Dermalogica PreCleanse

I have always believed in pretreating the skin before cleansing. I use to be scared of putting oil on my skin but have come to learn that the right oils can have wonderful benefits for the skin. First, I would like to say I in no way am endorsing this particular product and not have been compensated for showing this video or writing about this product. This is my own opinion. Now to the good part.  I have tried many oil cleansing methods but this product by far exceeds my expectations. It really does what the video shows. It gets rid of oils, makeup and dirt effortlessly. It makes your cleansers job much easier and allows it to penetrate your skin better. Especially cleansers with BHA or Glycolic Acid. The oils in this cleanser are non-pore clogging and benefit your skin. It will not cause breakouts and hydrates your skin. A lightweight Olive and Apricot Kernel-based cleansing oil, fortified with Kukui Nut, Borage Seed and Rice Bran oils, that gently liquefies sebum and oil-based debris from the skin’s surface. The hydrophilic (water-loving) formula enables PreCleanse and oil-based debris to be readily rinsed away without leaving behind any greasy residue.

How to use: Dispense into dry hands. Massage over dry face and eyes to dissolve surface oil and dirt. Concentrate on areas of congestion or stubborn debris. Wet hands and continue massaging to create a light, milky emulsion. Rinse with lukewarm water

It reduces microcomedones and congestion which causes breakouts. Pore size is reduced and skin takes on a healthy glow.

I am one of the biggest critics when it comes to skin care products. I have tried hundreds of products and loved some but have been disappointed most of the time. This is truly a great product and should be a staple in every ones skin care regime. I am not saying that you have to use this particular product, there are other oil cleansing precleansing products out there. Find the one you like and incorporate it in your daily regime. This just happens to be my favorite oil cleansing precleansing product.

If you have any questions feel free to ask. Chau for now.

My new favorite Vitamin C Serum

I already did a post on my love for Avalon Organics Vitamin C Toner, but now I have a new lover. His name is Avalon Organics Vitality Facial Serum with Vitamin C. First I would like to say how much I adore this line of skin care. It's safe, effective, Pro-Organic skincare without artificial colors, synthetic fragrances or parabens. It contains 100% vegetarian ingredients and does no animal testing. I try to keep my skin care as natural as possible. Not to say I don't use some products that contain a fragrance or a paraben here or there, I mean come on we can't be perfect girls. For example, I love Olay products, but my god they have to get up to date and limit the amount of fragrance and parabens they have in there lines. That's a whole other post I won't get into right now. This serum is light as air and makes my skin glow. It brightens my complexion as soon as I apply it. It also works wonders on dark spots and protects your skin from free radicals.

What it claims to do:

Our Vitality Facial Serum with concentrated delivery of Vitamin C for premium sun-aging protection plus the antioxidant action of Lemon Bioflavonoids, Melatonin and organic Green Tea and White Teas. Organic Borage and Flax oils, with omega fatty acids, nourish and repair delicate skin for a renewed, luminous complexion. Features and benefits: Targeted cellular repair and renewal plus concentrated antioxidant protection. This concentrated antioxidant facial serum with Vitamin C will energize your complexion with improved circulation, clarity, tone and texture. Scented with the refreshing aroma of organic Sweet Orange essential oil.

What it really does:

 It brightens, moisturizes, lightens dark spots and plumps up the skin. It's nice under an SPF for extra protection.

What it contains:

Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) (1, Organic Lavender), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) (1, Chamomile), Camellia Sinenis (Green Tea) (2, White Tea), Arnica Montana (Montana Flower) Extract (3, Organic), Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice (2, Aloe Barbadensis, Organic), Emulsifying Wax, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) (Vitamin C), Vegetable Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B5), Olive Squalane, Helianthus Annuus Oil (2, Organic Sunflower), Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E) (Vitamin E), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E) (Vitamin E), Glyceryl Laurate, Lemon Bioflavonoid, Melatonin, Organic Borago Officinalis (Borage, flax seed oils [2]), Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed), Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Oil (Rose Hip), Soy Lecithin, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter (Cocoa), Laminaria Digitata (Kelp) Extract, Allantoin (Comfrey Root) (Comfrey Root), Calendula (Calendula Officinalis) Flower Extract (2, Organic), Cetearyl Alcohol, Steareth 20, Glyceryl Stearate, Amodimethicone, Xanthan Gum, Phenoxyethanol

 Another plus is it's price, you can get this little baby at Walmart for 18.99. I did my homework and I believe that Walmart is the cheapest place to buy it. You can use it in conjunction with the toner which I adore for an added bonus of Vitamin C. The Toner contains some of the same ingredients as the serum.

Here are the ingredients for the Avalon Vitamin C Toner:

Active Ingredients: Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) (stabilized vitamin C) Inactive Ingredients: Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Floral Water (lavandula officinalis), Chamomilla (Anthemis Nobilis) Extract (Certified Organic) (chamomilla recutita), Echinacea Angustifolia (Coneflower) (echinacea purpurea), Ginkgo Biloba, Green Tea, Lavender (camellia sinensis, lavandula officinalis), Papaya, Cucumber Extracts (carica papaya, cucumis sativus), Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Leaf Juice, Na PCA, Vegetable Glycerin, Salicylic Acid, Panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), Allantoin (Comfrey Root), Castor (Ricinus Communis) Seed Oil (ricinus communis), Methyl, Propylparaben, Pure Essential Oils

With any Vitamin C product I suggest you place it in a cool dark place to protect it from oxidizing. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. Chau for now.

My favorite self help books

I am 38 yrs old and am more confused about life than I was at the age of 16. I thought I was suppose to gain some wisdom with age. I mean I have learned a thing or two in my 38 yrs of life but I need more. So there came my obsession with self help books. Here is a list of books that I think everyone could benefit from. I suggest you borrow from the library rather than purchase them. I am at the library weekly, trying to find the meaning of life. I am always looking to better myself. I have been trying to figure out what it is I want to do with my life. I want to know what my true calling is and I need help trying to figure that out. It's harder when you have children. You always put your children first but there comes a time you want something of meaning for yourself. I want to open my own spa and be a skincare guru. Fear is my enemy right now. That is what's stopping me from my dreams. It's fear of leaving my children to go to school, not being there for my husband and what if something happens if I am not here. It's giving up control of my house hold and I can't shake that fear. What if I fail? Can we afford my education? I love helping people and making them feel there best. That is my passion. The books I am going to list have helped me immensely, so I want to share them with you. Hopefully you find the answers your looking for. Anyways, enough about little old me, here is a list of the best self help books.

1.The Power of Intent- Author Dr.Wayne Dwyer

2.The Power of Awareness- Author Neville Goddard

3.You Can Heal Your Life- Author Louise Hay

4.Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life- Author Dr. Wayne Dwyer

5.Excuses Begone- Author Dr. Wayne Dwyer

6.The Success Principles- Author Jack Canfield

7. Wishes Fulfilled- Mastering the Art of Manifesting- Author Dr. Wayne Dwyer

8. Creating Affluence- Author Deepak Chopra

9.The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success- Author Deepak Chopra

10.The Shadow Effect: Illuminating The Power of Your True Self


I hope these books help someone find there way. If you have any questions feel free to ask. Now go find your true self loves.

Supplements for healthy clear skin

I am obsessed with skincare and anti-aging. I am also a self proclaimed health nut. I believe that inner health is the way to beautiful skin. I have studied numerous Alternative Medicine Journals and books. Here is a list of supplements that help skin look its best. Today's list will be supplements for acne. This will be an on going series. The next post will be on food for acne, microdermabrasion for acne scars, the best skin care products for acne, and natural ways to cure acne.

ACNE: Acne is an inflammatory condition. It is also a response to an imbalance in the body. Here is a list of supplements I have researched for acne.

1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids- you can get this from fish oil, flax seed oil or evening primrose oil. You can take up to 5 grams of Omega 3 Fatty acids daily.

2. Saw Palmetto- This is a herb that is used for acne, baldness. This herb blocks excessive DHT of the sebaceous glands, which causes over production of oil and in turn causes acne. Take 160 mg daily.

3. Vitex (chasteberry)- This is an excellent hormone balancer to reduce acne formation. Take 160 mg daily.

4. Zinc- Zinc is one of the best minerals used for the treatment of acne. It works to reduce the build-up of DHT and promotes skin healing. Do not use zinc sulfate which is not readily absorbed. Try 50 mg of zinc gluconate daily for 3 months then cut down to 30 mg for prolonged use.

5.Burdock Root- Burdock root works as a blood purifier and detoxifier. It also has hormone-balancing properties. Take it for a minimum of 8 weeks.

6 Milk Thistle- Milk Thistle supports your liver in detoxification. Take 200 mg twice a day.

7. Cod liver Oil- This one is my favorite. It makes your skin glow and your hair shiny. It contains vitamin A which is needed for proper skin turn over and vitamin d which we all know is vital to our health.

8 B Complex- B vitamins are essential for healthy skin. They promote hair and nail growth. It improves blood flow to the skin and is important for healthy skin tone.

9. Chromium Picolinate. Chromium helps with blood sugar regulation which is an important factor in acne. Acne is sometimes called skin diabetes. A rise in blood sugar causes your hormones to rise which in turns causes sebum production to go in to over drive. Chromium balances your blood sugar which makes it an excellent supplement in the fight against acne.

10. Probiotics- Probiotics replenish essential bacteria to reduce outbreaks. It balances out healthy bacteria in your colon. Fewer bad bacteria= fewer toxins= better skin!

If you have any questions on any supplements I have listed, feel free to ask. My mission is to help every one have the clear healthy skin they deserve.

Amazing Face Primer

I got a sample of the Hourglass Veil Mineral SPF 15 Primer 2 weeks ago and I am hooked. The first time I applied it I was blown away on how it erased my imperfections. No other primer I have used before has done that. It stays true to its name veil. It it cancels out redness and blotchiness and replaces it with an even glow. It also has an SPF which is an added benefit. It allows my makeup to glide on effortlessly and stay perfect all day. I will be purchasing it although it is expensive, I thinks it's a great investment. Why you ask? Because it basically does all the work for you in prepping your skin. It will cut down the time it takes for your foundation to do it's job. Meaning it's a moisturizer, sunscreen, primer and redness reducer in one. It's multi-purpose which is an A+ in my book. I suggest getting a sample at Sephora first to see if you like it. This is definitely on product worth the price.

What it does:
This clean, satin-finish formula helps keep makeup looking fresh and prevents fading. Veil Mineral Primer also absorbs excess oils and minimizes the appearance of pores by evenly distributing light to help hide and soften skin imperfections and fine lines.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates

It does what it says, unlike a lot of products I review. Remember when possible always get a sample first. I am sure you will love it. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

I Found An Amazing Toner!

I have finally found a fantastic toner. It's from the company Avalon Organics. It's the Vitamin C Balancing Facial Toner. My skin is so soft and even toned after applying this toner. It's free of toxic chemicals and is full of antioxidants.

Here are the ingredients:
Organic lavandula angustifolia (lavender)(1), chamomilla recutita (chamomile)(1), camellia sinensis (white tea)(2) and organic arnica montana(3) extracts (aqueous), organic aloe barbadensis(2), panthenol (pro-vitamin B5), magnesium ascorbyl phosphate (vitamin C), melatonin, lemon bioflavonoids, organic cucumis sativus (cucumber) and calendula officinalis extracts(2), allantoin, vegetable glycerin, sodium PCA, citric acid, salicylic acid, hydrogenated castor oil, echinacea purpurea, ginkgo biloba, camellia sinensis (green tea) and carica papaya fruit extracts, phenoxyethanol, ethylhexylglycerin, benzyl alcohol, organic citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) oil(2) and other essential oils.

Here is what it does:

Avalon Organics Balancing Facial Toner with Vitamin C, organic Aloe, Cucumber and Papaya extracts gently removes impurities, tones pores and balances your skin's natural moisture protecting against free radical damage generated by sun exposure.

Formulated with a powerful antioxidant team - Vitamins C and E, Lemon Bioflavanoids and Melatonin plus White and Green Teas - because antioxidants perform longer and more effectively when used in combination.

This balancing facial toner with Vitamin C, organic Aloe, Cucumber and Papaya extracts gently removes impurities, tones pores and balances your skin's natural moisture protecting against free radical damage generated by sun exposure.

You can purchase Avalon products at Walmart where you'll find it for the cheapest price. Online you can find the best price at iherb.com.

My favorite makeup look for fall and winter

The makeup look in this picture is stunning. It's such a warm, glowy, ethereal look. It sort of reminds me of the Dynasty, Charlies Angels, Falcon Crest era of makeup. Ever notice when you watch those shows the woman seem to glow with warmth off the screen. That is actually what motivated me to get into makeup. I was 8 yrs old sitting on the corner of my mother's bed watching Charlies Angels. I would sit there in awe of there beauty. I said to myself that day forward that I will learn to look like that. So there became my obsession with makeup. My mother would take me into Bloomingdales and let me get my makeup done for free. Those were the good old days. I would stay in there for hours mesmerized by all the dancing colors shining off the glass counters. Even as I got older and was having a bad day, there was nothing a walk through the Bloomingdales beauty dept couldn't fix. Well, back to this lovely woman's makeup, this look reminded me of what makeup is suppose to be. It's to give you a lit from within look. Not to get all Ghandi on you, but makeup should bring out your inner spiritual glow. I truly believe when a woman looks her best, she feels her best and she glows from within. I love the warm brown on her eyes and the hightlight on her cheeks. I also love the soft full lips that bring the look together. It's not overstated, it's actually understated to perfection. I will be recreating this look and will post the pictures. What do you think about this makeup look? What is your favorite memory with makeup? I would love to hear from you. Remeber girls, keep your glow on.