Leave-in Love| My favorite leave-in conditioners of all time.

Leave-in Love| My favorite leave-in conditioners of all time.

 I realize that I've placed so much attention on finding the best deep conditioner that I've pretty much neglected a crucial wash da... 5/31/2015

 I realize that I've placed so much attention on finding the best deep conditioner that I've pretty much neglected a crucial wash day step.  Sure, the right deep conditioner can right a myriad of wrongs.  You can strengthen and moisturize your stressed tresses in one powerful step.  But, at the end of the day, the conditioner gets washed out and goes down the drain.  Then, we have the opportunity to "recondition" the hair in a lasting way.  But only if we have the absolute best leave in  we can get our hands on.

I've tried my share of leave-ins over the years.  But nothing can compare to this current line up.  I'm looking for products that can bring heavy moisture, detangle like no one's business, and protect the hair during the heavy manipulation that occurs post wash.  Here are my faves.

It's a 10 Leave In
Due to my own neglect, I'm often plagued with these massive, destructive knots which require lots of manpower to rectify.  When this happens, the man for the job is It's a 10!  Whenever I get an email from some poor soul who's contemplating chopping off her hair because of the sheer amount of knots she has to contend with, I instruct her to go out and by this leave-in.  It's like the go-to leave in whenever emergencies arise.  It's a 10 boast of giving the hair 10 benefits but, to me, the detangling power is unmatched.

Biolage Keratin Dose.
Well, almost unmatched.  Biolage stepped up it's game in a major way when it launched the Keratindose leave in.  This stuff had me signing it's praises.   Detangling and conditioning all in one magnificent package.  The actual product has the consistency of a creamy, hydrating conditioner but is applied using a spray bottle just like any other run of the mill leave-in.  I also give it extra points for being a powerful product on wet or dry hair.  I can literally use it as a moisturizer in the L.C.O process.  Oh, I should also mention that I'm picking up a box of the Biolage Keratindose concentrate. It comes in little tubes that is applied to the hair like an intensive treatment. It's formulated with silk amino acids and a "professional level of keratin."  Lookout for a review in the future.

Biolage Daily Leave-In Tonic
Although Keratindose is absolute perfection, I still love and will always reach for the daily leave in tonic when I rollerset.  In my humble opinion, Biolage Daily Leave in is the most moisturizing, watery leave in, I can get my hands on.  Just like the Keratindose, the actual product looks like a conditioner but in a lighter consistency.  There's nothing bad I can say about this leave-in.  It's absolutely the best light, conditioning leave-in that I've ever tried.

Grund Tiger Protein Reconstructor Leave-In Spray
I had a leave-in that softened the hair, and a couple that detangled, but I had nothing to reinforce my hair with additional strength.  I searched and searched until I somehow stumbled on Grund Tiger Protein Reconstructor.  Although I'd never heard of the brand before, I relied on the glowing reviews and the high price point as a sign that this could be a solid product.  And boy was I right.  What I love about this spray is that it does strengthen and reinforce the hair but without out none of the unwanted stiffness one might expect from spraying a protein laden product on the hair.  To me, Grund's protien spray is worth every single cent.   I don't use it all over but instead focus on weaker areas and on the ends.  It's darn good stuff.   They also have a protein moisture mist which also received great reviews from the people who've tried it.  I don't need another moisture leave-in but I'm so tempted to try it.  If it's as good as their protein spray with a boost of moisture, I'm sure I won't be disappointed.

Nexxus' Pro Mend Split End Binding Leave-In
Honorable mention goes to Nexxus' Pro Mend Split End Binding Leave-In Creme.  It's the heaviest of all the leave-ins I own.  I like a thicker product for when I'm deep into my stretch and need something a little heartier to manage my mane.  All though it's meant for split end repair, I use it all over.  I mean, the active ingredient alone should make you want to try it.  Seeing video of split ends sealing back up still brings chills down my spine.  Make sure to apply a watery leave-in underneath to add moisture then layer on the leave-in cream to seal it in.  This stuff will have your ends on point!  If frizzy, unruly ends are your issue, give this baby a try.  I also like how it provides a bit more sleekness to my hair, almost like it's sealing my cuticle layer while taking care of my damaged ends.

One realization I've made while writing this post is how I've neglected the proper use of leave-ins the last several months.  My plan is to organize them all together so I have the entire crew with me on wash day making sure I use the right one for the job depending on my hair's needs.  I've experimented with a post wash L.C.O using Aveda moisturizer on dripping wet hair (just out of the shower) and layering with oil.  This time, I'll utilize these leave-in moisturizers and layer with oil.  I suspect I'll get an even better result since these products are made for moisturizing already damp hair.

These are my absolute faves. If you have a leave in that works magic on your hair, leave a comment below.

Style Obsession | Off the Shoulder (+ how to)

Style Obsession | Off the Shoulder (+ how to)

...a hint of understated sensuality with minimal effort. You know how everyone has their favorite and most flattering body part?  It could b... 5/30/2015

...a hint of understated sensuality with minimal effort.

You know how everyone has their favorite and most flattering body part?  It could be your ultra toned legs, curvaceous back, or tiny waist.  Or, maybe you're going through that phase in life where you favorite parts aren't as show stopping as they used to be.  No worries, there's one part on everyone's body that is undeniably feminine yet rarely gets it's props.

I'm referring to the oh so subtle "off the shoulder." I've always stayed away from wearing this look because, to me, peek a boo shoulders were even more risque than a tiny skirt.  A woman with an exposed shoulder is confident in herself while appearing ultra casual and nonchalant.  She's not trying to be sexy.....she just is.

In my dresser lies a heap of old, unattractive t-shirts.  In their present form, they instantly rob me of any sex appeal or style.  But, if I were to get a little creative, those homely t-shirts can easily be transformed to stylish casual wear that I'd actually want to wear even in public.

Now, I know for some of us, walking around with shoulders exposed might feel a bit much. I'm one of those people who's always wearing a bra 24/7.  In order to partake in the shoulder revealing trend, I've amassed a small collection of bandeaus for added support without having to worry about cumbersome straps.  But, in all honestly, the "off the shoulder" can also be executed with a little peak-a-boo strap.  Just make sure it's not an actual bra strap.  Your other options are a bathing suit strap (for those hot summer days) or a super cute cami.

One of my weekend projects will be to transform several of my frumpy tees into flattering tops.  I'm looking forward to accessorizing my exposed neck and shoulders with dainty necklaces and finishing off with a flirty fragrance.

Craving | Dr Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense (the even skin sunscreen)

Craving | Dr Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense (the even skin sunscreen)

My current wish list is pretty short.  And on top of that list is an new and better sunscreen.  You see, ever since I've been practicing... 5/29/2015

My current wish list is pretty short.  And on top of that list is an new and better sunscreen.  You see, ever since I've been practicing the Korean layering regimen, come to expect quite a lot from each product in my routine.  All the serums are doing a bang up job of addressing my various skin issues.  But I feel like my sunscreen needs to work a little harder to contribute to my overall goals.

Sure, the one I currently use is high SPF and does a decent job at blocking out the harmful rays (I suppose), but I'm ready for the next level of sun protection that addresses uneven skin tone.  I know that the simple act of wearing sun protection daily does have positive effect on managing dark marks. Yes, I understand that sunscreen is vital to helping promote perfectly even skin.  But, now that we've ventured into the world of BB & CC creams that boast of having multi-level benefits, I expect my sun protection to do the same.

Which is why I have my eyes set on Dr. Dennis Gross' Dark Spot Defense SPF 50.  It's a paraben free sunscreen that claims to moisturize, prevent and minimize hyperpigmentation while loading the skin with beneficial antioxidants.  I'd love to complete my skin care routine with a product with multi-level benefits.  It appears to be a fairly new product because there aren't that many reviews online.   This one is from a happy customer.

WOW!!

I have been looking for a face lotion with high SPF and this does above and beyond that. Not only does it not leave a greasy mess on your face after you apply it or if you start to sweat, it has vitamin c and e which is vital for your skin in order to prevent signs of aging. I would recommend this product!

I'm not an expert in ingredients but I saw a few things that caught my eye. Glycolic acid to help lighten dark spots via exfoliating the dead skin cells.  This super sunscreen contains plant oils such as  olive, evening primrose,  and echium oil (which boasts of omega 3,6, &9).  Not to mention vitamins C + E which load your skin with antioxidants and black rice extract which is also rich in antioxidants. I also appreciate that it contains glycerine which I suspect will help provide a moisturizing quality to the formula.  My current line up of sunscreens are too drying for my taste. After reviewing all this sunscreen has to offer, I just don't get that excited about what I currently use.  I need something that compliments this new skin care regimen and helps take my skin to the next level.

I suspect it won't be long until I have this product sitting on my dresser.

RAVE | Missha's Time Revolution First Treatment Essence.

RAVE | Missha's Time Revolution First Treatment Essence.

After discovering the amazing Korean Skin Care regimen , my skin hasn't been the same.  But deep down I knew, without a facial essence, ... 5/21/2015

After discovering the amazing Korean Skin Care regimen, my skin hasn't been the same.  But deep down I knew, without a facial essence,  I was missing out on one of the most important steps of this skin transforming routine. Since  facial essences were a bit foreign to me, I did a little research to uncover what made 'em so special.

Facial essences draw their potency from fermented yeast.  What I appreciate about these products are that the active yeast makes up a very large percentage of the total ingredients (80-90%).  SK II patented their fermented yeast formula after discovering elderly brewery workers with youthful , well preserved hands.  After digging into it further, they attributed the eternally young hands to the active fermented yeast.  The formula was patented and the rest is history.    

Multitudes rave about SK II.  I've read various accounts of how people's swear their skin will never be the same after coming into contact with the magical essence.  I've always wanted to try it but the $150.00 price tag freaked me out a bit.  Then I just so happened to stumble on an SK dupe by the name of Missha First Treatment Essence.  I couldn't believe how affordable this was compared to it's counterpart.  My first thought is because the ingredients probably sucked.  But, in actuality, Missha is also filled with fermented yeast, just a different variety (from the same family).  Missha's yeast comprises 80% of the ingredients unlike SK II which boasts of being comprised of  90% active yeast.  It sounds like SK II may have the upper hand but, if you look a bit more closely, Misha's ingredients also include natural extracts like beet root, rosemary, and other botanicals that could have soothing and anti-inflammatory qualities.  

What really made me take the leap was Missha's social proof in the form of a higher review rating on Amazon.  No more excuses.  A couple of days later, my package arrived.  First impressions--the bottle was much larger than I expected.  Enough to last quite a while.  Facial essence application comes immediately after washing so it's essentially a toner.  Toners, as many of us in America know it, can have a drying effect. But Asian facial essences remind us that layering a hydrating miracle water, after cleansing to seal in moisture, is logical.  Why did we ever think it was ok to strip the skin of moisture immediately after washing?  Actually, I apply a coconut based vinegar to my skin directly after washing my face because I have to. Without it my dermatitis would flare up.  Apply this directly after toning bring all the balance back to my skin.  And it happens instantly! The watery consistency makes it really easy to apply by hand.  Another option is to apply with a cotton pad, but I'd feel bad throwing away a cotton ball soaked with youth promoting active yeast.  Nope, I want every ounce of that stuff on my skin.

Of all the products in my multi step routine, this is my absolute favorite.  I layer all the serums and creams  out of obligation. Missha's Facial Essence is the only one that I look forward to applying.  I absolutely love how my skin feels immediately after application.  Moisture levels are instantly regained.  Interestingly enough, I actually have a watery "hydrating lotion" with the same consistency as Missha's Essence but doesn't compare in the level of moisture it imparts. It's not just moisture, I feel like the treatment essence improves the overall appearance of my skin.  I absolutely adore this product.  It's just so calming, hydrating and nourishing. And the price point is so right (I'd actually pay more for it).

I'm really looking forward to experiencing long term benefits from applying this on a daily basis.  In the back on my mind, I wonder if I should still try the SK II just to make sure I'm not missing out.  Maybe I'll experience SK II one day but just to put my mind at ease but, honestly, I can't see how it can be any more amazing than this.  

Is wheat belly standing in the way of your flat abs?

Is wheat belly standing in the way of your flat abs?

The last few weeks, I haven't been myself.  My energy levels are not where they used to be and I even caught a small cold for the first ... 5/15/2015

The last few weeks, I haven't been myself.  My energy levels are not where they used to be and I even caught a small cold for the first time in years.  I've also noticed a reduction in my sharpness & focus.  Worst of all, my belly is protruding more than normal.  Sure, I might have gained a little weight while taking a mini-vaycay recently. And I didn't do much moving around while I was sick, but that still doesn't explain the extra weight (bloat) that I was carrying in my midsection.

So I thought about it for a while and, like a flash of lightning, the answer came to me. Wheat gluten!  Years ago, my face was plagued with cystic acne, my scalp was in a constant state of inflammation and I carried extra weight in my midsection.  It was a bad time.  Then I was reminded of how food sensitivities show up on our skin.  After a little research and reflection, I came to the conclusion that eliminating wheat from my diet might make a difference.

So I did it.  Then everything changed.  My skin cleared, the dermatitis on my scalp subsided, I lost weight easily, and my stomach was flatter than it had ever been.  I couldn't believe how great this new diet was. So I went without gluten and reaped the benefits.  Then, years later, gluten crept into my life in small amounts. For example, most sushi restaurants don't carry gluten free versions of soy sauce.  I realized that my body could tolerate it in small amounts without adverse effects.

One thing led to another and somehow wheat products came back into my life.  Not on a full scale but enough to make an impact.  The itchy scalp came back, my skin is still calm but I can tell there's something going on beneath the surface.  Now that I've realized the error in my ways, it's time to take immediate action.  For those of you wondering about what's so bad about wheat. Long story short, it can be hard to digest. Gluten, they say, acts like a glue in the intestines messing with the integrity of our digestive system.  It's also said that wheat increases our appetite causing weight gain.  And when you eat it, your blood sugar spikes quickly.  When I removed wheat completely from my life, I became less hungry even though my diet was loaded with fruits and vegetables.  Those insane hunger cravings just left me.  Now I'm bombarded with cravings of gluten rich foods on a daily basis.

Not everyone reacts to wheat the same.  You might be one of those people who have no issues with wheat whatsoever.   But even if you feel fine consuming gluten on a daily basis, I invite you to try reducing/eliminating wheat for a couple of weeks and see if you experience even better results.  I look forward to seeing my stomach go down again, experiencing an increase in energy levels.

To kick start recovery, I'm focusing on fortifying my intestinal flora.  For instance, I want to increase my prebiotics levels.  Prebiotics are different from probiotics.  Prebiotics are essentially the food for probiotics.  One good source of prebiotics is with apple cider vinegar and coconut vinegar.  Luckily, I have some coconut vinegar on hand which I decided to mix with a cup of bamboo tea because I can not stand the tasted of coconut vinegar alone.  But coconut vinegar and tea is a wonderful combination.  I found myself enjoying every sip.

I'm not saying that I'll never eat wheat again. But I do know how it affects me and I'll go in with my eyes open.  I'll counteract my actions with measure that rebuild what wheat destroys.   I won't fool myself into thinking I'm free of negative side effects because it doesn't happen right away.  But that's how life is. We do (or don't do) something, and nothing bad happens, so we assume our actions have no repercussions.  But the good news is that everything is pretty much reversible.  So in a few weeks from now, I'll be a different person.  And best of all, I'll be a bit wiser because of having gone through this experience.

Style Obsession | Denim upon Denim.

Style Obsession | Denim upon Denim.

By far, the favorite items in the closet are my denim.  I have jeans from years ago that I still rock even today.  I love my flared jeans, b... 5/14/2015

By far, the favorite items in the closet are my denim.  I have jeans from years ago that I still rock even today.  I love my flared jeans, boot cut, skinny, shredded, all of it!  I am patiently awaiting for denim dresses to make a come back. But until then, I'll layer my denim to achieve that head to toe look.

Pairing a denim top with your favorite pair of jeans seems like a no brainer.  The option are limitless. You can opt to match the shades of denim or you can go for contrast.  We typically consider jeans to be the ultimate in dressing down but when you pair your denim with nude heels and a statement bag, all of that dressing down stuff goes out the window.

To me, double denim is the perfect outfit that allows your accessories to shine.  On it's own, a pair of jeans is a pair of jeans. But when paired with a denim top, suddenly you've got a striking and stylish look.  The double denim outfit transitions from casual to night time chic simply by tucking in the top and opting for a more overstated handbag.  Everyone  reading this who haven't experimented with double denim has some homework to do.

Summer Refreshment.

Summer Refreshment.

Picture this.  You and your beau have taken a trip to the beach. After an afternoon of lounging and frolicking by the water, he spots a seas... 5/14/2015

Picture this.  You and your beau have taken a trip to the beach. After an afternoon of lounging and frolicking by the water, he spots a seaside restaurant that boasts of the freshest seafood in town.  You've developed a hunger and are ready to eat, but feel slightly uncomfortable because you haven't showered in hours.  If only you had a quick kit that you can use to refresh yourself on days like this.

It's unseasonably warm in my part of town.  I could take a shower in the morning, and be sweaty/sticky hours later.  So I decided to take a proactive approach and build a Summer Refreshment kit for those moments when I need a little mid-day refreshing in between showers.

The first area I'm most concerned about is my face.  If sweat beads start to form, I can almost guarantee that dirt, oil and bacteria are invading my skin.  I would be doing myself a disservice by allowing my skin to remain in that state until evening.    The solution?  For now, I'm turning to Aveda's Botanical Kinetics.  This stuff is amazing. Simply put.  It has a pH of 3 which will help calm and bring balance back to the skin.  It's technically an exfoliant which means that Botanical Kinetics effectively removes surface dirt and oil with ease.  Best of all, it's super refreshing.  The scent reminds me a trip to the spa and it leaves my skin with a clean (but not over-stripped) feeling with each use.  I have a full + travel size bottle of this stuff, that's how much I adore it.

Next in my tool kit are facial mists which are an absolute must.  After your face has been cleansed with the gentle exfoliating toner, a few pumps of cooling mist can help prevent further sweating.   This summer I will never be without a facial mist. Whether it's my DIY version, Aveda Toning Mist or Evian Facial spray.  They're all perfect in their own way.

Summer is made for light fruity scents.  Especially for those times when you're not sure if smelling as fresh as you did hours ago.  I've amassed a small collection of Dove's Go Fresh Mist which are small enough to fit in any bag. These high potency scents are exceptionally sweet and slightly overpowering.  I guess the intent is to make them long lasting. So as time passes, some of the fragrance subsides.  I think the line is being (or has been) discontinued. I've been on the hunt for the cucumber + green tea scented version but they're selling for $20.00 or more.  It might still be worth it, though, because all you need is just a couple of pumps are you're good to go.  One small bottle lasts quite a while.

Then there's the most important type of refreshment...the underarms.  Years ago, I gave up traditional deodorants for fear that the aluminum content would one day cause the onset of Alzheimer's.  So I turned to more natural alternatives which make me feel better about my choices, but they perform poorly in keeping sweating at bay.  The solution, for me comes in the form Neutrogena's hydrating makeup wipes.  I don't wear enough makeup during the day to use these regularly but they are AMAZING at cleansing the underarms. Not only do they remove the sweat, but they actually cleanse, removing dirt, leaving you a little fresher in the process.

That's what I got so far.  If anyone has suggestions on a decent all natural deodorant or an amazing body mist, leave a comment below.

Skin Care Inspo | What Taylour Paige does every day for flawless skin.

Skin Care Inspo | What Taylour Paige does every day for flawless skin.

A while back, Instragram suggested that I take a look at a recent picture posted by actress Taylour Paige.  I had no idea who she was at the... 5/12/2015

A while back, Instragram suggested that I take a look at a recent picture posted by actress Taylour Paige.  I had no idea who she was at the time, I just saw her as a beautiful person with super-amazing skin.

I was hungry to learn more about her skin care routine.  Was she one of these women who just has naturally flawless skin or did she conduct any specific ritual(s) to contribute to her even-toned skin and healthy glow?

Her Instagram page didn't provide any clues so I dug a little further.  Lucky for us, StyleBlazer sat her down and asked for the details (video below).  When asked what her favorite hair product was, she mentioned a brand (WEN). When asked about her favorite skin care product, she shares a process (exfoliation).  

We can now officially add Taylour to the list of flawless skinned people who exfoliate everyday along with Chilli formerly of TLC,  Atlanta Housewife Cynthia Rowland, and probably countless others who have perfect skin but haven't publicly disclosed their routines. 

 If you voyage through Taylour's Instagram feed, you see a pic of her as a child in which she appears to have beautiful skin.  The first self defeating thought that flashed through my mind was "she's always had good skin, it's genetic."  Perhaps, but if I remained satisfied with that flimsy explanation, maybe I wouldn't have come across the video where homegirl says it with her own mouth that she exfoliates daily.  I mean, we all had great skin when we were in elementary school. But as adults, we gotta take things more seriously.  

In exfoliating daily, Taylour is showing off fresh healthy skin.  It glows naturally because, without dry skin covering the surface, it easily reflects light.  I've also learned that she's a professional dancer which probably means that she sweats frequently and drinks a ton of water.  Exfoliation, sweating and hydration are the cornerstone of beautiful skin.  

After watching the video, I reached for my jar of Fresh's Sugar Facial Scrub.  Once the exfoliation session was completed, I proceeded with the multi-step Korean Skin Care routine.  This time, there was a huge difference.  Suddenly, I could feel tingling when I applied the glycolic/hyaluronic serum. Why? Because the dead layer of skin that blocked my products from penetrating the healthy cells was no longer an issue.  Instantly, my skin care products became more effective and my skin hasn't been the same since.  

If you don't have a kick-butt exfoliator that does wonders for your skin, put that on your to-do list.  Fresh's sugar scrub will always be my fave.  On the weekends, I'll mix it up with a chemical exfoliant. Or maybe I use Dr. Gross' Alpha Beta Peel at night as a mild chemical exfoliant gentle which is enough to use daily.  When I hear people mention daily exfoliation, I assume they are using some sort of scrub.  But if your skin isn't up to the challenge, you can do it 3-4 times a week. Another option is the super gentle Cure Gel exfoliator (written about in this post), which does the trick with very little irritation to the skin. 

I finally tried the 10 step Korean Skin Care Routine (and fell in love).

I finally tried the 10 step Korean Skin Care Routine (and fell in love).

Once upon a time, a coworker invited a group of us to his home for dinner. When we arrived, we were immediately blown away at the lengths hi... 5/05/2015

Once upon a time, a coworker invited a group of us to his home for dinner. When we arrived, we were immediately blown away at the lengths his wife went to create a traditional Korean feast for us.  After a few minutes of introduction, we all sat down for a wonderful evening of food and laughs.  Months later, I ran into his wife again, this time, I got down to business and asked her a question that was on my heart since our first meeting.  You  see, his wife had the most flawless skin I had ever seen.  I absolutely needed to know her skin care secrets.

When the opportunity came, I gently pulled her to the side and asked the important questions.  She received the compliments I gave her in a generous and humble way.  She then proceeded to tell me that she once had troubled skin and saw improvements after using an egg based soap.  Once I got home, I got to researching for this soap made with real egg whites.  While on the hunt, I discovered the level of seriousness that Koreans place on their skin care regimens.  I learned that a traditional daily regimen could involve as many as a dozen steps!  After seeing this video of Michelle Phan layering product after product onto her skin, I became bewildered and slowly backed away from a multi-step routine.  There was no way that I was going to invest that amount of effort day after day.  It just seemed excessive.

In the back of my mind, I couldn't deny the amazingness of Michelle's skin.  It was flawless perfection.  That was a few years ago. I wasn't ready to take my skin care routine to that level.

Youtuber Steve Jan

But when the student is ready, a teacher (re)appears.  Just the other day, I stumbled upon this video of a 40+ year old man with the skin of a teenager.  His bare skin glowed like that of an angel.  He too had a multistep routine that included layering of various products for enhanced results.  There was no denying the quality of his skin.

Finally, I gave in and tested process for myself.  After double cleansing with the Clarisonic Pro, began my journey into multistep skin care.  First I added a little coconut cider vinegar to a cotton pad and applied as a toner.  The acidic nature of the vinegar calms my skin and keeps dermatitis flare ups at bay.  Next I layered serum after serum starting with Snail Bee Essence, then Truth Serum Vitamin C booster. Finally, once that dried, I layered the Glycolic and Hyaluronic acid serum hybrid purchased from MakeUpArtist Choice.  Actually, I'm not sure what order I used the serums but either way, it's the first time I've ever done such a thing.  By the time I finished the process by adding eye cream and vitamin C moisturizer, my skin glowed.  I stood in front of the mirror in awe of what I was seeing.  Who's skin was this?

Now that I've tasted the wonders of a multi-layering, multi-step facial routine, how can I ever go back to the old way of doing things?  In fact, my first thoughts were of how I needed to add a facial essence and a hydrating serum for night time.  I've been eyeing SK II facial essence for a very long time. I may finally take the plunge. But first, I think I'll try the cost friendly skin essence available from Missha which is less than half the price of SK II and has higher reviews.   It makes me giddy thinking about it.  And to think that I was patting myself on the back for how little effort I was putting into my facial routine while still getting by.   After years of dealing with horrendous acne, I was happy to not have to fuss with a rigid regimen.  But I was sacrificing the opportunity to have the skin of my dreams because I decided to get a little lazy.

For those of you who want to dabble in the labor intensive, skin transforming Korean skin care regimen, here's a quick breakdown.

STEP 1:  Pre-cleanse | Typically means the removal of makeup using a makeup wipe, cleansing water or cleansing oil.

STEP 2: Cleanse | Use a gentle cleanser to throughly remove dirt and oil.

STEP 3: Exfoliate |  Removing dead skin cells helps absorption of serums and creams.

STEP 4:  Tone | Bring the skin back to it's proper pH balance.

STEP 5: Essence | Promotes healthy cells by promoting cell turnover and removal of toxin.  Makes skin brighter and healthier.

STEP 6: Serum | Applying a concentrated serum to address skin needs.  This may require using several different serums if you have multiple concerns.

STEP 7:  Mask | Not necessary for every day but adding a sheet mask to the routine can help target specific areas such as moisture balance, brightening, collagen boosting etc.

STEP 8: Eye Cream | To promote youth in the eye areas.

STEP 9:  Moisturizer | Hydrate the skin all over

STEP 10: Night Cream for intense repair.

Honorable Mention:  Massage |  To promote blood flow to the skin. You can do a separate massage routine or incorporate massage as you layer on each product.

Ten steps sure seems like a lot to contend with but the pay off is high.

Inspired By.

Inspired By.

5/03/2015