Wednesday, April 29, 2009

My Personal Skincare Regimen & Product Review

Hey Beauty Fanatics!

I thought I'd share my own personal skincare regimen and do a review of the products. I'm hoping that this may help someone out there who has the same type of skin as me.

Background About My Skin: I have very oily skin with an occasional breakout here and there, but nothing serious. I also have large pores on my nose and on my cheeks immediately to the sides of my nose.

Previous Skincare Regimen: I have searched for years for products that would work with my skin, but have never really found anything until now. Before using the products in my current regimen, I used the Clinique 3-step skincare system for oily skin (Type IV). For those of you who aren't familiar with these products, they are sets of different products specially formulated for different types of skin (dry, normal, combination, oily). It includes a cleanser, exfoliator, and moisturizer. So, this worked for years, but didn't really control the oil on my face they way I wanted it to. I felt like my skin was just in a league of its own....FRYING PAN OILY!!!!

Current Skincare Regimen: I went on the Clinique website to do another assessment of my skin type. I came across another skincare system that they came out with. This one is called Acne Solutions. Like I mentioned, I don't have a lot of acne or any serious breakouts (knock on wood), but I do have extremely oily skin and large pores. So, I thought I'd give it a try. I've been using it since December, so about 4 months now. I absolutely love it! I use it twice a day (morning & night), along with their City Block Sunscreen during the day at least 30 minutes prior to exposure to the sun.

Here's what it includes:



1. Acne Solutions Cleansing Foam $17.50
2. Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion $13.50
3. Acne Solutions Oil-Free Clearing Moisturizer $16.00

What I Love About It:
-After the first day of use, it made a huge difference (the texture of my skin was smoother)
-Does an amazing job controlling the oil on my skin (my #1 problem)
-Minimized pores
-Got rid of blackheads
-Makes my skin feel clean but not tight and dry
-The pump on the cleanser is so helpful
-The sunscreen can double as a primer
-Even when I would try to use less expensive drug store brands, I ALWAYS came back to Clinique

Things That Could Be Better:
-A pump on the Clarifying Lotion & Moisturizer would have been great (the ones in the other skin types are available with pumps)
-Because of the salicylic acid in the products, it must be kept away from the eye area (so I have to use a separate product to remove eye makeup, but not a huge deal)
-Can be pricey (but I believe when it comes to your skin especially mine, you really get what you pay for)

This system can be purchased online at www.clinique.com or at department stores, such as Nordstrom, Macy's or Bloomingdale's.

Please let me know if you have any other questions I can answer about these products or my skincare regimen. I'd also like to know your favorite skincare products.

I really hope this helps someone,

Leilani :P

Monday, April 27, 2009

Neutral Brown Eye

Hey Beauty Fanatics!

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! We had an exhausting one with a dance competition ALL day on Saturday and recuperating and spending time with family on Sunday. The team did really well and brought home many 1st place trophies!!!!! Anyway, I wanted to share a picture of our Mikayla. She has been dancing for the past 3 years and now has her own solo routine! Ahh...she's growing up.




Okay, here's the real reason we're here. I did this one on myself this time and did it over a week ago, but finally got it posted. I thought it would be nice for you all to meet "me" since I have been posting pictures of my cousin.

Moving along... I did a very neutral, everyday look that's great for work, the office, school, or any occasion that you don't want to have a ton of makeup on for. The best part about it is that it's extremely EASY and took me no more than 7 minutes to do. This is with the kids trying to get me to do other things, so it probably takes less time. Excuse the stray eyebrow hairs. I'm trying really hard to grow them out...yikes!









What I used:
Face:
-Clinique Acne Solutions Moisturizer
-Benefit "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer
-Bare Minerals Foundation in Tan
-Bare Minerals Transculent Mineral Veil (to set the foundation)
Cheeks:
-MAC Mineralized Blush in Hot Planet
Eyes:
-UDDP
-MAC Woodwinked ES (all over lid & lower lash line)
-MAC Mulch ES (outer V & crease & outer 1/3 lower lash line)
-MAC Ricepaper ES (highlight & tear duct)
-Urban Decay 24/7 in Zero
-MAC Espresso (fill in brows)
-Lashblast Mascara in Black
-Ardell Demi Wispies Falsies
Lips:
-MAC Taupe Notch Lip Gloss
Have a great week,
Leilani :P