J. of All Trades: skincare

Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts

Green is exactly what your friends will be at the sight of your glowing, clear, blemish-free skin with this product I have to share. I decided to take the corny, cliche route and honor St. Patrick's Day with an awesome little product that, you guessed it, is green.

Fairly recently I purchased The Body Shop's Tea Tree Oil which I had seen a few bloggers rave about before. I have to say, I understand the appeal. It does a great job at reducing both redness and blemishes.

Now, for those of you who have been following my blog for a while now (I see you Best, Jordan readers), you know that my heart will always belong to benzoyl peroxide creams. However, this is a fabulous alternative for those with sensitive skin or who find benzoyl peroxide too drying. This tea tree oil has been my go-to during these harsh winter months when my skin could use a bit more nourishment and a lot less stripping.

Another bonus: no white streaks! The peroxide creams I use are white and unless you are meticulously applying it in a mirror, the chances of walking out of your house with odd white streaks on your face are pretty high. Because this product is an oil, it's simply absorbed into the skin...which comes in handy when I'm getting ready in a rush...which is always.

The only possible con is the smell. While I personally don't mind it too much, I must admit it has a very pungent medicinal scent. Don't let that hold you back from trying a great product though; the scent disappears in no time!

If you've tried this product before, let me know your thought in the comments below!

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We've all been there. Our skin can be flawless for days, weeks, even months at at time, but every now and then, we get that pesky pimple. It can be frustrating, especially when you think you've finally nailed a skincare routine that works for you. However, there's always a solution. Here are a few tips you can try if you're faced (no pun intended) with a sudden breakout.

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Break your routine | If you've been exfoliating more frequently, take a break and try a more gentle cleanser. The same goes for if you've been using a simple face wash, try exfoliating a couple days out of the week. Sometimes our skin, much like us, can settle into a routine and get a bit too comfortable. By changing your routine, you're giving your skin a little wake up call to start rejuvenating itself again.
Go back to an old favorite | An old, trusted product is old and trusted for a reason. It's that product that you always seem to repurchase. Though you may not use it everyday, when you do, it always comes through. If you're someone who constantly likes to try new things (i.e. a skincare junkie), take a break from experimenting and go back to a product that you know works well with your skin. I'm sure it would appreciate a visit from an old friend.
Treat the problem, and only the problem | If you're only battling one spot as opposed to a major breakout, focus your energy (and products) solely on that area. Many acne treatments can be quite drying to the skin, so using it all over the face can actually end up doing more harm than good in the long run. Sure, the problem area will disappear, but the "good skin" can end up extremely dried out. Then you'll have another battle on your hands: flaky skin. That's never cute.

Now, if you're experiencing sudden breakouts because it's that wonderful time of the month, unfortunately, you may just have to wait it out. You can try all of the tips above, but period acne is caused by internal hormonal changes. External treatments can subdue breakouts, but won't eliminate them completely. Drink plenty of water, eat chocolate whenever you want, and just be patient. It'll all be over soon.

Hope you found this helpful! If you have any other breakout treatment related questions, you're always welcome to ask in the comments section below or chat with me on Twitter!

Today's tip will be fairly brief, but a good tip nonetheless. I've been using Noxzema products for years now, but it never occurred to me that the way I use it is different from others. Here are a few ways I use the moisturizing product as much more than just a cleanser.

Cleanser | Of course, Noxzema has been a tried and trusted deep facial cleanser for decades now (it's been on the market since 1914, in fact). I inherited my love for Noxzema from my mother, but after trying several other cleansers, this one has been a consistent staple in my regimen for years now, and it will remain that way for years to come. It cleans deeply without stripping your skin of all its moisture. It actually leaves your skin feeling more moisturized and softer than before! The tingly feeling the eucalyptus oil provides is simply an added bonus.
Face Mask | This is actually a little trick I picked up about a year ago. The concept is the same: you apply the product to your face generously. The only difference is the amount of time you leave it on. Typically, I apply the Noxzema to my face while it's dry and leave it on while I shower. Once I'm done showering, I simply rinse it off and keep it moving. Doing it this way is super efficient when you're pressed for time and makes for an even deeper clean.
Shaving Cream | I shared this tip in passing with a friend this morning and was met with a blank stare. I had adopted this trick so long ago that I didn't even realize that I'm probably one a few that does it! I can't remember where I picked up the habit, but it comes in handy when I run out of shaving gel. In fact, most of the time I don't even buy shower gel anymore; Noxzema has become my one-stop shop. It moisturizes the shaving area just as it would your face, which is great because moisturizing the area softens the hair follicles and makes for an easier, cleaner shave. All you're left with is clean, baby smooth skin.

Pick up a jar of Noxzema Moisturizing Cleansing Cream to test these tips out for yourself! It's relatively inexpensive and a little goes a long way so this large container will last a while and you're sure to get your money's worth. Let me know how it works out for you in the comments below!

This post started off as a different tip and changed completely as I was walking to work this morning. Philadelphia is currently experiencing a heat wave, which served as a harsh reminder for me that summer is just around the corner. With that in mind, I figured I would share a few fool-proof tricks to stay looking (and smelling) your best through all of this season's heat and humidity.

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Avoid A White Cast | This tip is more relevant for ladies with darker skin tones, but it affects all women alike when it comes to photographs! White cast is the unfortunate white film that can occur with certain sunscreens and makes your summer glow look dull and pasty. To prevent this, look for sunscreens that don't have titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are typically found in physical sunscreens. Opt for a chemical sunscreen without these ingredients or mix it with your favorite tinted moisturizer to dilute it.
Stay Dry | As someone who is, unfortunately, prone to sweat a lot, I've learned a few tricks to keep dry and fresh throughout the day. It may sound old-fashioned, but baby powder is beyond helpful during the summer. Don't coat yourself in it, just add enough where you need it so that extra moisture will be wicked away during the day. Also, keep wipes, blotting sheets, and an extra deodorant in your bag for any needed touch-ups throughout the day. It's better to have those things and not need them, than to need them and not have them.
Keep Hydrated | No one should have to tell you how important water is at this point. It keeps you hydrated, helps regulate your body temperature, and saves you from passing out...which is always a plus. It also boosts your metabolism and helps keep your skin clear, which can be hard to do with sweat and pollutants clogging your pores in the summer. Take it one step further and infuse your water with some of your favorite fruits or vegetables. Popular choices are lemon, cucumber, and berries because they add flavor, vitamins, and antioxidants to make water a lot easier to drink for those who don't prefer it plain.

What are some tricks that you use to stay gorgeous during the summer? Let me know in the comments section below!

Recently in the beauty community, cleansing oils have become increasingly popular. Many people love it for its gentle cleansing and ease at removing makeup. Many of them also claim to provide additional benefits such as brightening complexion, dissolving impurities, and overall skin rejuvenation. However, I've been using pure oils for years to remove stubborn waterproof makeup. While cleansing oils have proven to help improve the skin appearance of many of its users, just using a basic oil can produce the same results! Below is a break down of different essential oils and the many benefits they each have for not only your skin, but the rest of your body as well.

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Vitamin E Oil | Look at the ingredients of your favorite moisturizer and body wash. Chances are vitamin E is on that list, and for good reason. Vitamin E is essential for reducing the appearance of dark marks and scars. Also, its high level of antioxidants is great at preventing premature aging. Vitamin E also supports new skin cell growth, speeds up cell regeneration, and boosts collagen production. I apply it after I wash my face at night as an overnight treatment. It evens my complexion and makes my skin much softer, so I know from experience it's a great oil to try.
Coconut Oil | This has become an extremely popular oil recently for its multi-purpose benefits. It has been proved to reduce scars, stretch marks, and discoloration. What's more? You can improve your skin from the inside out by using food-grade versions in your cooking. Look for cold-pressed virgin varieties because all of its natural nutrients will still be in tact as opposed to any altered forms.
Marula Oil | Unlike coconut oil, this oil isn't very well known, but it should be for the amazing things it does for your skin. With a high concentration of antioxidants and oleic acid, an essential fatty acid, it absorbs into the skin quickly to protect against UV rays and free radicals.
Argan Oil | This oil has a high concentration of vitamin E, but is still lightweight enough to be worn on the face during the daytime. As a rare oil, it can be pretty pricey but a little goes a very long way. It also helps that it has several uses, both on your skin and hair, so you can get plenty of use out of it.
Tea Tree Oil | If you've been following my blog for a little while now, you know how much I swear by benzoyl peroxide as an acne remover. However, it can be pretty harsh and drying on the skin. Tea tree oil is a great alternative and has been proven to be just as effective as benzoyl peroxide in vanishing blemishes. It can be pretty potent though, so this oil is better used as a spot treatment than as an all over makeup remover.

If you still opt for a cleansing oil, there are plenty of great ones out there. But, before you spend a ton of money, check out any of the essential oils above first. You may be surprised at how your skin improves!

Over the summer I realized that travel sized items aren't just for traveling. Granted, I ended up buying most of my new finds as a result of my trip to Puerto Rico. However, after I returned I found plenty of uses for those little carry-ons.

Test Subject
If you want to try a new product but are afraid to invest in the full sized item only to wind up disappointed, buy the travel size version first. I did this with the Cetaphil face wash. I heard so many rave reviews about this cleanser but I wasn't ready to shell out $11 if it wasn't going to help out my skin. The verdict? It is nice and gentle, but I'm one of those people who needs to see something lather to prove that it's working. Plus, I've had the same, if not better, results from my previous cleanser so I'm glad I tested it out first.

Ride Along
Travel size items are also great for, well, traveling. But, you don't have to be going out of the country to take advantage of them; traveling to class counts too. For example, a small deodorant is the perfect thing to throw in your purse for those days you forget to put some on before you leave the house. Don't pretend like it's never happened to you.

Also, having those travel size items on hand is great for impromptu sleepovers at your friend's or your significant other's house. You'll be grateful that you have a mini shower gel you can bring along instead of lugging around your entire medicine cabinet.

Penny Pincher
Restocking your toiletries cabinet with travel size items when you're a little pressed for cash is also a brilliant option. All of your favorite brands are made in a smaller size, trust me. You don't have to resort to a generic brand to save money when you can just buy your staples in a smaller volume. You'll be surprised, those three ounces go a very long way. Being able to stay consistent with your routine is just an added bonus.

I was planning on writing an entire post on essentials to keep in your everyday bag, which includes several other travel items. Let me know if that's something you would like to read either in the comments below or on Twitter.

If I could only live with five beauty products for the rest of my life, here's what they would be and why.

1. Benzoyl peroxide. I don't care what form this ingredient is in as long as I have it in my life. Nothing I have ever tried keeps my skin as clear as benzoyl peroxide. I will take it with me to the grave.

2. Lip balm. If you asked me this question maybe a year and a half ago, my answer definitely would have been lip gloss. I never used to use lip balm. Not sure why exactly. Now, I can't even go to sleep without applying lip balm. Dry lips just make me feel like my whole face is sad.

3. Face wipes. Even if I don't take the time to do my full routine, I always make sure to at least clean my face with a wipe. It's refreshing and it gives my skin a chance to breathe a little more.

4. Fragranced body cream. I was very specific with this item for a reason. I prefer a body cream or butter because my dry skin requires plenty of moisture. Also, I like to use a fragranced cream because it stays on much longer than a fragrance mist or perfume and I don't have to worry about reapplying it throughout the day.

5. Hair removal cream. I've simply preferred this method of hair removal for a while now and there is just no way I could live life without shaving...ever...anywhere...that's nasty.

So that's basically everything I need in this life of sin, just me and my cosmetics.

*Note: List is in no particular order.

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I'mJohn Doe

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Green With Envy

Tips & Tricks Tuesday | Quick Solutions for Sudden Breakouts

Tips & Tricks Tuesday | One Product Three Ways

Tips & Tricks Tuesday | Beat The Heat

Cleansing Oil: Splurge or Save?

Tips & Tricks Tuesday | Multiple Uses For Travel Sized Items

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