PM skincare routine

i couldn't wait to share my PM skincare routine with y'all to complement my recent post on the AM skincare routine! the PM is a little more intense than the AM because it's the time of day where your face will be bare and clean while you get that beauty sleep on! this may seem overwhelming, but i actually look forward to all of this -- i encourage you to start a PM skincare routine that you look forward to! 

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01 | cleanse

dermalogica precleanse ($38 USD for 5.1 oz.) -- start your routine by taking all your makeup off with a cleansing oil. most of the time, these are to be used on a dry face before you do anything else. this gives the Clarisonic (next step) a clean canvas to work with which yields better results. i highly recommend this no matter how little makeup you wear. however, it doesn't come in the best packaging, so i fill mine in an empty Caudalie SOS serum container that has a pump. unsure? try the travel size

dermalogica special cleansing gel ($36 USD for 8.4 oz., pictured is the travel size $10.50 USD for 1.7 oz.) -- this was also mentioned in the AM skincare routine since i wash my face twice a day. in the PM i use the cleansing gel with my beloved, HG (holy grail) can-never-live-without Clarisonic mia. as i mentioned in my Clarisonic mia review, this brush works best in the shower and this cleanser lathers very well, isn't drying like foam cleansers, and fragrance free. 

02 | exfoliate

AMORE PACIFIC treatment enzyme peel ($60 USD for 2.5 oz.) -- this is one of the first powder exfoliators i've used and i love it. the only problem is that it's not really convenient to use. by this i mean that the powder is activated with water. therefore, if you leave this bottle in a place where there is moisture (aka: bathroom), it will clump up. this is a very gentle exfoliator and you only need a tiny amount. this bottle has lasted me almost two years and we're still going. i use this about 3x a week, activate it with water and leave it on my face and neck for about 30 seconds. TATCHA also makes a unique range of rice powder exfoliants in: soothing, classic, gentle, and deep. i have tried the classic powder and it also works great, very similar to AMORE PACIFIC without the signature AMORE PACIFIC perfume-y smell.

03 | tone

SK-II facial treatment clear lotion ($70 USD for 5 oz.) and SK-II facial treatment essence ($105 USD for 2.5 oz.) -- this duo goes hand in hand. if you are going to use one do it right and use the other. see my review on my SK-II regimen. this is also HG status in my life. if you are hesitant, i recommend purchasing the SK-II starter kit ($105 USD, valued at $130 USD) which will also give you the opportunity to try the mask as well!

04 | moisturize

Caudalie SOS vinosource thirst quenching serum ($49 USD for 1 oz.) -- i've used this for sooo many years now, and it's so good that i use it twice a day, AM and PM. 

TATCHA deep brightening serum ($185 USD for 1.7 oz / TATCHA also ships free to TX) -- this is the most expensive moisturizer i have ever used in my life. (gulp!) if you read this blog you know how much i love TATCHA products. not only are all the products outstanding, the brand, people, and company's philosophy really give it extra points in my books. i tried this serum in the TATCHA ritual discovery kit ($59 USD for four RE-FILLABLE travel size products, valued at $99 USD) and fell in love. every morning i honestly feel like my skin is more luminous and bright. however, there is one downside (besides price!!), i can't see how much is left in this pretty white bottle. therefore... i have legitimate fears that one day i will push down on the pump and nothing will come out. #thehorror

Kiehl's midnight recovery concentrate ($46 USD for 1 oz.) -- a few years ago the thought of putting oil on or anywhere near my face was out of the question. who would do that and WHY?!?! skincare has changed since and putting oil on your face is actually very accepted/encouraged these days. so i jumped on the bandwagon with this, my first oil moisturizer. it is supposed to, "regenerate, repair, and replenish skin for smoother, healthier skin." it also has the same scent as the midnight recovery eye cream, but nothing overpowering. i mainly use this for my neck. can't forget the neck!

05 | prevent

Kiehl's midnight recovery eye cream ($36 USD for 0.5 oz.) -- this was one of the first eye creams i started using religiously the past few years. you should've seen my reaction the day i actually finished ONE whole tube! it will take you forever so for the price, this is really worth it since all you need is the TINIEST amount. tip: apply using the tips of your ring fingers, i've read this is the softest finger and the best to use for applying treatments to the delicate under eye area. this is a thicker eye treatment than my AM Skinceuticals AOX eye gel ($92 USD for 15 ml) and works great as a PM treatment. it is supposed to, "diminish the appearance of fine lines, dark circles, and reduce puffiness." again, with all eye treatments, you will not see the results immediately. i think that is part of the reason why people quit. remember, it's a preventative measure and the time to start is now, not when you start noticing the wrinkles or bags! 

Cle De Peau Beaute lip serum ($95 USD for 15 ml) -- i recently splurged on this. after researching, it was the pot-less application that sold me, not to mention that it is by Cle De Peau Beaute. it's supposed to hydrate, shape, and minimize the appearance of lines/wrinkles. i've used this for a few weeks now and wow, when i wake up in the morning my lips aren't even dying for lip balm! again, you only need the tiniest amount so this will last me a long time. #purchasejustified

in summary,

  • use a cleansing oil to give your Clarisonic a clean canvas to work with
  • exfoliate
  • moisturize your neck down to your clavicles!
  • use an eye treatment, apply using tips of the ring fingers
  • be consistent

what are some PM products you can't live without?

the time for a good skincare routine is NOW!,
JD

summer sunscreens

picked out some sunscreen goodness for your beautiful face!

keep in mind, the sun has two different types of harmful rays: UVA and UVB. UVA causes wrinkles, premature aging, and spots. UVB causes burns. soo.. to cover yourself from both rays, you'll want to get a broad spectrum sunscreen regardless if you are covering your face or body! remember, the sun is very damaging to skin so protect it and wear sunscreen everyday!

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01 | MDSolarSciences mineral creme broad spectrum SPF 50 UVA-UVB sunscreen -- $30 USD/1.7 oz. this is the one i've used for quite some time now! one tube will last me a little over a year. it is a little tinted but not noticeable when applied. i love the silky, long lasting, matte finish and primer all in one. described as, "mineral-based SPF 50 broad spectrum sunscreen specifically formulated for acne and rosacea-prone skin." formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates. 
02 | Hourglass mineral primer SPF 15 -- $52 USD/1.0 oz. before MDSolarSciences and i met, this was what i used. and although it didn't work for me, it still is a beauty cult favorite as it was one of the first primers with SPF on the market. also comes in a cute little travel size bottle. this is a,  "mineral-based, water-resistant primer that neutralizes the skin, minimizes shine, and creates a smooth, uniform canvas for flawless makeup application." formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates. 
03 | Supergoop! skin soothing mineral sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 40 --  $28 USD/2.4 oz. Supergoop! specializes in sun products and this is one of their newest. described as, "mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin that features soothing olive polyphenols." formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates. 
04 | TATCHA pore perfecting sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 35 -- $68 USD/2.0 oz. the latest from TATCHA. described as non-greasy, lightweight, and a primer. i broke down and purchased the travel size recently and can't wait for it to come in! TATCHA is also tax-free to Texas.
05 | Anthony Logistics facial moisturizer broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 -- $33 USD/3.0 oz. got a man that doesn't moisturize? get him this. the extra bonus is that it has SPF in it. described as a,  "quick-absorbing, non-greasy formula that moisturizes and nourishes skin while protecting against sun damage with broad spectrum." formulated without: Parabens, Phthalates. purchase this tax free off beauty.com.
06 | COOLA mineral face SPF 30 matte finish -- $36 USD/1.7 oz. COOLA also specializes in sunscreen, they even make one for your pets!!! this one is also water resistant for up for 40 minutes. might be good for a beach/pool day. formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates. 
07 | Jack Black double-duty facial moisturizer broad spectrum SPF 20 -- $17.50 USD/1.5 oz, $28 USD/3.3 oz. again, another moisturizer and SPF for the guys. what i like about Jack Black is that is also comes in a travel size tube, not to mention that their lip balms are amazing! formulated without:  Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates. purchase this tax-free off beauty.com.
08 | First Aid Beauty ultra repair pure mineral sunscreen moisturizer broad spectrum SPF 40 -- $30 USD/2.0 oz. a great option for those who want a moisturizer and sunscreen all in one. described as, "complexion protector that combines the hydrating and nourishing power of Ultra Repair with high level UVA and UVB protection." formulated without: Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates.

rock the sunscreen errrrdayyy,
JD

AM skincare routine

start the morning off with a fresh, beautiful face. 

i didn't realize how many products i use in the morning until i gathered the items for this product photo. LOL. nonetheless, this all takes less than FIVE minutes. i'd say that's a pretty good investment to make for your skin every morning. the steps are: exfoliate, tone, moisturize, and protect. pretty simple! so let's get to it!

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01 | exfoliate

CURE natural aqua gel -- this was introduced to me by mama bear, who by the way, has the MOST FABULOUS skin. i've also seen the beautiful @BubzBeauty mention it one of her videos as well.  you use this on a dry face, rub into your skin and the gel removes all the dead skin cells and starts flaking off your face. it's actually weird. but i can't live without this. not to mention, it's a very gentle exfoliator.

02 | cleanse

dermalogica special cleansing gel -- for a long time i was using foam cleaners and realized it was drying out my skin big time. so i switched to a gel cleanser. this has been my favorite by far, gentle, non-drying, and fragrance-fee. 

03 | tone

SK-II facial treatment clear lotion and SK-II facial treatment essence -- can't rave about this duo anymore. CATE BLANCHETT. do i need to say more?!?! my review here

04 | moisturize

Caudalie S.O.S. vinosource S.O.S. thirst quenching serum -- this is a light serum, smells divine, and my HG (holy grail) moisturizer. i've used it for so many years. it's good to use alone in the summer, but on days where i need the extra boost, i will top it off with the TATCHA moisture rich silk cream which is a has almost a whipped like consistency. (pictured is a travel size which comes in the TATCHA ritual discovery kit which is a great deal to try a few of their amazing products). it is important to note: moisturize YOUR NECK! this step is often missed or forgotten. your neck is the first thing that will usually start wrinkling. don't let it happen to you. 

Skinceuticals AOX+ eye gel -- eye treatments are pricey but when you think about it, you use the tiniest amount of this product. it should last you pretty close to a year. i love using this eye gel in the morning as it is really light and brightens the under eyes. it claims to help with puffiness, under eye bags,  combat fatigue, and fight the signs of aging. honestly, i can't say i've seen huge results but it's important to note that there is no miracle eye treatment. results on this type of product cannot be seen until years down the line, it's all about prevention and consistency. 

05 | protect

MDSolarSciences mineral creme broad spectrum SPF 50 UVA-UVB sunscreen -- it is hard for me to find a product that is a primer, has SPF, and is matte. (i mean is that too much to ask for?!) finally we met and it's been great ever since. i can't stress wearing SPF.  it is SOOOOOO important. i never tan. (the main reason why i am so.. as my sister says, "alabaster"). the sun is really damaging and it will age you exponentially. and you may not see it now, but you will down the line, and EARLY. so protect yourself! people think that you don't need to apply sunscreen if you're just driving to and from work. but that time in the sun really adds up. TATCHA just came out with a sunscreen that i can't wait to try soon that meets all my requirements, TATCHA silken pore perfecting sunscreen broad spectrum SPF 35!  

in summary,

  • let a product absorb into your skin before putting the next on
  • moisturize your neck down to your clavicles 
  • use an eye treatment
  • wear SPF
  • be consistent

the time for a good skincare routine is NOW,
JD

facial masks in rotation

good skin takes time and dedication. (well... everything does).

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01 | Skinceuticals clarifying clay masque

there is irony in applying dirt to pull dirt out of your skin! this is one of my favorite masks because you can actually feel it working on skin... which will feel like a baby's butt (this is highly coveted!) afterwards. guaranteed. the ingredients in this earthy-smelling mask helps calm skin, lift impurities, exfoliate dead skin cells, and remove excess oils. 

  • directions: apply a thin layer for 10-15 minutes. like mud, it will begin to harden and crack on your face. rinse with warm water. 
  • usage: 1x every two weeks. i also use this as a spot treatment for my nose in between. 
  • cost: $51 USD for 60ml. (one jar will last me almost 6+ months.)

02 | Aspirin mask

if there is only one mask to pick from, this is it. i learned about this mask ages ago from the very famous make-up/skincare guru @MichellePhan. here is her original Youtube clip. this is the CHEAPEST and most effective mask in terms of preventing breakouts. aspirin contains salicylic acid which is always the main ingredient in treating acne. it also helps clean your pores, exfoliate your skin, and reduce redness. all you need is uncoated aspirin, basically aspirin that is not sugar coated like Advil. (the bottle in the picture above can be purchased at Target. i realize it says "coated" but it is good to go).

  • directions: use 3-4 tablets, dissolve with a few drops of water, add a drop of honey for adhesive-ness, mix together and spread on face for 15 minutes. rinse with warm water. as you are rinsing this off, take the opportunity to exfoliate with the grainy-ness of the aspirin. 
  • usage: 1x a week. (this mask is amazing, but do not overuse it!)
  • notes: i also use this as a spot treatment (day and night) when i notice a pimple trying to make an appearance... it's my way of saying 'GOTCHA!' #sorrynotsorry
  • cost: $4.99 USD for 500 tablets = 125 masks. that is $0.04 per mask.... can't get cheaper than that. 

03 | Caudalie moisturizing mask 

Caudalie has a great range of skincare items. i think i've already mentioned my holy grail Caudalie vinosource S.O.S thirst quenching serum. they recently launched a range of masks. since my skin is combo and a little on the dry side, i picked up the hydrating mask. it is cream-based but not too thick. as all their products, the scent is light and pleasant. "A mask that restores moisture levels to relieve tightness, reduce redness and increase softness for a hydrated, dewy glow."

04 | SK-II facial treatment mask

i've talked about my SK-II regimen here. the SK-II facial treatment mask is the most expensive mask i treat myself to. it is cloth-based that is drenched in the magical SK-II ingredient; pitera. this mask is so popular that make up artists use this on brides as part of their routine, and it is often used as a post-airplane pick me up. 

  • directions: place cloth mask on face, lay down for 20 minutes. take mask off (feel free to put it back in the package and re-use it again the next day). DO NOT rinse off. 
  • usage: once on a blue moon! (due to price tag).
  • notes: use every DROPLET left in this package on your beautiful face! in the summer, i will refrigerate this packet before using it.
  • cost: $17 USD for one mask, $95 for six masks, $135 for ten masks. purchase it tax-free from bloomingdales.com.

rock the face mask,
JD

3 makeup items for an everyday look

getting my face ready is not my priority every morning. in fact, it is sleep... and more sleep! when it comes to an everyday look (and pretty much all things in life) less is always more. always. take the minimal approach in getting ready for school or work because you my dear, are beautiful and do not need all that makeup! so let's narrow it down to three items or less, shall we? 

Hourglass ambient lighting blush in luminous flush. 

Tom Ford cheek color in wicked.

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01. blush (your best friend)

the number one thing to reach for is BLUSH. blush can do so much for you in terms of waking up your face! especially when you are tired, blush will be your BFF. trust me on this one, the instant flush/pop of color on the cheekbones make a world of difference. in my opinion, blush makes you look happy, friendly, and more approachable! (and who doesn't want that?!). my two beloved blushes are 1) Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in luminous flush (a champagne rose); and 2) Tom Ford Cheek Color in wicked (slightly brighter and a frosty finish). i have owned both blushes for well over a year, and there is hardly a dent in either. that tells you how pigmented they are--a little goes a long way. both are great blushes in terms of texture and color pay-off. for a more budget friendly option, i recommend MAC Powder Blush in blushbaby. i apply my blush  using HAKUHODO's S103 and S110. these brushes are quite the investment and honestly, they are worth every penny. 

02. mascara

the second item is mascara. i typically don't use mascara everyday, simply because i am really lazy and only curl them with my trusty shu uemura curler (best eyelash curler on the planet). but my all time favorite, holy-grail, can-never-live-without mascara is the Maybelline Full n Soft (waterproof). there is NOTHING like it. it is the most natural looking mascara that holds curl like no other. i always tend to go with drugstore brands because mascara is something that you should replace often. i do try new mascaras from time to time, but i always come crawling back to this one. it's that good. 

03. lip balm

the final item is lip balm. my choice is the Kiehl's Lip Balm #1. this is a color-less lip balm that is moisturizing and leaves a slight gleam on my lips. another color-less balm is the Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25. i love having this as an option because it has SPF25 and SPF is very important on the lips. i have been so blessed with semi-pigmented lips so these color-less lip balms work for me. however, another great option i sometimes use is the Dior Lip Glow/Reviver, this has a slight tinge of color available in pink and coral. 

don't waste the pretty,
JD

my SK-II regimen

SK-II believes that a woman's destiny isn't locked by her DNA. it's something she creates for herself.

i am obsessed with japanese/korean skincare. if you notice, japanese and koreans have the MOST BEAUTIFUL skin. it's glowing, radiant, FLAWLESS, and highly sought after. therefore, anytime a line comes out from any of these countries, i am curious about it, i do my research, and i read countless reviews. in my opinion, the SK-II brand was one of the biggest beauty breakthroughs the past couple of years. i waited quite some time before trying it, only because of the price tag. however, i have come to learn that great skincare is not cheap (for the most part), so nowadays i'm willing to shell out the extra bejamins. (and maybe age has something to do with it too!). 

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SK-II uses the ingredient Pitera which is a clear liquid rich in vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids. this quadruple threat "works together to allow the skin’s natural surface rejuvenation process to function at its prime." it was discovered ages ago when scientists observed the soft and youthful hands of aged sake brewers. this was the birth of Pitera. 

i have been using the SK-II regimen for well over a year now. i can gladly say it will always be apart of my routine. it is HG status (HG = holy grail). i've noticed that my skin has become more clear, radiant, softer, and smoother. i have received many compliments on my skin since and that is just affirmation of how well it works. the regimen consists of the two products listed below and are to be used in conjunction with each other. i use these twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening. once a day is really good enough. details and instructions listed are below:

1. SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion -- this is the "toner." when you hear toner you think of alcohol, but there are plenty of toners these days that are alcohol-free. this alcohol-free "toner" is to be used on clean skin with a cotton ball on the face and neck. this will prep your skin for the magical stuff next. 

2. SK-II Facial Treatment Essence -- this is their signature product. aka: miracle water, magical stuff.  this contains over 90% Pitera. it is absorbed best when used after the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion. use this sparingly! only 2-3 drops and apply this by patting it onto your face and neck. neck! don't forget the neck! 

another product that gets rave reviews is the SK-II Facial Treatment Mask. this is a great pick-me-up after traveling. for example, when you travel, your skin is exposed to different environments in terms of water, air quality, and the dreadful dry-air on the plane. basically, your skin is pretty dehydrated and thirsty when you get back. it needs some love, and this mask will do just that. i've only used it once when i got back from vacation in cabo. it helped so much! 

again, as a reminder to texans, purchase this regimen off Bloomingdales.com tax-fee. my recommendation is if you have not tried this before, get the starter kit which contains all three items in this post. i sometimes buy the starter kit because the Facial Treatment Clear Lotion comes in a travel size friendly version. 

SK-II Facial Treatment Clear Lotion -- $70 for 5 oz. 
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence -- $105 for 2.5 oz., $165 for 5 oz., $205 for 7.3 oz., $290 for 11.2 oz.
SK-II Facial Treatment Mask -- $17 for one mask, $95 for six masks, $135 for ten masks.
SK-II Starter Kit -- $105 USD; 1.35 oz. Facial Treatment Clear Lotion, 2.5 oz. Facial Treatment Essence, and 1 Facial Treatment Mask. 

change your skin destiny,
JD

tom ford lips and boys -- michael & rafael

left to right: rafael, true coral (full size), michael

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you and your family! enjoy and cherish these times. 

if you follow any beauty bloggers, you will have already heard of the Tom Ford lips and boys collection. this was released on black friday through cyber monday and only in select stores for ONE day. lips and boys is a limited edition 50-shade lipstick collection named after all the men in Mr. Ford's life. and to add to the genius marketing campaign, these are advertised as "clutch sized lipsticks" (ohhhh... Mr. Ford) retailing for $32 USD a pop/0.07 oz. for ease of picking, the 50-shades are grouped into the following color families: nudes to browns, silvers to blacks, metallics, light pinks to mauves, pops of pinks to roses, fuchsia to magentas, corals to oranges, reds, violets to orchid, and plums. 

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if you missed this the first go around, they will be back December 26, 2014 (that's tomorrow!). be sure to also check out Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, Saks, and Neiman Marcus websites. this is the PERFECT chance to try a Tom Ford lipstick because they are a little cheaper than the regular sized lipsticks which retail for $50 USD/0.1 oz. pretty steep. i really liked this concept. a smaller sized lipstick at a decent price. because... let's be honest. i don't ever see myself using a WHOLE tube of lipstick in my lifetime. ever. 

at the time i purchased these, there were no swatches available on any beauty blogs or websites. so it was almost a shot in the dark picking colors only based on product images. i wanted to venture into the oranges and pinks, so in came rafael and michael. (now lemming francesco!) 

rafael belongs to the corals to oranges family. it is a warm orange and is quite pigmented. michael belongs to the pops of pink to roses family. it is a bright medium pink with a semi frosted finish. both colors are perfect for the summer. i can't wait!

swatches are now plentiful in the blogosphere. Temptalia who is very well known in the beauty blogging world has great swatches! check out her initial swatches part one and part two. she also did individual reviews on each lipstick so be sure to use the search function to find those. also, here are a list of shades that are re-promotes (including my beloved true coral!):

  • Cooper = Pure Pink
  • Adriano = True Coral
  • Alejandro = Slander
  • Leonardo = Smoke Red
  • Xavier = Violet Fatale
  • Collin = Indian Rose
  • Cary = Casablanca
  • Didier = Moroccan Rouge

note the difference in size

helloooooo rafael

helloooooo michael

left to right: rafael, michael

go get you a boy (or two),
JD