SKIN WINS | BEAUTY

It is no secret that I have the most sensitive skin in the entire world.  I have talked about it a plethora of times here on the blog and I wont stop talking about it because it is probably the most annoying problem to have during all seasons of the year.  I basically just feel like I cant keep up.  When it's warm out my skin is excessively oily, when it's cold out it's so dry and cracking.  

I know what you're thinking: that's everyone's problem.  Let me tell you though, I have severe eczema and sensitive skin in general and have had it all my life.  Here are a couple of products I have been using lately that have made it a little easier.

My Nighttime Routine

I feel like every time I read something like this it's always the same.  There are a billion products that people use and a super long process.  My process takes absolutely no time so I wanted to show you my night routine.  

Step #1: Bathroom Candle

I have a very old, vintagy bathroom.  The house that I live in right now is very old-style as there were never really many renovations made to it.  It's not my favorite but I tend to enjoy it because it reminds me of houses in a small beach town or a cottage or something.  I don't know why I decided to preface this step with that, but I did.  For some reason I love lighting candles in the bathroom.  Especially when it's a cute, adorable candle that matches with the aura of the room.  Not only does it make the space thats known for smelling weird, smell good, but also just adds a relaxing vibe to your entire attitude.   

Step #2: Clarisonic Time

I had to take two pics because I wanted to make sure you all could bask in the amazingness.  First lets start with that print.  Yes, I know, thank you.  Adorable!  Secondly, let's talk about the brush head.  I've written about this before but it is absolutely fantastic.  The Luxe brush head is great for many reasons: it is so incredibly soft, it makes you feel like you've been in the spa all day and it's excellent for sensitive skin.  I definitely want to try out some other brush heads in the future so I can't wait to do that.

#3: Toothbrush Tasks

This is pretty standard with almost everyones night routine, I'm sure.  This toothbrush is literally just the Up&Up brand from Target, nothing special.  I absolutely love this one because the brussels are not too soft and just enough.  I can't stand toothbrushes that are soft because it feels like they do nothing for your teeth.  Have you heard otherwise when it comes to a choosing a toothbrush?  I know I've heard that soft is actually good but I just cannot stand it for some reason.

#4: Shower Time

I did an I'm With The Brand post about Clean&Clear because I love it so much, this product is nothing different than that.  I just love the morning burst face wash and ~*iRoNiCaLlY*~ I use it at night.  I know Clean&Clear do a night formula, but this one just makes me happy, so I always use it!  The eos Shave Gel stinks.  I can't lie, I just don't like it.  I don't favor the scent and I don't really think it does anything special for the shaving experience.  Buy something else for the $4, not this.  

You may be wondering why I have THREE razors in my shower.  To be honest, I kind of do and kind of don't really know why.  I have always used the Bic disposable razors because I like the result they gave me but being that my skin is severely sensitive and has been getting worse as the years go on, I decided to try something different.  This brings me to the blue one in the middle, Schick Hydro Silk razor which is ABSOLUTELY brilliant.  I will go further into detail about this razor soon.  The one all the way on the left was another one that I tried that I didn't like as much as the one in the middle, but it was Schick as well.  I don't like to shave, but the feeling of smooth legs overtakes the laziness of not wanting to shave, so I basically always do when I'm in the shower.

Shampoo and conditioner are obviously a necessity in everyone's shower stall.  At the moment I'm all about the old school Herbal Eseences.  I am so happy they brought these back within the past year or so because they make me so happy.  To be honest, I think HE has gone a little overboard with some of the newer more modern scents that they've put out more recently.  I like these plain ones and the effect that it has on my hair isn't so bad either.

My two most recently body washes are as basic as they get.  Up&Up pomegranate and lemon verbena and Softsoap Coconut Scrub.  I'm a little annoyed at the Softsoap because it really doesn't smell anything like coconut and that makes me sad.

#5: After Shower Power

On days and occasions where I feel like my hair has just seen better days, I apply this Well Oil Huile.   I really enjoy this oil for a couple of reasons: the bottle is my favorite colors, the smell is delightful and it's rather light.  It's always nice to have a rather light oil for your hair just to ensure that it's not overkill.   

These are obviously for use if I had been wearing makeup that day.  Some days I just don't feel like wearing makeup and that's totally okay.  When I dare to bare mascara and all, I use these removal wipes because they are perfect for nighttime calming.  The smell is lovely and it actually does get you so relaxed and ready for a chill night and a great sleep.  

I've spoken about these products in depth on a couple of occasions.  The Ultra Repair Cream is definitely for application everyday for me.  I love the way it sinks into my skin with no worry that it will irritate.  The Detox Eye Roller has given me liiiiiife.  Honestly, it has taken away some of my dark circles and that makes me happier than you could ever imagine, as I have had dark circles for a long time.  

Sometimes I use a toner from Clean&Clear, but not all of the time.  I should get into a better practice of using that more often.  For some reason, I reserve the toner for the fall time?  Why is that a stigma?

For some reason, I like to apply deodorant before bed.  I honestly think its the wierdest thing ever to apply it before you go to sleep, but I do it anyway.  I mean, you know you're clean, why do you need it for overnight?  I don't know, I do it anyway.  I've been taking a like to this one from Secret lately.  

Thanks for reading my nighttime routine!  Let me know in the comments or in a tweet if yours is similar or different, I would love to know.  This is so simple and most of it is what you should probably be doing everyday anyway!  Forget all those complicated steps with serums and craziness, this is perfect for me.  What products do you think I just must try?  Thanks for reading!  -Brit.  

I'm With The Brand: First Aid Beauty

Guess who's back with a brand new.. blog post?  That was my sad attempt at being cool I guess.  Well anyway, here is my next post in the 'I'm With The Brand Series,' following my first with Clean and Clear.  When I find something I like, I usually stick with it for a long time when it comes to skin care.  I don't like to really dabble in much being that I have some of the most sensitive skin out there.  As I have explained many times before, my skin is next-level sensitive and there are basically many things that I cannot use which makes me so unhappy.  Also, this winter I had eczema on my face and it was TERRIBLE.  

This post focuses on First Aid Beauty!  I absolutely LOVE this brand for so many different reasons.  For one, the brand is SO easy to find.  You can buy it obviously anywhere online and in Sephora, etc.  There has only been one time where I couldn't find my moisturizer that I use from this brand and when I couldn't, the beauty advisor told me to try the Ultra Repair Cream and it worked like a charm.  Obviously the reason for me not finding the moisturizer was because they were just simply out of it and I didn't want to wait by ordering it online.

Starting with the Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask, I have to say that I am so surprised at what it has done for my face.  Being that I normally am a pretty big fan of face masks, I picked up this one knowing that it would be especially great for my sensitive skin.  I remember grabbing this one from Sephora in, I would say, March.  That being said, we were just starting to kind of enter the territory of spring, but still freezing cold weather and my face was still acting up.  That was absolute perfection for doing the job of clearing up my face, while remaining extra gentle.  I continue to use it now (as my face has completely cleared up) and it really helps thoroughly clean and soften the skin.

The face cleanser is super awesome.  I know I have spoken about this cleanser in a video that I filmed on my YouTube channel before talking to you guys about it.  I love it for an everyday cleanser because it works perfectly for my Clarisonic and for days that I feel too lazy to even use my Clarisonic.  This makes me very happy.  Also, I have to mention it again but it does wonders for sensitive skin.  And by 'doing wonders for sensitive skin' I actually mean it does nothing.  As in, it doesn't break you out in a rash, irritate your skin/eyes or the surrounding areas or anything else like that.  Check plus in my book!

Ultra Repair Face Moisturizer.  Where do I start with this?  This was the first FAB product that I tried because I was in search of a perfect moisturizer that I could use on my skin during the colder months that was good enough for sensitive skin.  Now, even in the warmer months, I still use it.  This is definitely my new go-to facial moisturizer.  Although sometimes I do apply it in the morning, I am more accustomed to applying it at night and then waking up with a stunningly soft feeling face.  LOVE IT.

The Anti-Redness Serum is something that I never really considered using before to be honest.  I figured though that if I was going to try it out, this would be the brand to do so and I could not be happier that I did.  I have to say, it was such a strange sensation on the skin, but when I applied it and after 30 seconds, everything was perfectly fine.  It does take a while to see a difference with this product but I don't hate it for that!  If there was something from the line that I don't plan on repurchasing, it would be this.  Not because I hate it, but because I don't think it's absolutely necessary.

The Ultra Repair Cream is probably my second favorite in the line.  I don't know, it's a close second with what I will talk about next.  As I mentioned when I was talking about moisturizer in the intro, I stumbled upon this product in the line because I was looking for the moisturizer in Sephora and they didn't have it at the time.  I needed something else and I trusted this brand, so the beauty advisor told me to that essentially this formula is just thicker than the regular moisturizer but has most of the same ingredients in it.  After speaking with her some more and asking a few more questions, her assurance was enough for me to purchase and she was absolutely right!  I am thrilled to have this as a backup moisturizer.  I haven't use it anywhere other than on my face but perhaps I will try it on my legs!

The Detox Eye Roller is something I have never tried before.  This is wierd because there are tons of products that come in roller ball form, but I have just never tried them.  When I heard about this dark circle offering from the brand I knew I had to try it immediately.  Something for sensitive skin that was a solution to the debauchery that is dark circles is *eVeRyThInG* to me.  I have been using the product for the past month pretty consistently and I have seen a difference!  I have to say, it is a slow process, but I have actually seen a difference and that makes me happy.  If I was even more diligent with it, I would probably see that happening a little faster.  But hey, what can I say #lazygirlprobs.  I am really happy with this though for the progress it's given me (I have severe dark circles under my eyes) and the cooling sensation underneath your eyes is interesting too, it wakes you up in the morning.  Love this!

Overall, I would definitely recommend checking out First Aid Beauty, 100%!  I will be using their products for a very long time and would say to you that you should as well.  I cannot wait to give more of their products a try and I will sure let you know what I think when I do.  Have you ever tried FAB products?  What am I missing?  Send me a tweet or let me know in the comments if you have!  -Brit.

PS- Fun fact.  While I was photographing these products, it was very windy on the water and they kept falling over, lol.  Very difficult but you know.  #BloggerProbs .. we've all been there.  

A Beautiful Spring Day in the Beginning of April!

Today was an absolutely beautiful day all around.  The weather was fantastic and I think spring is finally here!  I am so happy to be able to welcome the warmer weather in my outfits, makeup and most of all.. outside!  Here's what I wore today as I gallivanted around town shopping and running some errands!  

My top is from Old Navy, the thank underneath is from Charlotte Russe, the jeans and shoes are from Forever 21, my wallet is from Target and I am wearing my Rose Gold Michael Kors that I got two years ago from my dad.  

I figured I would include my fantastic, full of calories breakfast, a delicious bagel.  We go to Barons Bagels which is right around the corner from where we live and these bagels are fantastic!  I also went to the mall and picked up a couple of things from Sephora including a Clarisonic brush head from the Luxe Collection that I have heard all about, a couple of Bath and Body Works Candles and a mask from First Aid Beauty.  I have been loving the line, as you all know, and figured that I would give a mask a try.  After all, my skin is slowly but surely getting back to normal with the weather getting warmer.  

What are you doing this weekend?  I can't wait to spend tomorrow doing laundry (said no one ever).  I just hope we have another awesome day tomorrow and another awesome week to follow, weather-wise.  Send me a tweet and let me know what you think and how your weather has been!  

ECZEMA and DRY SKIN care for the dreaded winter!

I have been talking a lot lately about dry skin and let me tell you, I just about feel like the authority.  Ever since I was a kid, I have always had eczema.  When I was younger, I had it awful.  It was all over my hands and that was the only place, but it was SEVERE.  I used to sleep with socks on my hands and vaseline covering them until it just wouldn't go away so my dad took me to the doctor and I got something prescribed.  For what seems like all through my teenage years, I didn't get it as bad and only through the winters.  Because I hated going and getting something prescribed, I tried to always just use lotion on my hands or vaseline but it never did the trick as well as a prescription of course.  For the past couple of years of my 20's I have had it a small amount during the winter just like during my teen years, but this winter it has been the worst it has ever been in my entire life.

I'm sure if you have previously read my posts, you will see that I wrote about a cleanser that burned my eyes.  That ended up not being the case.  What happened was, I got eczema on my face this year.  I don't necessarily know if it had transferred onto my face from my hands, because normally it isn't a 'contact dermatitis' type condition, I think that it definitely just has developed onto my face.  This has never happened before and it was BRUTAL all winter long.  I have also noticed that if I was to fall asleep without removing makeup (bad anyway), the eczema will flare up even worse.

I am not brave enough yet to share pictures with you of what my eyes look like when they are swollen and red, so I won't do that, but maybe eventually.  You may also remember last Monday when I wrote about going to the eye doctor.  At that visit, she gave me a new, more 'allergy-friendly' contact solution which seems to actually have helped the situation and that makes me a little happier as well.

Moving into some products to help combat dry skin.  Let me start by saying that First Aid Beauty literally is exactly what it says: First Aid.  I was using Aveeno for a while which was working fine, but when I started to get the dry skin and eczema on my face, it was all of a sudden not working for me.  Perhaps come warmer weather I can start using it again but I have to be honest and say that I probably won't do that again because I have fallen in love with First Aid Beauty.  I plan to do a full post about their products because I have just yesterday purchased two more things from the line that I want to try out before I write more and comment.

Neosporin has never been anything special to me.  I mean, when do you ever use Neosporin for anything other than cuts and scrapes when you were a kid right?  Well, now there is another reason.  I was walking down the Cortizone aisle at Target looking for their version of Eczema-specialized cream when I saw the Neosporin one instead.  I saw that on the packaging it said 'Eczema Essentials' and I felt like it was a match made in heaven.  This is ridiculous but when you have eczema, it's the little things.  This stuff is MAGIC.  Nothing has helped me the way this has.  Not only does it ease the pain of the condition, but it moisturizes with irritation and improves your skin LEAPS and BOUNDS.  

Cortizone is in here because I figured I would mention that it's the only thing that works on my face.  The Neosporin cannot be put near your eyes, so I have the Cortizone for that.  I actually consulted my doctor and she said that Cortizone is fine to put near the eyes so I trusted her and it helps so much.  Not only does it reduce the swelling, but it calms the skin and slowly takes away the redness.  It does sting extremely horribly when you apply it I must say, but the momentary pain is 5000% worth it in the end.  I would definitely recommend Cortizone 10 Intensive Healing Formula, it's safe for the face.  

Just a quick statement on the products that I have tried by them though: they are amazing.  These products are very tolerant to sensitive skin.  The reason why I picked them up is because I heard about them online.  I knew that if the brand was called 'First Aid Beauty,' there had to be a reason.  When I went and checked the brand out in Sephora, I saw most of it said 'Safe for sensitive skin' or 'dermatologically tested' and instantly I was so happy.  I started with just the moisturizer, then I bought the cleanser and then I bought the redness serum and I am obsessed.  More to come about them later but for now you shall know that they are eczema friendly products and that makes me happy.

I picked up Mario Badescu 'Hydrating Hand Cream' while I was at Blue Mercury not too long ago and as you can see, I have torn halfway through it.  I love this stuff because the scent isn't too bad, which I will talk about with the next product.  This doesn't irritate your hands and it hydrates very nicely.  I really like the application and I feel like a little bit goes a long way.  I think the peppermint element calms and soothes your hands so that makes me the happiest when I know I don't have to worry about something smelling great irritating my hands.  This is definitely great to have at my desk at work and another one in my purse or car for on the go.  Thank you Mario!  

This is my last and final product to talk about.  I LOVE this stuff, it's called 'Dream Cream' by Lush.  Although now I have found the Neosporin, this was what I first purchased and it made such a huge difference.  I immediately got results when I put this on my hand because of the calamine elements woven within the lotion.  The one bad thing I have to say about this though is that the smell is terrible.  I used to have this in my desk at work because it worked so well but it wasn't user-friendly and it did NOT smell good, so I switched to the Mario Badescu, but I switched right back because this one made a better impact and difference on my skin.  Thank you Lush!

Overall, I am so happy that I have found these products as they have made my eczema suffering suck a LOT less.  Although there really is no way to make eczema go away if you don't go to the doctor, these products have made the winter a little more tolerable.  I am going to get back under the covers of my couch and get ready to watch the newly premiering 'Crisis' tonight, you guys stay here!  Send me a tweet and let me know if I'm missing anything.  Talk to you soon and thank you for reading!