If I can remember correctly my acne started when I was about 17 or 18, up until then I had perfectly clear skin. It started with a few small cystic pimples on my cheeks here and there for a few years, I wasn’t too pleased but it was manageable for the most part. So for the next few years up until I was about 22 there weren’t any memorable changes in my acne.

That was until I made a small, so I thought, change in my “routine” and switched from taking birth control pills to having the Mirena IUD inserted. Within 3 months, I had the worst acne I have ever had in my entire life. There were cysts and other unsightly blemishes sprouting up on my chin, somewhere I’d never really broke out, all over my cheeks, forehead, just everywhere basically. I just remember being so..disgusted by it I didn’t even want to look in the mirror to do my makeup but of course I always kept it covered in public.

It was pretty horrible to say the least, and this went on for months, just when things seemed like they were getting clear something new would magically appear. I’d started using more natural skin care products and saw it made a small improvement in my skin soon that became a staple part of my routine. Also, around that time I finally decided it was time to make some changes in my lifestyle and eating. I was reading extensively about how diet truly affects your skin and of course many other things in your body and made some immediate changes. I cut out meat, upped my intake of greens, started exercising and tried to be more conscious of my health in general. Things were looking up and my breakouts seemed to not be as frequent or last as long. I remember by the time summer rolled around I was usually just using a bit of concealer to cover up, I thought I was in the clear.

Then winter hit and once the freezing weather hit I was all out of whack in regards to diet and exercise. I got lazy, I ate unhealthily, I went out with friends drinking beer and sugary mixed drinks, I thought I could slip by since things were going so great for my skin already. Well, I was wrong. In no time my face was back to its old tricks and it wasn’t looking pretty. I knew it was time to make changes again, so I took to the drawing board and have made a whole slew of them and am working hard this time around to willpower through it and see some amazing results!

As of late my green smoothies are back as daily supplement and I eat a mostly vegetarian diet. The weathers getting nicer so I’ve forced myself outside to get some fresh air and outdoors activity, natural skin care is still a big part of my routine (I love experimenting with it), and last but not least I’ve eliminated hormonal birth control as a whole. Which, by the way, is a first in 8 years. Not going to lie, I’m a little nervous for the effect that might have on my skin but feel it will be worth it in the long run for my body as a whole. Oh and how could I forget! I also saw a naturopath this past Winter who prescribed me some interesting holistic supplements, gave advice on how to balance my hormones naturally and how to clear up my acne, all of which I can report on in a separate post.

So there you have it. My story on my relationship with acne, romantic isn’t it? Anywho, If you have any tips, tricks, comments or concerns you’d like to share please leave them below I’d love to hear them!

I’ve been searching for a worth while concealer for quite some time now and I can happily say I think I found one! After scouring the internet for reviews on a high coverage concealer I came across the Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil and bought it on a whim at a trip to Ulta the following weekend. I’ve been using it everyday to conceal redness and post-acne scars and its been doing a beautiful job at covering them up, which is exactly what I hoped it would do.

A little background on the product..

“Hide dark circles and blemishes with our creamy formula that dries matte and stays put.”, is how Urban Decay describes their creamy concealer pencil.  Because it’s a pencil it’s easy to apply with precision and there are now 5 new shades opposed to only 3  medium/dark colors that were available in 2008 when it was first released (I think it may have been re-formulated too but don’t quote me on that). The concealer is formulated with Vitamin E and a new ingredient called Microsponge that supposedly absorbs extra oil.

Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencils: CIA, DEA, FBI, NSA, ATF, DOD, KGB, MI6

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Ingredients:
Octyldodecanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclopentasiloxane, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Cyclohexasiloxane, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Ozokerite, Methyl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Crosspolymer, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Stearalkonium Hectorite, Stearoxy Dimethicone, Propylparaben, Propylene Carbonate, Tocopheryl Acetate

And as always Urban Decay does not test on animals

Top to Bottom : Light Swatch, Heavy Swatch, Blended into Skin

Pros..

I purchased this for $18 (0.12 oz) in shade ATF which is a creamy brown aimed towards medium/dark complexions (though I feel like I would be categorized as medium light). It may be a little too dark to wear on its own but with foundation or the new BB cream I’ve been using under it it blends in just right. I love that formula isn’t too creamy where it makes my face greasy looking after a few hours but not too matte where it accentuates dry patches. I think it really lives up to it’s long lasting claims too which is great! Of course it doesn’t last perfectly all day but there is still medium to full coverage by hour 8 of the day. I’m contemplating getting a shade lighter so I can blend the two when I don’t want to wear anything but concealer but we’ll see.

Cons..

The one and only con I see with this concealer is the design. Yes, pencil form allows for precise application but only for so long. After a couple uses it is dulled and probably after 4 or 5 makeup applications it’s time to sharpen this baby up. Not a problem, except for the fact that you’re wasting so much concealer each time you sharpen it!! If you’re like me and use concealer everyday this can be quite a problem.

The Verdict..

I’m considering repurchasing this  IF I’m not able to find anything else in the meantime. The only reason being the packaging.  I would def give this a try if you’re looking for a full coverage foundation that’s blendable and buildable without the annoying creasing (especially under the eye!). While it’s not the cheapest there are so many other concealers that’ll put a bigger dent into your pocket than this, I figure it’s worth the quality.

Any concealers you love or recommend?

xx,

Mariana

Any who, I have a slight obsession with the effortlessly chic braids and buns(and sometimes a combo of the two) I’ve been seeing everywhere. It seems my own hair never seems to get these looks down quite right (maybe it’s me not my hair?) but I’ve collected a few of the prettiest braids and buns I found across the wonderful website that is Pinterest ( another obsession) and am of course going to share them with you. A little Hair-spo if you will.

Messy yet Chic

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This is going to take some practice..

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Great second day hairstyle

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xx,

Mariana

*Thayers Alcohol Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner (phew, what a name), now a staple in my face care routine, was formulated over 120 years ago and has only gotten better over time. Made with certified organic witch hazel, aloe vera and natural rose extract it cleanses and moisturizes beautifully! In case you aren’t already aware of the amazing benefits of the aforementioned I’ve provided a quick run down at the bottom of this post.

The full ingredient list in simple terms is as follows:

• Purified Water
•  Aloe Leaf Juice
•  Vegetable Glycerin
• Natural Rose Fragrance
•  Un-distilled Witch Hazel Extract,
• Rose Flower Water
• Citric Acid
• Grapefruit Seed Extract,
• Vitamin E Acetate

It is also alcohol and paraben free

The Pros..

I stopped using toners long ago mainly because they were drying out my skin, but with this product I experience quite the opposite effect. After cleansing morning and night I just dab a little on a cotton pad and wipe it all over my face and neck to remove left over dirt, oil, and makeup up. Not only does it do its job in that department but it also moisturizers my skin quite well, which is definite perk during the Winter season. My face feels so refreshed and smooth after using this and my moisturizer sinks right in (especially my amazing Reviva Labs night cream that I will soon be reviewing). While I won’t accredit this one product to the improvement in my skin, I truly believe that with this in my routine my skin tone has become noticeably smoother. All of these great benefits and for only $10, can’t beat that if you ask me, not to mention a little goes a long way.

The Cons..

The only con I can really think of is the smell. I don’t mind it, though it did take some getting used to, but if you don’t like floral scents than this product probably isn’t for you. You are in luck though because Thayers has 5 or 6 different variations of this product but all are not alcohol free so make sure to double check before purchasing. I have my eye on the Cucumber Witch Hazel Toner for my next purchase.

The Verdict..

In short I would greatly recommend this product if you’re looking for something to soothe your dry, sensitive winter skin (though its great for all skin types), or just looking to reap the benefits of a toner without the drying effects of alcohol. I bought this product at my local health food store but you can also find it at big name places like Whole Foods and on Amazon.

Now on for a little 101 session on the following ingredients found in this toner..

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Organic Witch Hazel, alias to it’s original name Hamamelis virginiana which means “very gentle”, has been attributed to its anti-aging and anti-septic properties for ages. It’s widely known as a treatment for mild acne, minor cuts and bruises, itchy irritated skin, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and even varicose veins. As a toner, like it’s being used in this case, it’s said to remove left over dirt and oil after cleansing, tighten pores, balance the pH levels in your skin and keep acne at bay with its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. For sensitive and/or dry skin it would be best to dilute this with water or sometime of essential oil since it can be a bit drying on its own.

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Aloe Vera is known for its anti-aging, moisturizing and healing properties, which is why you can find it in so many skin care and after sun products. It contains 20 of the 22 essential amino acids our body needs to heal and function, it also contains vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, and E that aid in keeping our skin smooth, promoting cellular growth and protecting us from environmental damages. It’s usually found in gel form which is cooling  and moisturizing  to the skin ( which is why it’s often used for sunburn).

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Rose water is one of those ingredients that just gives the product a much prettier feel. It’s used in many fragrances, toners, creams, cleansers and toners for its ability to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and calm the skin. It’s also great for softening and adding moisture back into your skin which is especially awesome during harsh winters.

Now onto the actual product. I was introduced to the Desert Essence line this past summer by my health crazed friend Morghan who raved about their oh-so popular Thoroughly Clean Face Wash made with tea tree oil and geared towards those with oily, acne-prone skin. However I found that it dried the hell out of my skin. Then one day months later while happily shopping the beauty aisles of Whole Foods I came across this bad boy, which as you may have guessed is the Thoroughly Clean Face Wash’s gentler counterpart.

Desert Essence Gentle Nourishing Organic Cleanser for dry and sensitive skin is a ” pure, organic facial cleanser made especially for dry sensitive skin. Formulated with aloe, chamomile and cucumber extracts to leave skin feeling moisturized.” It contains no sulfates, harsh chemicals, dyes or fragrances just organic, vegan goodness.

In simple, normal human terms this gluten free, biodegradable cleanser contains:

• Organic Apple Juice
• Organic Coconut Oil
• Water
• Potassium Hydroxide
• Organic Sunflower Seed Oil
• Organic Sesame Seed Oil
• Organic Jojoba Seed Oil
• Organic Sweet Orange Oil
• Guar Gum
• Organic Aloe Leaf Juice
• Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract
• Organic Cucumber Extract
• Organic Watercress extract

This product does NOT participate in or use:

• Animal derived ingredients or testing
• Parabens
• Artificial fragrances/dyes
• Petroleum Compounds (meaning no mineral oil, paraffin, or petrolatum)
• SLS (sulfates)
• PEGS, PPG, MEA, DEA or TEA (not going to lie, not quite sure what all of those are)
• Glycols
• Phthalates

What I like about this product is that is that it’s pretty amazing at removing all my makeup, especially when paired with my Clarisonic. I found with some other organic and natural facial cleansers I’ve tried that this wasn’t always the case. There’s not much foaming action due to the lack of sulfates but I’ve learned that more suds don’t necessarily mean the job is getting done correctly. Since adding this into my revised skin care routine I’ve noticed a smoother complexion, fewer break outs, and a thorough clean feeling after washing my face. It’s a great feeling to see no left over makeup on my cotton round after using my toner.

I also really love the texture and scent. I’m no fragrance expert but this just smells amazingly fresh and citrus-y. The texture is also very light yet still a bit creamy and a little goes a long way, I use about a pump to a pump n’ a half morning and night. I would suggest shaking this a bit before using it though since the oils tend settle at the bottom. I get a weird sense of satisfaction each time I shake up my bottle knowing all those fabulous essential oils will soon be cleansing my face.

Too bad this isn’t scratch and sniff.

The cons that come with the product are very minimal when compared to the pros. The first being that this does not feel too great when it gets into your eyes, as in it feels slightly like my eyes are on fire. I want to accredit the Potassium Hydroxide to that. After doing a little bit of research on that ingredient I was able to find out that it is used in many natural and organic cleansers used to replace the sulfates, it was given a “low level of health concern” rating on www.TheGoodGuide.com (you can read more about that HERE) .

The second being the price for amount of product. I believe I paid $13 something for a 6.7 Fl Oz at Whole Foods. I’ve since then found out I was being ripped off and can get this product anywhere from $7 to $9 online, this was of course discovered after re-purchasing. Also, I’m not sure if it’s due to the popularity of the original Thoroughly Clean Fash Wash, but you can get almost double  of that product for the same price. Rude.

Lastly, I think the pump feature could use some work. I don’t mind pumps, I actually prefer them, but instead of the usual turn one way for close and the other for open there’s a little plastic piece you put around the pump so that it won’t move. Small, unattachable objects and me don’t mix as I’m the Queen of miss placing and losing things. Luckily, I’ve somehow managed to not lose this..yet.

Well, that’s all folks. If you’re in the market for a new face wash, or have been eyeing anything up the Desert Essence line I would most certainly recommend this product. After all it has passed the re-purchase test, something I seldom do.

Are there any great natural and/or organic products you love and recommend?

xx,

Mariana

I attended a Pre-Sale event a few weeks ago at Boston Store for Clinique. I haven’t really been into too many Clinique’s products as of lately (some of the ingredients they use in their cosmetics puts me off a bit) but I decided I wanted to give their Even Better Dark Spot Corrector another go because I did find that it actually worked quite nicely at evening out my skin tone in the past. I ended up with two impulse buys as well which were the Even Better Makeup and Touch Base for Eyes in Up-Lighting. Both seem to be working out very nicely and I’d like to do a separate review on all 3 products in the future when I get a little more use out of them.

I can’t lie though, I only tend to make purchases from Clinique when they’re including free gifts, and this time was no different. I wasn’t too thrilled with the bonus gift this time around though, I was expecting something with a bit more Spring feel to it, and the bag wasn’t one of their prettiest. But hey, free’s free right?

The bonus gift includes:

• Take The Day Off Makeup Remover
• All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage
• Soft-Pressed Powder Blusher
• Lash Doubling Mascara
• Long Last Lipstick : Pink Spice
• Different Lipstick: A Different Grape
• Cosmetic Bag

Here’s a little snap shot of the Even Better foundation, Even Better Spot Corrector and the Touch Base for Eyes-though the pic doesn’t really do its pretty taupe color any justice.

xx,

Mariana

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The application of the Shellac takes about 15 to 20 minutes, so really no longer than any other mani, the only difference really is the top coat which is a gel formula.  after drying in a UV lamp for 5-8 minutes your nails emerge looking shiny and fabulous. The only thing that really disappointed me was the color selection available, I ended up with a dark gray color- Slate, which I’m really liking. I was told the mani should last about 2 weeks since the gel provides a nice little “shell” and isn’t prone to chipping like regular polish. Unless you’re a non-stop picker like I am, then you’ll manage to ruin it in about 2-3 days. Despite my horrible nail habits everything is still looking pretty great and I hope they will continue to do so for another week. Wish me luck

xx,

Mariana

Not quite sure why I’m looking down in every picture haha..

xx,

Mariana

 As you can see mint and coral are a reoccurring trend

xx,

Mariana

So far my blog has been mostly reviews and NOTD’s but I’d like to start venturing out a little to keep up with my resolution (I’ve got a couple other ideas I can’t wait to put into action as well). Here’s a quick FOTD post for you all hope you enjoy and have a lovely weekend!

xx,

Mariana

  Haha that looks so strange with my nose missing..

PRODUCTS USED

Face

Loreal Studio Secrets Anti-Redness Primer

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer (Light Medium)

Revlon Age Defying Concealer (Medium Deep)

Afterglow Organic Mineral Foundation (Beige)

CoverGirl & Olay Simpy Ageless Eye Concealer (215)

Eyes

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Lid: Bobbi Brown Metallic Eye Shadow (Brown Stone)

Lid: Bed Head 4-Play Eyeshadow (Light Purple)

Crease: Bed Head 4-Play Eyeshadow (Dark Purple)

Highlight/Tear duct: Urban Decay Naked Palette (Virgin)

Maybelline Master Drama Eyeliner (Bold Brown)

Over eyeliner: Urban Decay Naked Palette (Darkhorse)

Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Mascara (Black-Tastic)

Brows: Maybelline Define-A-Brow (Dark Brown)

Blush/Bronzer

Victoria’s Secret Mineral Bronzing Powder (Wild Thing)

Victoria’s Secret Beauty Rush Radiant Blush (Fresh Love)

Lips

Bobbi Brown Glitter Lip Gloss (Almost Nude)