How I Win The Day -- At Least Today

I am completely over the cold.   This morning when I woke up and heard the that the high for the day, with wind chills, would feel like 5 degrees I pulled the comforter tightly over my head...I wasn't ready. After prying myself from the warmth of my bed, blindly making coffee and planning out the day, I decided to crank up the heat and try on my bathing suits.  Crazy? Maybe but I needed to remind myself that warmer days were ahead. I needed to find a way to #wintheday.

When I tried on my bathing suits I realized two things:

1. Someone shrunk all of them (Or more accurately, I gained several pounds, none of it in my boobs.)
2. I have a mild case of bacne (back acne)

None of these things were flattering to discover. I knew I had gained a little winter weight but my bikini (quite literally) held nothing back.  All my indulgent meals over the last two to three months coupled with my absence from the gym spilled out of my bikini bottom in a manner reminiscent of a Kim K instagram picture. (OK, not quite that much but a lot for me.)  

My bacne is focused right below my neck...right where clothing tags rub and hair products fall. It's not the kind of thing you notice when you are wrapped under what feels like 17 layers of clothing.

I want to be ready for spring and be bacne and muffin top (and bottom) free when I hit the beach, but how will I do that in a way that doesn't involved anything too drastic? Here's what I'll do:

1.  Improve my diet.

• I'm thinking a true commitment to breakfast smoothies at least 6 days rather than when I feel like it.
• Restrict/eliminate processed carbs

2.  Go to the gym 3-4 days per week and one day at home workout per week.

3 . Treat bacne with Clearasil Refreshing Superfruit Pads. (They are gentle enough for everyday use and contain 1% salicylic acid, antioxidants, raspberry and cranberry extracts and Vitamin B3)

If you have similar issues to address before spring, join me in making these small changes.  If you are looking for smoothie and other low carb recipes, click here.  To try Clearasil Refreshing Superfruit pads and other Clearasil acne products, there is a free rebate offer available here. 

When all else fails, having something to look forward to is a great way to #Wintheday.

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Disclosure: Portions of this post were sponsored by Clearasil. While I was compensated to write a post including Clearasil products, all opinions are my own and this post was not reviewed or approved by Clearasil before publishing.

How to Look Good Without Makeup

Looking good without makeup is all about amazing skin. When wearing makeup one can conceal skin problems and accentuate positives facial features. However, without the power of a fantastic foundation, luscious blush, brightening bronzer, skin has to be nearly flawless.

The key to taking care of skin is to Know Your Skin

There are five basic skin types:

• Normal skin. This skin type has a proper balance of moisture and oil.
• Sensitive skin. People with sensitive skin often experience tinging, itching and might get blotches when they come in contact with some common ingredients found in facial care products.
• Oily skin. If your face looks shiny, greasy or slick an hour or two after you wash your face, chances are you have oily skin.
• Dry skin. If your face feels tight or stiff after you wash, chances are you have dry skin.  Dry skin is also more prone to early wrinkling and creasing. 
• Combination skin.  As the name suggests, is a combination of two or more of the skin types mentioned above.

Cleanse

It is important to find the right cleanser for your skin type.  With all skin types you want to choose a cleanser that removes impurities without stripping the skin of natural oils. Once you know your skin type, many manufacturers make it easy to find your perfect cleanser simply by reading the packaging. If you have dry skin, stay away from cleansers with alcohol.  If you have sensitive skin look for cleansers formulated without harsh chemicals and irritants such as sulphates, synthetic dyes and fragrances. 

Lancome Creme Radiance Clarifying Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is formulated with antioxidant White Lotus and soothing Rose de France penetrates deep into the pores without over-drying to gently cleanse skin and other impurities. This cleanser is suitable for those with oily to normal skin. Approximately $25. 

Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel is a sulfate-free cleanser derived from amino acids. It deeply cleanses while preserving the skin’s natural oils.  This Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Dyes free formula, refines the look of pores and contains hydrangea leaf, green tea, and geranium that help to protect and perfect complexion  Boscia Purifying Cleansing Gel is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Approximately $26.

Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleanser is a non-foaming gel that removes  make-up, dirt and oil.  The Alpha Hydroxy Acids from Papaya and Grapefruit gently exfoliates the skin, while glycerine moisturizes. Approximately $20.

Moisturize

Moisturizing is an important step no matter what your skin type.  People with oily skin often think they don’t need to moisturize but it is possible for skin to be dehydrated under the slick of oil present on skin.  If you have oily skin, look for an oil free moisturizer  like Garnier Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream -- it is light weight and contains pure antioxidant fruit water extracts and skin conditioning Vitamin E to prevent dryness and normalize skin. Approximately $7.99 

If you have dry skin you might be tempted to use the heaviest moisturizer you can find.  This is not necessarily the best approach. Look for products that contain ingredients such as glycerin and dimethicone.  Glycerine attracts moisture to your skin and dimethicone locks it in. Kinerase Restructure Firming Cream is formulated for all skin types but works wonders on dry skin. (Kinarase.com $98)

Tone

The jury is still out on the necessity of a toner, however, I like toners. Toners remove remnants of makeup or hard water impurities left behind after washing.  Toners can also help to  balance the skin’s pH and makes the skin more receptive to moisturizers and other skin treatments, such as serums.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Toner is great for oily, acne prone skin.  The toner helps reduce the appearance of blemishes, prevent future breakouts, and control oil and shine. Approximately $11

L'Oreal HydraFresh Dermo-Expertise Hydrafresh Skin Toner Liquid  contains beta hydroxy to gently exfoliate and pro-Vitamin B5  that helps protect against moisture loss. This toner is suitable for all skin types. Approximately $6.99

Protect

Sunscreen is a must 365 days per year, no matter your age or ethnicity.  Use a broad Spectrum SPF that way you are protected from both UVA and UVB rays. Prolonged exposure to the suns rays ages the skin causing fine lines, wrinkles and darks spots. 

Dermalogica Solar defense Booster SPF50, Oil free Matte SPF  is great for those with oily skin because not only  does it protect against the harmful rays of the sun but it also mattifies the skin.  (Dermalogica.com $48)

Exfoliate 

One of he best way to give skin a boost is to exfoliate.  Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and speeds up cell turnover.  Exfoliating also increases circulation to the skin giving the face a nice glow.  It is generally safe to exfoliate at least once per week. However, you don’t want to exfoliate if you are breaking out because it can make the problem worse. Treat the breakout and once pimples are healed you can exfoliate.  There are physical exfoliators  like microbeads, as well as chemical exfoliators like glycolic acid. There are also products that combine the two.

Exfolikate by Kate Somerville is made with microbeads and Fruit Enzymes that clean pores, while Salicylic Acid balances hydration  without over-drying. This exfoliator is suggested for all skin types. (katesomerville.com $85) 

Cane + Austin Acne Treatment Pads

If you are short on time then these exfoliating pads are for you. It is a one-step glycolic acid treatment product that is derived from pure cane sugar and contains salicylic acid to gently resurface skin and treat acne. ($60 for a 30 day supply)

Fade Dark Spots (Hyperpigmentation)

Hyperpigmentation is one of main reason women (and men) wear makeup.  In addition to exfoliating, fade creams, gels and serums such as Murad’s Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum ($60 murad.com) can help to minimize and even eliminate dark spots over time.  While using fade creams and exfoliators it is extremely important to use an SPF everyday and avoid excessive sun exposure. 

Enhance Lashes and Brows

One of the easiest ways to look and feel glamorous is to have bold, beautiful lashes and well shaped brows.  If you have paltry lashes and sparse brows try a lash and brow growth serum such as Grande Lash.  Grande Lash is formulated with natural ingredients to enhance lashes  and brows in as little as 4 weeks. Approximately $64.95 for 3 month supply.

Very few people are lucky enough to do nothing and still have beautiful skin.  If you are among the lucky few, good for you! If you weren’t born with the gift of flawless skin, the steps above should help you look great without makeup.

Product Review: Specific Beauty Night Treatment

I have not had much luck with Retinol products. The usual results with these products is that my skin becomes extremely dry and flaky and because of this, I never stick with them long enough to witness any kind of skin transformation. I know the power of retinol, so, I keep trying. When the Specific Beauty Night Treatment Complex entered my life, my luck with retinol products changed. (Praises to the beauty gods!)

Specific Beauty Night Treatment Complex  is an intensive night treatment serum that contains retinol and a "unique cocktail of niacinamide, linoleic acid, and licorice  [to] even out skin tone while vitamin E, a powerful anti-oxidant, works to protect the skin from free radical damage."

Perhaps the concentration of the retinol in products I tried in the past was too high but the concentration and formulation of Specific Beauty Night Treatment Complex was perfect for me;  It really helped to smooth out my skin and even out my skin tone. With daily use,  It took about three weeks to see changes . I switched to every other day use once I saw a change in my skin.   Please note,  it is extremely important to use SPF everyday , but even more so when using this and any other retinol product.  

I didn't use the whole Specific Beauty system when I used the Night Treatment Complex, I used it with this creme at night. I also did once weekly mask with either this, or this. After more than two months of using the Specific Beauty Night Treatment I am extremely happy with the results it delivered and look forward to trying more products from this line.

Specific Beauty Night Treatment Complex has a suggested retail price of $23.99 and is available here.

 Have you tried any Specific Beauty Products?

What were your results? 

TTB Files: Winter Skincare Tips

Fall  has flown by and from what I hear, winter is going to be brutal. You’ve got your goose down bubble coat, fur lined boots and infinity scarf but what about your skin? How are you protecting your skin this winter? During winter months there is little to no moisture in the air, so, it becomes challenging to keep skin moisturized when the weather is continuously below freezing and we are in and out of buildings, cars and subways that are artificially heated.

Click here for my  tips to keep your skin perfectly moisturized during winter so that you can easily bare all with confidence come Spring and Summer 2013.

TTB Files: My Beauty Favorites for September

Each month on ThisThatBeauty I share my favorite products from the previous month. For September, I had three stand out favorites, Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, PHYTOSPECIFIC Baobab Oil, and Blisslabs Nutricosmetics Total Bliss Zen at Work.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

I have combination oily skin that becomes a regular oil slick when it gets hot outside. I’m also prone to hormonal breakouts every couple of months. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant works great on my skin no matter what condition it is in.  It is made with a “unique rice-based powder formula that activates upon contact with water, releasing Papain, Salicylic Acid and Rice Enzymes that micro-exfoliates dead cells, instantly leaving skin smoother and brighter.”  I use an active mask once or twice per week and this cleanser is gentle enough to use right before using my masks. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant gives a great clean and helps to balance my skin.  It also contains ingredients to brighten my skin and reduce hyperpigmentation – a winning combination. It is formulated without artificial fragrances and colors and one container can last for months. It is also perfect for travel, that’s unless TSA gets suspicious of you toting around a white powdery substance.

Continue reading at ThisThatBeauty.