so I have been taught from a very young age to take good care of my skin. This means start using anti-wrinkle cream as soon as possible ladies! Most women wait until their 30's and 40's to start battling the aging process, however, the earlier the better to prevent fine lines from appearing in the first place.

Secret #1: Skincare Line 

A good skin care line might cost more than your average drugstore brands, but if it's important to you, it's well worth it! Of all the lines of skincare my mom has used, she now swears by a beautiful line called Environ. It is one of the only lines that specializes in Vitamin A. You start at the lowest level of Vitamin A and work your way to it's purest form. It is the only line I've used and seen dramatic results in my skin. My mother agrees! We use the "Original" line and you will start of with the Debut day/night cream. I also recommend the C-Boost which is an added boost of Vitamin C that goes under your moisturizer, usually just at night. Then of course, the very important Eye Gel! This a must to battle those crows feet and any other eye wrinkles.You can purchase discounted Environ here.

Secret #2: AFA Gel 

I use a great AFA Gel (which are potent antioxidants) that I apply every night that slowly exfoliates and draws out bacteria from the skin leaving you with a clear complexion and smaller pores. It is an amino acid skin care program that uses the natural moisture system of the skin as its primary base. The specific serum I use comes in Mild, Plus, and Max depending on your skin type - I use the Mild because I have such sensitive skin. It was recommended to me by my trusted esthetician because I scar easily whenever I have a break-out. This product is the most expensive I've ever gave in to, but I would only need to purchase it every 6-9 months. So it's worth it to me. It was about $85 - and again, I've seen a HUGE difference in my complexion. Smooth as a baby's bum.

Secret #3: Regular Facials

I try my best to get regular facials, usually once every 3 months is good. Sometimes I do stretch it to once every 6 months. Facials are a fantastic way to deep cleanse the skin, pamper yourself, and do extractions. You don't need to spend tons of money or go to a fancy spa to get a good treatment. A basic facial will do as long as the therapist takes their time and is concerned about the condition of your skin. You may break out in the days following your facial, but just wait until the week after! Your skin will glow and be clear as a window is after being cleaned with Windex.

Secret #4: Good Foundation 

My top 3 foundation products to give yourself a glowing, natural and flawless look are the following...

Smashbox Foundation Primer ( full size: $36 / travel size: $17 )

Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation ( one size: $40 ) 

OR 

 Bare Minerals Foundation Powder ( one size: $25 )

Laura Mercier Mineral Illuminating Powder *SECRET WEAPON* ( one size: $35 )

You would apply a moisturizer, the foundation primer, a foundation (either liquid or a mineral powder) than the illuminating powder which gives you that added glow.

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These are my top beauty secrets! Let me know if you have any questions... I hope my secrets can help you look and feel your best - naturally!