The Body Shop Haul

I went shopping today since I bought my Groupons yesterday for The Body Shop. I was extremely excited when I walked in because they did a scratch off to determine what deal I would get for the day. Well when I scratched it, I got 50% off my entire purchase! On top of that, you get a 6.7 oz holiday body butter for $1 when you spend $35. All in all, I should have paid $97 before taxes. However, my subtotal was $40. Since I bought those Groupons yesterday, I really only spent $20 before taxes. :)

Here's what I got:
Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash (retails @ $12)
Seaweed Clarifying Toner (retails @$12)
Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream (retails @ $16)
Tea Tree Oil (retails @$9)
(2) 100% Natural Lip Roll-On in Coconut (retails @ $6)
Baked Cheek Colour in Coral (retails @$18)
Body Butter in Candied Ginger (retails @ $18)

Seaweed Skin Care System for Combination/Oily Skin

Tea Tree Oil for Removing Blemish Spots

100% Natural Roll-On in Coconut

Candied Ginger Body Butter

Baked Cheek Colour in Coral

Coral Swatches

Coral Swatches (I tried to make it as true to color as possible)

Hurry before it ends!

I have a newfound love for The Body Shop. If you love them too, buy your Groupon now. You pay $10 for $20 worth of products. You can't beat that deal. You're allowed to buy two of these groupons, or give as many as you like as gifts. Only six hours left as of this posting!

The Body Shop Groupon - Click Here

Christmas Gift from Estee Lauder

I got a random knock on the door, and it was the mail lady delivering a package to me. I was shocked because I hadn't ordered anything. I looked at the box, and saw it was from Estee Lauder. Here's what they sent me:

It's a simple gift, but it made me smile. :)

Skin Care Regimen

With all of this talk about skin care, I decided to let you in on my skin care regimen. This is what I've found to partially work for me. I will give product recommendations, but I suggest you try to attain product samples first. What works for me is not guaranteed to work for you.

Day:

-Olay Foaming Face Wash for Combination/Oily Skin
-Estee Lauder DayWear Moisturizer for Normal/Combination Skin

Night: 

-Olay Foaming Face Wash for Combination/Oily Skin
-Sea Breeze Sensitive Skin Astringent
-Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair 
-Estee Lauder Hydrationist Moisturizer for Normal/Combination Skin

When cleaning my skin, I always use my Clarisonic brush. At first I didn't realize how great it was, and now I hate when it dies on me. It does 100x better than my hands alone can do in scrubbing out any dirt. That's very important to me since I have to wear a full face of makeup daily.

Why this regimen partially works?

Though I've had improvements, I know certain areas of my face are still suffering. It could very well be the change in the weather. Cold weather is making my cheeks drier (very tight and uncomfortable). My forehead used to get very shiny, and now I'm noticing flaking there. I'd like to get everything under control.

Why this regimen has helped?

First, being consistent with a regimen has allowed for great change in my skin. Second, I've noticed fewer breakouts in my cheeks whereas a few months ago I had them almost every week. 

What do I recommend for anyone?

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair. This is something I continue to give samples of at my counter. People come back time and again for this product because it definitely will improve the skin. It's meant to improve the moisture barrier of your skin, protect from environmental assaults, and help with dark spots. I'm recommending this because I've faithfully used this for over four weeks. I had tons of dark spots in my cheeks from all of that acne. This product has minimized them greatly. 

(Sept 11)

 (Today)

As you can see, outside of my two pimples due to my menstrual, my face is much clearer now.

What's next?

I'm currently in the process of seeking a more natural skin care regimen, or something not as strong as Estee Lauder for my sensitive skin. I will continue using Advanced Night Repair. Some options I've considered are Clinique's 3-Step System and The Body Shop's Seaweed Line.

But I just want makeup...who cares about skin care?

Most women love to shop.  What's one thing you should spend an arm and leg for? Shoes. Why? You need to take care of your feet, or you'll be thoroughly disappointed as you get older. What's another thing you should spend an arm and leg for? SKIN CARE.

:gasps: Huh???

Yes, it's true ladies and men. We all need a quality skin care regimen to practice twice daily. It also must be tailored to your particular skin type.

So many times I see people coming to my counter asking for a foundation or concealer to cover spots, redness, dryness, etc. The first question I ask is: What are you using for your skin? Most times my customers will look at me like I just turned into an alien because they "don't bother with skin care" since it "costs too much."

I'm not just out here trying to collect commission from a sale. It's really vital to take care of your skin. I'm sure you've seen women wearing foundation only to notice their flaking skin underneath. I'm sure you've seen women pounding on concealer for that spot because they won't use a repair serum. If you're only buying makeup, then you're doing serious damage to your skin. Your art work is only as good as the base you put it on. Try painting on a piece of wood that's blistered and dirty. Now try that same painting on a piece of wood that's smooth and clear. Tell me which one will look better.

STEPS IN SKIN CARE:

1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. Repair
4. Moisturize

Repeat this twice per day.

So the next time you go to a makeup counter, be sure to asks about skin care catered to your specific concerns. Then take progress pics along the way as you see your skin change due to daily care.

I'm Back!!!

Hey F.A.B.S. dolls!

After months of being away, I'm finally here with some stuff I'd like to tell and show you. Since I've been gone, I've completed my Bachelors degree, and I now work as a Beauty Advisor at an Estee Lauder counter.

I'm surrounded by makeup everyday, and it's given me ideas for topics concerning makeup/skincare. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to e-mail me at faceartbysyd@gmail.com. I get all e-mails sent to my iPod so I'm guaranteed to see them.

Stay tuned for more posts. *muah*

All Hail Shellac...or Not

CND's Shellac is the polish everyone is trying these days.  Supposedly, it's only a polish, and guaranteed to last 14 days without chipping.  Well I tried it for my bday.  I went to a salon on March 19, and started taking it off April 3.  I definitely got my money's worth. Here's my pros and cons list:

Pros

• Lasts longer than 14 days.
• Minimal chipping
• Shine never goes away
• Helps grow nails quickly
• Somehow prevents nails from breaking
• Builds a somewhat stronger nail

 Cons

• It's hell getting it off (I tried two methods in my video)
• Need pure acetone or something close to it to get it off
• It took 3+ days to remove with method one
• It's a process for removal...taking 10-15 minutes of acetone soaking with method two
• Nails gain some bruising (scratches and slight dents)
• Requires extreme buffing afterwards
• Polish moves up vertically as the nail grows similar to how acrylic nails look when you need a fill-in

So would I try it again?

The answer is maybe.  I'm concerned about what's in the product that makes it last so long.  While my nails did grow, I don't like the bruising.  I got bruising even after using the foil method (see my video below).  Due to this bruising and lifting that the polish does, I'm inclined to think there is some acrylic in the polish.  I hate acrylic.  I'd rather have no damage, and the same quality of Shellac. 

I suggest you give it a try.  It does look pretty for 14+ days, and I got a lot of compliments. :)