The Wait Is Over – Birchbox

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I am a hopeless product junky. I love nothing more than trying on and buying new concoctions, creams, potions and lotions. New beauty finds propel me to a realm of excitement and euphoria so it is no surprise when I discovered Birchbox, an exciting way to receive personalized deluxe sized samples delivered to my mailbox for just $10 every month. I logged onto this beauty cosmos and got on the mailing list. And then I waited. I waited and stalked my inbox until they told me that a membership spot opened up for me (oh how privileged). Without hesitation I clicked those keys on my laptop to sign up because I only had 48 hours to do so or else…my membership would be taken away from me. Sharing is nice but no one was getting my spot. I filled out my profile so that they (these birchbox geniuses) would know more about me: like where I buy my beauty products, what I am most likely to splurge on and even what my skin tone and hair type is – all so that my samples would be personalized. My first shipment was on the way!!!!!

Fast forward a week or so….

I came home from work and and opened my mailbox with crazy anticipation because I knew what was awaiting me. To my delight my first shipment had arrived and I kid you not, I squealed with sheer delight and jumped up and down like a little girl. Multiple times. In public. I dashed upstairs with excitement and ripped open that UPS box (which was actually pretty and pink) to reveal a beautiful box (presentation is everything) filled with products I have heard of like Miss Jessies Curly Meringe to brands I had not heard of like Color Club Nail Lacquer and J & E Atkinson’s I Colonaiali Shower Cream. So exciting.

Over the next week or so, I will share my experiences and opinions of these products.

Stay tuned….

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bb cream

In the world of beauty, new products are anticipated, coveted, and generate lots of buzz with promises of revolutionizing our skincare and beauty routines, perfecting our look or correcting some type of misfortune on our faces.  Well, I must say, with the introduction of BB cream to the market, I was less than excited.  Why you may ask?  Well because I didnt understand it’s purpose.  To me it was nothing more than another primer.  So what now?  After doing minimal research (remember I wasnt that interested) I found out that this BB cream, which stands for beauty balm, is all the rage in Asia and was initially used to treat post procedural skin (skin laser surgery) with its skin regenerating benefits.  Ok that’s great but for those of us that arent having any type of surgery in the near future, I was still wondering why I should care about this product.  Then I found out why bb creams are such an amazing product.  BB creams can be used to prime the skin, provide sun protection, control oil and hydrate the skin.  And if someone needs minimal coverage, some of these bb creams such as Dr Jart’s can provide that benefit.

Awesome.  Now another issue arised, well at least for me anyway.  The bb creams that I experimented with initially were for people with fair skin.  What are people with darker skin supposed to use if they want some of this illustrious bb cream?  Problem solved.  There are several brands out there that have shade range and I going to shout out Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream with SPF 35.  Prime. Protect. Perfect.  Hydrate.  Control Shine.  Four shades from fair to dark.  Thanks Smashbox for actually thinking that various skintones could benefit from such a product.  Thank You.   (and the dark is actually kind of dark.  I am dark skinned and this pretty much blended into my skin without looking chalky).  Put a pea sized amount on your fingertips.  Press into the skin.  Foundation is optional if you want more coverage.  Even better is the fact that this particular bb cream has anti aging peptides that will improve skin over time.   Awesome.  Now how’s that for revolutionary beauty!?

Anastasia eyeshadow palette with skincare benefits

Known to many as the definitive brow expert and a beauty innovator, Anastasia of Anastasia Beverly Hills has been a leader in the industry for years.  She concerns herself not only with creation of the perfect brow but also the health of the skin.  This lead her to create Illumin8 with Youthful Synergy Complex Eye Shadow Palettes, gorgeous eyeshadows with skincare benefits.  These palettes have been formulated with ingredients such as the Youthful Synergy Complex which has been clincally proven to lift, hydrate and revitalize the skin as well as Balkan Botanical Infusion which soothes, softens and hydrates the skin.   Paraben, fragrance free and perfect for all age groups,  these 5 palettes contain several shades (used wet or dry) to create a multitude of fantastic looks that will take you from day to evening.  $40. anastasia.net

Hyperpigmentation Solutions

Hyperpigmentation is one of many skin issues that affect many people.  Like acne itself,  hyperpigmentation (the scarring left behind) distracts from one’s beauty, causing aggrevation, anguish and sometimes isolation because you dont want to be around anyone.  I can totally relate because I started getting acne when i was 10 years old.  Imagine going through middle school, high school, college and part of your 20′s with problematic skin.  This drove me to not only spend hours researching and experimenting with various products, but I also developed a passion for skincare. I tried so many spot lightning creams which didnt work for me.  Then I discovered Black Opal Dual Complex Fade Gel which contains 2% hydroquinone (and at the time, alpha hydroxy acid which sweeps away dead skin cells.  They have since changed the packaging and I didnt see the AHA listed in the ingredients.  That doesnt mean it isnt still in the product)   After cleasing the skin, use a toothpick or hair pin to dab on the spot.   The product absorbs into the skin.  Continue with your skincare routine.  I love this product because I began to see a difference in about two weeks. Can be found at your local beauty supply store $15.95

Other alternatives/options for you to try:
-Clinique Even Better Clinical.  This serum is a smart product meaning it seeks out the areas that are darker to lighten them and even out your skintone.  It is for all ethnicities.  Feedback from clients is that although this product takes longer to see results, it actually works.

-Dr Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel.  Claims to fade unwanted discoloration and exfoliate damaged skin cells.

-DDF Fade Gel 4.  Contains hydroquinone as well as kojic and glycolic  and alpha hydroxy acid, which are powerful skin/dark mark lightners.

-Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 3% Wash.  This oil free cleanser exfoliates the skin, addresses the signs of aging and evens out texture and tone.

Also, peels, microdermabrasion, and exfoliators can also help to even out skin tone/texture and help fade dark spots.  My personal favorite is the Philosophy Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash which I use 2 to 3 times a week to help cleanse, retexturize and refine my skin.

Toodles :0)