My Current Skincare Routine

I have been asked to do a post on my current skincare routine. First, let me give you background on my skin. I have combination skin, oily in the summer and dry in the winter. I have never really suffered from acne, just an occasional bump here and there, usually around that time of the month. I have been doing my current skincare routine for about a month. Prior to that, I had been using Proactiv since I was 14. My mother put me on it as a preventative measure. I wanted to wean myself off of it.

I had heard great things about Philosophy's skincare products, so I decided to try their Purity Made Simple foaming daily cleanser. I was also given a 2 ounce sample of their Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash. I must say that I love both. I use the foam cleanser at night and the exfoliating wash in the mornings. My skin has responded great to it and I will repurchase the exfoliating wash once my sample runs out. The foam cleanser is a 2 in 1 that doubles as a toner. It also is great at removing makeup, though I prefer to remove my makeup right when I get home with my Almay makeup remover wipes.

I also use Olay's Age Defying Intensive Nourishing Night Cream at night. It has beta hydroxy in it that is supposed to help with aging. My skin and I love it. I use Neutrogena's Oil Free Moisture as my morning moisturizer. I like it because it has spf 15 in it and it doesn't leave my skin greasy. I still use Proactiv's Refining Mask once a week to rid my pores of impurities. It really is a great mask.

Well that is what I use. Skincare is very personal as no two people's skin is alike. What works for me, may not work for you.

Jessica Alba-Style Inspiration

First and foremost, work and school has kept me away longer that I would have liked. Sorry so long since my last post.

While browsing the web, I came across this photo of Jessica Alba at the Chanel couture show in Paris. She was wearing this lovely Chanel number in my favorite color palette of black, white, and red. The look can easily be duplicated without spending the thousands of dollars that she spent on this outfit. Simply find a white cocktail dress with a full skirt, accessorize with a skinny red belt, and some black booties. Don't forget to break out your favorite vampy red lipstick!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Haul

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is going on now through August 1. I woke up bright and early and got there right at open. I love this sale because you can find great items at phenomenal prices. I picked up a mish mash of things.

This is what I got:

1. Diane Von Furstenberg black pencil skirt

2. Maggie London brown and purple wrap dress

3. Nars Hopelessly Devoted beauty kit that included a Deep Throat/Laguna blush bronzer duo and Orgasm and Crepuscule lipglosses.

4. MAC Rubenesque paint pot

5. Coach Poppy perfume

My favorite is the Diane Von Furstenberg skirt. I adore her clothes and I just love pencil skirts! They are the right mix of sexy and professional.

If you get a chance, go by the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. They have a ton of great buys!

MAC In The Groove Haul

From left to right: Stereo Rose, Jazzed, Petticoat

MAC released another limited edition collection called In The Groove on July 8th. This collection was massive but I only picked up three things (I showed great restraint). I got the infamous Stereo Rose MSF, Petticoat MSF, and Jazzed lipstick. As some might know, Stereo Rose is a very sought after MSF as MAC has only released it one other time, back in 2005 and it is the only coral MSF. You can find these going on Ebay for as high as $112! My MAC counter only got in two, and I got one of them! It sold out online within 2 hours of going live! Petticoat is also a favorite amongst MAC lovers as it is one of the most pigmented, non-glittery MSF's. I wasn't sold on Jazzed until I swatched in the store. It is the most gorgeous peachy coral color. It is a cremesheen finish so it has a creamy consistency and gives a nice sheen on the lips.

Stereo Rose (rosey coral) & Petticoat (raspberry pink)

Jazzed lipstick

Now for some education. MAC's Mineralize Skinfininsh or MSF for short, are face powders with minerals in them that can be used as highlighters, blushes, or bronzers. There is also the MSF Natural which is a face powder you can use as a foundation or to set your foundation. Because MSF's are multi-purpose, they are very popular amongst MAC lovers. Hope that gives you some insight into MSF's.

Bath & Body Works Sensual Sugar Scrub Is A Hit

I have found the best skin exfoliator! It is Bath & Body Works Sensual Sugar Scrub in Sandalwood Fig. I purchased it about a month and a half ago during their semi-annual sale. It is part of their aromatherapy line. It does a wonderful job of scrubbing away those dead skin cells and leaves my skin so smooth and moisturized. It contains sunflower, safflower, sweet almond, and jojoba oils. It is so moisturizing that I don't have to use lotion afterward and I normally have extremely dry skin. The scent is very nice and not too strong. In addition to using it all over, I use it on my elbows and heels as well. It really does a great job at getting my heels nice and smooth (and my heels are the driest part of my body). It retails for $16 but I got for half off! So if you find it, I highly recommend grabbing one, especially at the sale price.

Look at all the oils!

Beauty Bargin-Ulta Mechanical Waterproof Eyeliners

Ulta is having a sale on their Ulta Brand Mechanical Waterproof Eyeliners. Normally $7, they are only $1 through July 24. Since you can not beat $1 eyeliner, I picked up three (which is the limit per customer). I figured since they were so cheap, it would be a great time to try colors I would not normally pay full price for. I got Indigo, which is a navy blue color, Raisin, which is a plum color, and Chocolate, which is obviously brown. They all have a bit of shimmer and sheen to them, so they are more pearlized than matte in finish. They are indeed smudge proof, after swatching them on my hand, I vigorously rubbed it and they did not budge! And with the convenience of not having to sharpen them, you can not go wrong with these for $1!

From left to right: Indigo, Raisin, Chocolate

They are going pretty fast, so pick them up for $1 while you still can!