Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Four Simple Pointers for Oily Skin using PONDS

FTC: This is a compensated article in collaboration with POND'S® and Latina Bloggers Connect. All statements made are 100% my own.

Four Simple Pointers for Oily Skin using PONDS






Having oily skin has its ups and downs. On the positive side, oily skin typically retains its youthful appearance for a longer period of time. Granted, this is one of the BEST ups of being a grease ball, however the unfortunate downsides are many.  Makeup does not last for long periods of time, pores can be seen a mile away due to their larger than life size, skin tends to breakout easier, and the cons go on and on…I could mention them all, but I won’t. 


Instead of talking about how frustrating oily skin can be, let me share a few changes I have made to my beauty routine that have been helping the overall condition of my oily skin.

1. Going Vegan


When I say “going vegan”, you probably thought I was referring to my diet, not to say that being vegan would be a bad thing, but what I’m really talking about are skincare products. For the past eight months I have only used vegan (organic) cleansers and scrubs with black charcoal as the main ingredient. I have been using these daily – morning and night – with great results. 

2. Wet Cleansing Towelettes



oliy skin ponds towelettes


Having a bag of wet cleansing towelettes nearby is essential for me. I use them almost daily – even when I have no makeup on. On a typical makeup day, I like to use a cleansing towelette to remove the top layer of makeup from my skin. 

Over the years, I have tried out many different types – including fragrance free baby wipes – but none have worked for my oily skin like the POND'S® Towelettes. I love using the original fresh ones with Vitamin E. 

These towelettes remain wet inside the packaging, which is extremely important because they easily remove all my makeup, even my mascara in one single swipe. 


oily skin using ponds photo collage



POND'S®  Towelettes are soft to the touch, but textured; not only are you wiping off your makeup, you’re gently exfoliating your skin at the same time. 

My skin is always left feeling fresh and smooth, not tight or overly dry. 






3. Using Konjac Sponges & Facial Cleansing Brush


There was a time when I preferred to use a clean washcloth to scrub my face after removing my makeup, but after having serious breakouts that would spread over my entire face and neck, I eventually stopped. For the past two years, I have been using a konjac sponge in the morning which is gentler than the facial cleansing brush since I only need to wash off any residue from my nightly skin care products.  At night however, after I have cleaned my face using a POND’S Towelette, I like to use my facial cleansing brush while in the shower to eliminate any makeup residue. 

4. Lock in Hydration




oily skin ponds bio-hydratante hydration cream



Most people think that if they have oily skin, they can skip applying moisturizer to their face. This is a HUGE mistake! Oily skin NEEDS hydration just like any other skin type. 

After cleaning your skin, it needs to be replenished again. If you do not apply anything on your skin, you will notice that your skin will produce an insane amount of sebum (oil) compensating for the lack of hydration.  This is exactly what you want to avoid. 

As someone who loves to try out any and every skin care product known to man, I have opted to use only one moisturizer: POND'S® Bio-Hydratante Hydration Cream

POND'S®  Bio-Hydratante Hydration Cream is very light on the skin – with cotton extract as the main ingredient, this cream has a thin gel like consistency for lightweight moisturization. Once it’s been applied and absorbed by my skin, there are no traces of greasy residue left behind making it the perfect cream to use before makeup application. 

Although, I only apply this cream in the morning due to the fact that my dermatologist has me on a prescribed skin care routine at night, I can definitely feel a difference. 


In a nutshell this is what I have been doing for the past few months with reasonably good results. I won’t lie, there are days when I can actually feel the oils just seeping from my pores (gross, huh?) but days like those do not happen that often. 


Now, as far as the oily skin care products go, you might need to try out a few before you arrive at the one that is really suitable for your skin. I do highly recommend both the POND'S®  Towelettes and Bio-Hydrante Hydration Cream for all my oily skin sistah's. 

Always keep in mind that when making slight changes to your beauty routine, specifically skin care, it can take a good 4-6 weeks before you begin to see results.


Image 1

Thursday, December 11, 2014

Quick Guide: The Rodarte Inspired Messy Braid Photo Tutorial

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Quick Guide: The Rodarte Inspired Messy Braid Photo Tutorial


Earlier today we shared an article on the LFD LookBook blog about looking spectacular on NYE without having to brake the bank which got me thinking about hairstyles. True enough, a beautiful designer dress will without a doubt make you look and feel gorgeous, but it's always those special touches that pull a look together. By "special touches" I am referring to our hair, because let's be real: if yo' hair ain't did, ain't no dress in this world gonna make you look gorgeous!    AmIrite?

Thanks to guest contributor Steph Brinkerhoff  at LatestHairstyles.com, we will no longer have to stress about how our hair could be looking on NYE, because today we are learning how to create The Rodarte Messy Braid in seven easy to follow steps.

messy braid photo tutorial



Quick Guide:


1. Beginning on wavy hair, take a medium to large section (depending on how thick your hair is) close to your right ear.

2. Braid the section going from the front to the back.

3. Repeat on the opposite side.

4. Bring both braids to the back and secure them with an elastic.

5. Loosen and mess up both braids by pulling on them gently with your fingers.

6. Take one braid and wrap it up and around itself, creating a small braided bun.

7. Secure with bobby pins.

Side Note: 

According to Steph Brinkerhoff,  "It’s best to start on wavy or second-day hair to give the look added texture. It also doesn’t hurt to spray a little hairspray or spray wax in it beforehand to add a little grip and grunge."

**
Did I mention how simple this messy braid photo tutorial is?  All it takes is seven steps to create a messy braid hairstyle fit for any NYE event.  If you were still thinking about getting a dress for NYE, go and check out that article I mentioned earlier - Look Spectacular on NYE with Rent the Runway- for a few recommendations and a special offer from RTR. 

Special thank you goes to both Steph Brinkerhoff and Latest-Hairstyles.com for sharing this photo tutorial. 

If you found this hair tutorial helpful, please don't forget to share this article with your BFF's or friends!

Monday, December 8, 2014

Four Creative Ways to Regain Your Freedom to be Spontaneous

Today’s article regarding having the freedom to be spontaneous when #TheMoodStrikes is part of a shop that has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All details and or opinions are mine alone as this is part of my personal story. #CollectiveBias 



For most of us who are in a committed relationship, making an effort to spend quality time with your significant other can sometimes feel like a daunting task. I know from experience that it is hard to stay connected, especially when both spouses have demanding jobs, your kid(s) need attention and everything else in life finds its way into your daily routine. 

But, with a little thought and creative planning, keeping a strong connection with your better half can be achieved. Today, I will share a few tips that I know for a fact will turn things around and help you regain that freedom to be spontaneous when #TheMoodStrikes. 



FOUR CREATIVE WAYS TO REGAIN YOUR FREEDOM TO BE SPONTANEOUS –



SHARE SCHEDULES

The very first step in reconnecting is to share schedules. For me, this step is super easy because Mister Man leaves a copy of his weekly schedule on the kitchen table every Thursday night. When I wake up first thing in the morning on Friday, while sipping my morning cup of café, I take his schedule and copy it to my business calendar. Doing this gives me a chance to look for any gaps where both of us may have an opening at the same time. 

For example, Mister Man works crazy hours, typically arriving home around 1:00 AM. For the most part, at that time I am deep in La-La Land unless I’m up processing client orders. In the event that I am awake whenever he arrives home, I will take the opportunity to sit downstairs and chit-chat with him while he eats his dinner. We may only spend about 30 minutes together, but we do try our best to take advantage of the few minutes we have before we both call it a night, or shall I say morning. 

REGAIN YOUR FREEDOM TO BE SPONTANEOUS

Of all the tips I am sharing, this has to be the easiest of them all. Why? All you will need is one thing: a box of K-Y® Liquibeads. I know you’ve heard of this brand before, and most likely have used some of their other products, but let me explain why you need these K-Y® Liquibeads in your life. 

With both my husband and I having such opposite schedules, there comes a time when I need to be ready, able and wanting without prior notice. Mister Man is a pro at creeping under the covers early in the morning while I’m fast asleep. For the most part, I have no issues with him doing that, HOWEVER sometimes my body just likes to remain asleep. 

Knowing that this can happen, I like to make a conscious effort to plan ahead by using the K-Y® Liquibeads. These are intended to be used at least 30 min before your intimate encounter. In my case, I use one every few days, so when #TheMoodStrikes, my body is 100% on point with no rough struggle needed (not that the struggle is unwanted … but we can discuss that another day). 



  
  

 

 
Allow me to point out that using the K-Y® Liquibeads is fool-proof and it only takes a few seconds. Inside each package there are 6 OVULE Inserts (beads) along with a disposable applicator for each bead. There is absolutely no science to inserting these beads with the applicator – it is exactly the same as inserting a tampon. 

If you can do that, you can use the K-Y® Liquibeads. 

Where can you find the K-Y® Liquibeads? Good news is, you don’t have to hunt this product down. K-Y® Liquibeads can be found at most pharmacies and retailers. 


For my local Columbus Oh readers, I was able to grab a box while shopping at the Target in Polaris. If you go directly to the Healthcare section of the store, you will see them in the aisle next to the feminine care products. EASY. 

{Important: This product should not be used during pregnancy or while nursing.}


IMPROMPTU MINI-DATES

This tip will vary depending on your personal situation. If you have the time available to plan a mini-date then go for it (this would be the perfect time to use the K-Y® Liquibeads!). 

Keep in mind, a mini-date does not need to be complicated. It can be as simple as going out for café or maybe even going out for drinks. On the rare occasion that Mister Man has a weekday off, after rolling around in the bedroom, we like to continue our day by going to the nearest café then going shopping together. I know this is not the same as going out on a regular date, say dinner and a movie, but it sure beats not spending any time together. 

TREASURE THE TIME YOU DO HAVE TOGETHER

Your family life at this time may be super crazy, but try to remind yourself that this situation will eventually pass. Both you and your spouse will probably not be this busy forever – there will come a time when even the dust settles, giving you plenty of opportunities to spend quality time with one another without any major distractions. 

Please, take it from me: do not allow yourself to feel sad. Instead, be happy and grateful for every spare minute you do share together. Shifting your thoughts and feelings will really help you make the most of your time together. 

Most importantly, do not forget to pick up a box of K-Y® Liquibeads – these will come in handy by turning your one-on-one encounters into a special occasion.

Feel free to click on this image to get a coupon for $1 OFF your next K-Y® Liquibeads purchase. 

KY Liquibeads $1 Off Coupon



Do you find yourself in a similar situation with your spouse? How do you make time to regain your freedom to be spontaneous? Share your advice for others who can also relate!

Thursday, December 4, 2014

New Launch: Ethereal Radiance Collection - Celebrating this Holiday Season

New Launch: Ethereal Radiance Collection - Celebrating this Holiday Season






The Autumn/Winter 2014 beauty trend, specifically makeup, is all about celebrating the most festive time of year. Now, we're not just talking about your basic neutrals (although, neutrals NEVER go out of style). It's all about creating magical, sparkly looks using metallics, shimmer, and glitter - in colors ranging from blues (shades of sapphire, azure, cerulean and cobalt), fuchsia, purples, and orange.

Creating a makeup look for this winter season can be easily achieved by focusing on your eyeshadow look alone, or rocking a bold glittery pout. If you are feeling bold this holiday season, then my suggestion is to rock both!

To get your makeup looks holiday ready, Sigma Beauty just launched the perfect makeup collection:  Ethereal Radiance.

The collection features Loose Glitter and Shimmer Sets for the eyes, Shimmer Creams for highlighting the cheeks, Lip Switch and Lip Bases for your lips. Sigma also released a new brush set as an addition to this collection.

Now that you have an idea of what the Ethereal Radiance collection has, let's move forward with the fun part: seeing what the makeup looks like and getting your hands on it!

EYES



Loose Glitter & Shimmer Sets - $30 each 

Abracadabra - Transpose (Matte Brown) - Celestial (Holographic Green Gold Glitter) - Bedazzle (Peach with Pearl Pink Shimmer)





By the Light of the Moon - Tinsel (Silver Grey Metallic Shimmer) - Super Natural (Smokey Plum Shimmer) - Astral (Light Lavender Glitter)






Cosmic Dream- Zeal (Light Brown - Green Duo Chrome Shimmer) - Pageantry (Smokey Teal Green Shimmer) - Stellar (Rose with hints of Gold Glitter)





Magic & Merriment - Open Sesame (Metallic Tomato with Holographic Pearl Shimmer) - Bewitch (Light holographic with Pink Glitter) - Blaze (Orange with slight Red Glitter)






Ice Castle in the Sky - Felicity (Light Pink Lavender with Pearl Shimmer) - Ethereal (Holographic Pink-Purple Glitter) - Airy (Medium Denim Blue with Pink-Pearl Shimmer) 


These loose glitter & shimmer sets can be used as eyeshadow, cheekbone highlighting, or mixed in with your favorite lip gloss. It's recommended to apply the glitter to the chest, hair, face and lips - please use a very light hand when applying onto the lids.



FACE

Shimmer Cream - $16 each

Bliss - Coral - Shimmer Finish

Beacon of Light - White - Semi Shimmer Finish


Use the shimmer creams for highlighting the cheekbones, cupid bow and down the center of your nose for a beautiful soft illuminated shine.



LIPS


Lip Switch - $14 each

Transcend - Holographic Purplish

Pink Lotus - Holographic Pinkish

Other Wordly - Holographic Blue-ish

Flip Flop - Holographic Orang-y

Double Whammy - Holographic Green



Lip Base - $12 each

Mirth - Matte Red

Rhapsody - Matte Deep Wine

Magnetism - Matte Bold Orang-y

Euphoria - Matte Bold Pink






Tools (Brush Set)


Brush Set - $76

F41 Fan Brush

E45 Small Tapered Blending Brush

E37 All Over Blend

F05 Cream Brush

E32 Exact Blend Brush

E50 Large Fluff Brush


And there it is. The entire brand new launch:  Ethereal Radiance Collection from Sigma Beauty.

Whether you've decided to be the ice queen of a chilly evening soiree, the shimmer baby by the fire, or a glimmering neutral goddess, the magic of the holographic effect in this collection of makeup will without a doubt give you whichever modern ethereal glamour look you choose to rock this winter season.

Buy any product from the Ethereal Radiance Collection by clicking on the individual product name listed by the image. To buy the Brush Set, click on "Brush Set - $76".  Sigma Beauty offers FREE SHIPPING on orders of $50 +. No coupon code needed. Must select free shipping at checkout. Valid for all 50 US states and its territories (American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Guam & US Virgin Islands). 

FTC: Images were supplied by Sigma Beauty. Article contains affiliate links. By purchasing any items using these links, we will receive a small commission from the overall sale. As always, we are grateful for all of the support we receive from our wonderful readers.