Skincare. By me

because glowing skin is so in

[starrbabeposts]

DERMAPLANING

Hi friends, it’s me again!

So I wanted to hop on here and talk about a procedure that I’ve heard a lot about recently.. ~dermaplaning~

First off.. what is it?

Dermaplaning is a type of exfoliation procedure. A sterile surgical scapel is used to shave the surface of the skin on your face to remove excess dead skin cells that trap dirt and oil (which can lead to um acne..) and that dreaded peach-fuzz.

Why I think it’s good?

The removal of all that excess “junk” on the surface of your skin allows for better product penetration. So afterwards when you put on your serums, toner and moisturizer, your skin will soak it right up and allow your products to work at their full potential! The procedure also makes your skin feel super smooth and helps with the appearance of acne scars.. BONUS. 

Are those the only benefits?

NOPE. Dermaplaning also diminishes the look of fine lines and works on all skin types. Oh and did I mention instant results and no downtime? yep. That’s right. 

If you’re like me, you probably already googled the closest place to book an appointment. But then we realized.... lock-down... quarantine.. dang it. But not a problem! Here is a video that explains the tools you need and the technique to use to dermaplane at home (you know until this is all over): 

brb... have to go try it out!!! 

Let me know how it works for you :) 

[qvotable]

You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.

Sophia Bush (via qvotable)

[starrbabeposts]

Okay friends.. today was a big day.. I put makeup on for the first time in a very long time.. my quarantine look was getting out of hand lol. 

Soooo I wanted to give you all the deets about my FAV cc cream that I use for foundation every day.. I think you're going to love it..

It’s by a brand called Hey Honey (so cute) and now comes in 5 different shades. Since I’m obsessed with keeping my skin healthy, I’m always looking for products with ingredients that aren’t harsh. This product is made with clean ingredients with added benefits of anti-aging properties!! Yes.. you read that correctly.. you can put on makeup, moisturize your skin AND treat skin imperfections like fine lines and wrinkles all at the same time. It’s called the Trick and Treat cc cream for a reason ;) 

I use a makeup sponge to apply and love how the formula is lightweight and moisturizing. It does go on sheer, so if you are looking for more coverage just apply another layer.. it is not “cakey” at all.

The amazingness doesn’t stop there. This magic in a bottle is infused with the natural powers of honey and propolis. Fun fact: I used to use honey on any pimples that were big and painful at night and wake up the next morning with them gone or close to it.. like honey is a big deal people. Honey is one of nature's best-kept beauty secrets. It has so many benefits I should do a whole post on it but it aids in the healing, cleansing and protecting of the skin. It is also full of enzymes and antioxidants to help slow the signs of aging. Propolis is another commonly used product for its healing, antiseptic and restorative properties. It also accelerates the rate of cell growth and decongests pores. 

I love the feeling of wearing makeup all day while knowing that my skin is gaining all these extra benefits!! One word.. Satisfying. 

[starrbabeposts]

The Bags Under My Eyes are Designer

unknown

[starrbabeposts]

Okay friends.. let me tell you about my go to under eye gels...

These hydro cool firming eye gels are AHH-MAZING. Under eye bags? No problem. I tried these out a couple years ago because they were on sale and have been hooked since. I love their cooling effect while making my eyes feel well rested. So let’s discuss..

The skin under your eyes is very delicate and I am always nervous to try new products because it doesn’t take much to irritate it. These eye gels have definitely passed the test. When we are stressed out and run down, it’s no secret that our skin takes a beating. The skin under our eyes can become puffy and lose elasticity FAST. So we need something that works just as fast. Good thing these suckers work in just 10 minutes... um yes please. 

How do they work?

These gels infuse the eye area with Icelandic glacial waters (so fancy) and concentrated firming ingredients to de-puff and tone while also reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkle.. double plus. Peptides and botanicals are also blended into the gels to improve blood flow and reduce puffiness while advanced antioxidants help prevent future damage. Sign me up!

Let me just tell you that these work like magic for those mornings you wake up after a fun night out with friends... you know when your head is pounding and you can’t get out of bed... put these babies on and you’ll feel as good as new. (maybe with some Advil too ;) )

[cwote]

[starrbabeposts]

some positivity for today :)

[starrbabeposts]

Today I want to share my fav lotion! Sometimes we focus so much on making sure our face is moisturized and we neglect the rest of our skin.. the rest of your body needs some love too <3

Living in Michigan, the winter months make it so hard for my skin to retain moisture. Cold and dry air causes the water in your skin to evaporate more quickly, making your skin feel more tight and dry. Not fun. Since Michigan is notorious for cold weather, I feel like my skin needs more moisture than my bath and body works summer beach moisturizer gives me.. if ya know what I’m sayin. 

So say hello to Aveeno Eczema Therapy cream. I don’t have Eczema but let me tell ya this stuff is amazing. It is the only lotion that keeps my skin moisturized the whole day. Literally ALLL day. It also is fragrance-free and so gentle on the skin so my sensitive skin people.. this is for you too. It might be a little heavy for the summer months but I will let you know when we get there (if we ever get there lol) 

ORDER THIS LOTION.. ya know since we can’t go out and buy it.. your skin will seriously love you. 

[whitepeopletwitter]

[starrbabeposts]

Um so true! lol. 

[starrbabeposts]

Hi friends! I have come to the point where I have no idea what day it is... but still trying to keep positive that this will all blow over soon!

I wanted to give a quick shout out to my secret weapon for fighting those pesky pimples that just won’t go away. Have you ever felt like you have tried all topical acne treatments and look in the mirror with that one pimple (or couple) that seem to be resistant to anything? SO ANNOYING.

This tea tree oil by The Body Shop has been my go-to for a couple years now. I only use it when my skin could use an extra “kick” in fighting those pimples that don’t go away with my regular treatments. It comes in a 10 ml bottle ($10) and 20 ml bottle ($18). I love Ulta so I buy it there but you can get it on Amazon too!

Tea tree oil has so many other uses as well.. eczema, cold sores, ear infections.. you name it and tea tree oil can probably help treat it. Meghan Markle has even said she carries a bottle with her everywhere and named it her “cure-all” treatment regimen. So like you’re basically a royal if you use it.. just kidding :)

So how do you use it and what does it do?

For acne, I like to use my tea tree oil as a spot treatment. I also find it is important to dilute the tea tree oil instead of placing it right on the blemish. (especially for those with sensitive skin) I mix 1-2 drops with my moisturizer and rub it on the affected area 1-2 times a day. I do this for a couple days until those blemishes are gone! It’s that easy. 

Tea tree oil has amazing antibacterial properties that targets hard to treat blemishes. It is not over drying when diluted and reduces inflammation. It has also helped fade dark spots and acne scars!

I hope this helps when you’ve lost hope in getting rid of those frustrating pimples! It’s a perfect time to try out new products to keep your skin healthy and glowing while at home. Ulta even has free shipping on orders $15+! 

Stay safe babes.

[starrbabeposts]

Moisturizing and Hydrating: Emollients, Occlusives, Humectants. Emollients soften and smooth skin: coconut oil, jojoba oil, sesame oil, almond oil, other plant oils, squalene, olive oil/oleic acid,...

Loving this cheat sheet! It’s often so hard to read all the confusing names on the ingredient lists on our favorite skincare products or ones that we want to try.. don’t be afraid of things that you can’t pronounce! (That’s what google is for lol) 

Fun Fact: Did you know that the generic name for the common over-the-counter drug, Benadryl, is Diphenhydramine?? 

[starrbabeposts]

We’ve probably all heard this recommendation a million times by now due to the pandemic instructions for keeping yourself safe and healthy but I'm going to say it one more time for the importance of keeping your skin safe and healthy as well...

HANDS OFF YOUR FACE

It’s so important to keep your hands away from your face. A lot of times at the dermatology office when people come in with acne they get asked if they touch their face during the day. Most common answer? “no.” I just want to be like what if you have an itch on your face? Do you lean your chin on your hand when you are at your desk ever? Like come on people.. we all do it. But it helps to be aware of it when we do it. I constantly catch myself and stop. I even catch my family doing it and stop them LOL. So why is it so important? Here’s why:

Not only can you allow germs that cause infections to enter your body through your mucous membranes, you can also spread dirt, oil and bacteria from your hands to your face that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts.. a.k.a annoying acne. 

A study found that, on average, a person touches their face 23 times an hour!!! So I challenge you to stop touching your face.. clear, healthy skin here we come!!

Oh and wash your hands :)

[starrbabeposts]

Hi friends!

Since we all have a little more time on our hands... I’ve decided to take all the tips and tricks I’ve learned and continue to learn about skincare, products, etc. and post about them! Hopefully I can help you learn more about how to take better care of your skin or at least post interesting things for you to scroll through :)