Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate!

I got a compliment on my skin?!  Two of my girlfriends complimented my skin last month.  They said I was glowing (and I'm not pregnant).  That was a first for me, so I thought I'd share what I've been doing different.  I've been using Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Detoxifying Scrub every day.  It's got a nice relaxing smell and the grains are really fine, so it's not rough on your skin.  

Also, if you're exfoliating, you have to tone (I use witch hazel) and then apply a moisturizer.  If you have oily skin like me, you dread moisturizer, but I love Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel.  No matter how much I apply, it doesn't feel heavy.


Lastly, I'll leave you with a shopping tip (reminder).  Check Amazon.com for your beauty products.  They have tons of products that people think that only department stores and Sephora carry and they are most often at least 15% cheaper.

Ciao for now!

When in doubt, don't choose WEN.

WEN Cleansing Conditioner was recommended to me by my beautiful fine-fair-haired friend and my gorgeous coarse-curly-haired friend.  The concept is simple.  Shampoos contain sulfates, which create that nice lather that dries out your hair.  WEN is sulfate-free and supposedly cleans and conditions your hair in one step.  You just apply the cleansing conditioner in the shower, comb through your hair with a wide tooth comb, and wait until the end of your shower to rinse your hair.  You can even use it as a leave-in conditioner.

I have tried both the Sweet Almond Mint and the Pomegranate cleansing conditioners for 30 days and, although I loved the scents and the menthol sensation on my scalp, the product left my roots heavy and filmy and my ends showed little change.  Although my hair is dry and damaged, my scalp is oily, which may be why my roots were filmy.  However, that doesn't explain why my ends were not particularly moisturized. 

Not to mention that a 16 oz. bottle costs $28 and a little does not go a long way.  I have shoulder length hair and I had to pump several times to get my hair saturated. 

Someone with very dry or curly hair may like this product.  When it comes to my combination hair, I think it's best to stick with a two-step process, although I will stick with sulfate free shampoo and wash my hair every other day.  A good sulfate free shampoo is L'Oreal Hair Expertise EverSleek Intense Smoothing Shampoo, which only costs about $7.

What I would recommend for people with damaged combination hair like mine is that you use dry spray shampoo, like TREsemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo, in between washings every other day.  You just spray it on your roots, let it sit for a minute, and then brush through it.  Also, it only costs about $5!

My Favorite Products - Part I

I am not a beauty professional, nor am I claiming to be a beauty expert or exceptionally beautiful.  However, I am on a constant quest for beauty products that meet my expectations.  I'm also quite frugal (or as my sister would say, "cheap").  You have to be if you try as many products as I do!  I figured I may as well put my obsession to use.  I am using this blog to review products that I've tried, which might save you from buying something that you won't use, which (much to my husband's dismay) I am famous for. 

I'll start with a list of my favorite products and then I'll continue my search for satisfying beauty products, reviewing along the way.  Please feel free to post information about your favorite product.

My Favs:

#1 - Lash Exact Cover Girl Mascara - Black - Approx. $4


Look no further.  This is the perfect mascara.  It's not clumpy and extends and thickens your lashes.  Not to mention, it's cheap and you can find it at Target and Walgreens.  Who could ask for more in a mascara?

#2 - Revlon Super Lustrous Cream Lipstick, Toast of New York #325 - Approx. $7


I've been wearing this moisturizing lipstick for years.  It's a natural looking shade of red, which makes your teeth look brighter.  It's great for people like me who look better in warm colors and can't get away with cool pinks.  For a more natural day look, I sometimes mix it with chapstick.

#3 - Crest Whitestrips Classic - Approx. $30

 
I am not religious about using these.  I put them on before a night on the town, maybe twice a month.  As far as I'm concerned, there's no need to buy the new or more advanced strips because the classic strips work great.  Plus, you don't want neon white teeth, just a healthy naturally white looking grill.  Consider searching Amazon.com for products like this.  You could save a few dollars and get free shipping. 

#4 - Witch Hazel (toner) - Approx. $5

I have oily acne prone skin, but it's also sensitive.  This is the only toner I've used that doesn't cause dry patches, which look terrible under makeup.  Forget strong smelling acne toners if you have skin like mine.  They just aggravate the problem.  Over drying your skin causes your pores to produce even more oil.  Be kind to your skin and use something natural and mild like Witch hazel.

#5 - e.l.f. Powder Puff 4-pac - $1.00


If you use pressed powder daily like I do, your powder puff might look ragged long before your powder is gone.  You can get a set of 4 powder puffs at e.l.f. (eyes lips face) Cosmetics for $1.  It's essential to switch out your puff if you have oily skin.  Otherwise, you're just rubbing old oil back onto your face.  EW!  http://www.eyeslipsface.com/elf/tools/brushes_and_applicators/powder_puffs_set_of_4