Saturday, April 13, 2013

Daily Face Routine

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Night Skin Routine

At first glance all of these products may seem entirely overwhelming, however the good news is that each steps only takes a few seconds and my entire nightly skin routine can be completed in about 7 minutes. I find that taking good care of your skin not only makes it look better, but makes you feel better. When my skin looks good naturally (no make-up, heavy self tanners or acne) I feel much more confident and also feel that people are paying attention to what I am saying rather than what is on my face. By no means to do I have perfect skin, rather I have found the products that make my skin look and feel its healthiest. My skin is dry/extremely dry (in the winter and sometimes in the summer if I'm not well hydrated) and it is sensitive, meaning that it can get irritated easily if I am too experimental with what I put on it. I rarely break out unless I am really stressed, but I do have to deal with large pores on and around my nose and some drier patches around my mouth. These are the products and the routine that I have found works for me. You will notice that the majority of my products are from the drugstore. I do think that some skin care products are worth splurging on, but I have found that the mild formula, fragrance free, hypoallergenic products that I can find at the drugstore work just as well on my skin and allow me to save my money for more expensive items. 
xo,
BC



Step 1: Remove all make up. This step is by far the most important. If you are bad about washing your face and feel like you have only time for one of these steps, do this one! I use a cotton pad and the Ponds Cold Cream to remove all of my eye make up. The cold cream is the best product I have found that will remove water proof mascara and liner without irritating my eyes. I rarely wear foundation because I find it looks too heavy on my skin, so to clean off any blush, bronzer, etc from my face I take another cotton pad, douse it with Boots Expert Sensitive Skin Gentle Refreshing Toner. This toner has a slight cooling effect without burning the skin like some toners with high levels of alcohol sometimes do. 


Step 2: Exfoliate. This is a step that I do not do every night. One night a week I take the Say Yes to Cucumbers Soothing Facial Mask and apply a liberal amount all over my skin. I let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it has dried and begins to crack if I move my facial muscles. Then I take a wash cloth and soak it with warm water and lay it over my face to allow the steam to gently lift the mask an de-clog my pores. Because this is such an intensive mask I suggest only doing it once a week. For a more regular exfoliation, I use the Up & Up Apricot Face Scrub (it is identical to the St. Ives apricot scrub but significantly cheaper). This scrub helps to remove any dead skin or dry patches that may be irritating the face. 


 Step 3: Cleanse. Cleansing the skin is something I do every single night, even if I haven't worn make up that day. The gentle Clinique Extra Mild Liquid Facial Soap helps to remove any oils from the day and leaves my skin feeling refreshed and soothed after a long day. I use the Clarisonic Mia on the days that I don't exfoliate. I find that if I use them both on the same day my skin gets too raw and irritated. On the days I do exfoliate I cleanse my face with just the mild soap and a warm-wet wash cloth.



 Step 4: Moisturize. Since I have dry skin I find that moisturizing is critical to having good skin. I use the Ponds Dry Skin Cream every night before I go to bed, applying a liberal amount all over my face and neck. Moisturizing will not only combat dry skin but it also helps to fight against wrinkles and loss of firmness. This particular skin cream is very heavy so if you have oily skin I do not recommend it. On nights that I feel my skin needs an extra boost I spray on Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rose Water. This spray has a calming affect and my skin seems to drink up the aloe for moisture and the rose water leaves my skin with a natural and healthy glow.





Sunday, February 10, 2013

Sorry for the hiatus...

Sorry for the hiatus on this blog. School has been really busy and lots of things going on in my personal life, but be looking for several new posts a week, starting tomorrow!

xo,
BC

Monday, November 19, 2012

Red Carpet Obsession: Kristen Stewart

I'm in love with this Zuhair Murad beaded body suit! I think it is the epitome of edgy, androgynous fashion. The dainty lace applique gives the perfect feminine flare, while the masculine shape of a pant suit makes for a wonderful juxtaposition. While on the latest round of press tours for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn part 2 Kristen has looked effortlessly glamourous and comfortable in her own skin. 

While I am not in love with this gown, I have to commend Miss Stewart for taking a risk, especially considering the media scrutiny she has been under in the past several months. This Zuhair Murad corset bodice dress is much more structured, not to mention revealing, compared to what we are used to seeing Kristen in. The color is a little drab, I would have loved to have seen her in something more outstanding, oxblood or navy would be stunning on her skin. However, this color does not wash her out, but rather makes her soft, pale skin radiate and glow. 

It's Louis Vuitton, need I say more. I thought this little black and white check romper was the perfect, sassy little number for Kristen. It was unstructured but did not swallow her petite figure and of course showed off those gorgeous gams of hers. The neutral color gave this piece a hint of timelessness, while the pocket details and faux zipper seam lent themselves to modernity. My only criticism of this outfit are the shoes. Ordinarily I'm a huge Brian Atwood fan, but I think these strappy, S&M-inspired pointed heels are too harsh against the softness of the rest of the outfit. 

Many people were divided on this black and white Balenciaga crop top and pant suit duo. I say BRAVO! I think this whole look is so chic. Kristen looks comfortable, confident and sexy. I love that she decided to take a risk with something unconventional. Kristen has a killer body and there is no reason that she should feel shy about showing it. I think that her smoking make up, crimson lip and slicked back hair pulls the whole look together.


Va Va Voom! Kristen turned it up a notch in this gold, beaded Elie Saab ensemble. Channeling Angelina Jolie with that high slit only further accentuated her best feature. There is something about this dress that also gives Kristen the illusion of a curvier womanly figure than the tomboy look we're used to seeing her in. 

Whoever says that Kristen Stewart doesn't care about fashion obviously hasn't seen her in this chartreuse mini by Dior. Chartreuse has been a huge trend on the red carpet this year and Kristen is the latest celeb to hop on board. This color is hard to pull off for many people but it looks stunning against her skin. I would have liked to have seen her do something a little edgier with her hair and make up to pull the whole thing together, however. 


I decided to save my favorite for last. This look is casual but elegant, sexy but demure, easy, effortless and the envy of my fashion eye. Pairing a simple grey tank and open white button up with A.L.C black pants and Jimmy Choo shoes, Kristen looks divine. This to me is her style all summed up. It screams "I just rolled out of bed, threw on my boyfriends clothes, and look hot". I also think that her make up and hair looks better than ever here.

xoxo,
BC

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