The Kristen Awards! Skin care!

THE KRISTEN AWARDS

SKIN CARE

My whole life of makeup actually started with- esthetics or skin care.  Caring for the skin is the #1 best thing that you can do everyday.  You only have one face.  No amount of makeup can help you if your skin is a mess.  Blemishes, hyper pigmentation, sun spots, dryness, oiliness- all issues that we can all deal with from time to time.  So many things can affect your skin- the most prevalent being lack of skin care, hormones, aging and weather.  I will warn you- I will save a buck with makeup and brushes but I honestly don't scrimp on my skincare.  The reason is that skin care STAYS on your face.  Its absorbed into your skin which is your largest organ.  Here are some things that I LOVE.  

Eye Makeup Remover

This one is simple- and there is only one because I refuse to go anywhere else- Neutrogena Oil Free Makeup Remover.  This stuff is AMAZING.  I use it with an exfoliating cotton rounds to remove water proof shadows, gel liners and waterproof mascara like its butter!!  Its the best and its totally cheap!  Don't spend a lot of cash on eye makeup remover- your literally throwing it away.

Face Wash

#3- Simple Refreshing Face Wash-  This stuff is great for sensitive skin.  Its super easy to find and its gentle.  There isn't a smell or any dyes that can irritate the skin. The only down side is that it foams- so it can be drying.  (I try to avoid sulfates in all my face products)  I put it in here because some people just cant live without foam- so I gave you a great choice!  Make sure to rinse super well after this.  

#2- Cetaphil- This stuff is my good ole fall back.  I will try a cleanser but somehow I always come back to it.  It doesn't foam.  Its super gentle.  It rinses clean.  Its awesome for any skin types since there are so many formulas.  I can't say enough good things about it.  

#3- Michael Todd True Organics Charcoal Detox Cleanser-  I never really thought that I would EVER spend money on face wash.  Its just face wash- right?  This product proved me wrong.  This stuff freaked me out at first because its black!  (duh- charcoal)  This stuff cleans deep down, doesn't foam, removes any makeup, has helped with breakouts and white heads and best of all- calmed my skin down.  This stuff is AMAZING.  

Toner

I'm not a great advocate of toner- I feel like if you wash well- you don't need anything with alcohol in it to strip your skin.  Well I have stumbled across these new style toners that are more just to regulate the PH on your skin (so no alcohol) and to add back a bit of moisture.  The best part?  They are in a spray!!  The only thing is that both are on the pricier side and totally skip-able if needs be.  

#2- Embryolisse Eau de Beaute Rosamèlis- This stuff is so refreshing and really pampering.  Its French- so you have to order it online.  You can find it on discount from Hautelook.com when they are on sale. 

#1-JURLIQUE Rosewater Balancing Mist- Another fantastic spray toner.  The only thing that is better than the Embryolisse?  The smell!  OMG- rose yumminess!

Serums

I never gave thoughts to serums when I was in my twenties.  Now that I am firmly planted in my 30s, I am looking to them.  They are always going to be on the pricier side.  You are paying for the science behind it.  They are the best way to get your skin to absorb the vitamins or acids or lipids that your skin starts to lack as you begin to age.  Again- neither are on the cheap side but worth their weight in GOLD.

#2- SkinCeuticals Blemish+ Age Defense- this really changed the texture of my skin.  At one time after having Lyza I had super congested skin.  This stuff cleared it up, softened it and re-texturized.  Selected salons carry it- http://www.skinceuticals.com/_us/_en/members/locate_professional.aspx Will help you find a  place to go try it out!

#1- Michael Todd True Organics Hyaluronic Acid + C Serum- At half the price of the SkinCeuticals, this stuff ROCKS.  It's awesome whether you are are preventing aging, reversing skin damage, dealing with breakouts- this stuff is amazing.  

Eye Cream

I cant live without eye cream.  The eye area is the thinnest skin on your body.  You HAVE to keep it moisturized!  It helps decreasing puffiness, filling in fine lines, it can help with dark circles- if nothing else goes on my face after cleansing- I HAVE to have eye cream.

#3- Olay Eye Cream- the easiest to find and cheapest version.  Its awesome if you only need moisture and no alpha hydroxy acids or firming agents.  This is great for your 20s and even early 30s if you can get away with it.  

#2- Michael Todd True Organics Intensive Organic Eye Cream- this one is a game changer- I didn't expect it to be as amazing as it is.  It comes with a weird applicator that I don't use- I just squirt one pump onto my finger and dab it on.  I LOVE this stuff- I have two on hand at all times.

#3- Avon Anew Ultimate 7S- This stuff is my old faithful.  It has a two part system- a balm/serum you put on first and then a super hydrating cream you put on second.  I only use this at night as its SUPER emollient.  This stuff rocks so much!

Moisturizer

It doesn't matter how old or young you are- you really should be using a moisturizer.  If you are younger- a light version with sunscreen is a great choice.  The older you get, the more emollient and hydrating you should be going.  Alpha Hydroxy Acids should be part of your routine too if you are starting to notice a little less life in your skin or its seeming to be dehydrated.  

#4- Cetaphil Daily Moisture is an awesome pick for everyday use.  It has SPF, is a lighter weight formula and is non irritating which is awesome.

#3- Olay Active Hydrating Beauty Fluid- This has been a go too that my grandmother wore everyday and had me use.  Its the good ole guy that is awesome for daily wear and I know a lot of people hate the smell- I LOVE it- it reminds me of my Grandma Faye and snuggling in her movable bed with her.

#2- Olay Total Effects for Mature Skin- if you need a good night cream that is emollient and nourishing  this is your stuff.  Just because it says Mature- doesn't mean you have to be 70 to use it!  

#1- All things Embryolisse- they have the most amazing moisturizers you have ever seen.  they have an amazing Oil Control Formula, A 24 hour Cream Concentrate Formula and a super hydrating Filaderme formula for dry, dry skin.  These are a French product but if you can hunt these down on Hautelook.com or any other website- you will not be disappointed.  I own all three formulas because my skin needs change throughout the year- so I thought it best to be prepared.  

Masks and Treatments

Masks and Treatments are not a daily thing but are totally good to help exfoliate  de-gunk your skin and rejuvenate. 

#3- Serious Skin Detailer Tri-Phase Facial Peel- This is an awesome and gentle chemical peel that is used to unclog pores and help turn over the surface of ones skin.  I recommend this one every 10-14 days and follow the directions carefully.  Whenever you are messing around with chemicals its important to make sure you know how long to leave on.  

#2- Philosophy Microdelivery Peel- the active ingredient is Vitamin C which is amazing for skin.  This one is amazing for clearing up congested skin and helping with sun damage.

#1- Michael Todd True Organics Charcoal Detox or Pumpkin Masks- These things are AMAZING.  The Charcoal Detox helps with drawing out impurities and clearing out the pores.  The pumpkin one has an amazing enzyme that really turns over the top layer of skin.  Your skin really looks amazing after these masks!

Tools

This is a totally optional category but there are two things that I feel strongly that I need to give a shout out to!  They really have changed the way my skin looks and feels!

#2- The Michael Todd True Organics Eye-O-Sonic- this naughty looking vibrating device looks like it would be the biggest gimmick.  You put your eye cream on and then use this device to rub it in to absorb.  I decided to try the eye cream without for a week and then the eye cream with for a week.  By day three of using it- I noticed a HUGE difference in the fine lines around my eyes and the fact that my concealer wasn't creasing as much!  That's HUGE in my book.  After a month of using it- I can honestly say it works- it does help the eye cream sink in deeper and do its job better!

#1- Duh, of coarse its the Clarisonic!  LOL- Are your eyes/ears bleeding from hearing me write/type so much about this bad boy?  I know, I know.  Its not a cheap product coming in at $150 but I have had mine for nearly 5 years now and I don't know how I ever functioned without it.  I use the sensitive brush heads and I only use it at night time.  It is a gentle exfoliation that you do daily that helps your skin clear up, cells turn over more quickly and your products sink in deeper.  I cant rave about this enough- I LOVE it!

And there you have it- The Kristen Awards for Skin care!  What have you found that your skin cant live without?  

The Kristen Awards- Give good face!

THE KRISTEN AWARDS

GIVE GOOD FACE

I thought that it was about time that I tell you some of the products that I recommend to EVERYONE that asks.  Without hesitation- I repurchase all of these things over and over again.  I know a lot of these are not a shock if you follow my blog but I thought I would put them all together in one place!  Now because I don't want this to be like 20 pages long, I thought I would break it up into skincare, face, tools, eyes and lips.  Here are the Kristen Awards for face!

PRIMERS- I love me a good primer!  If you want your face to have extra staying power, the look of less pores and all around just look better- grab you a primer.  I have a couple to choose from in different price ranges to choose from.  As a note- I tend to favor non silicone primers.  I think that they sink into the skin better and wear better on a larger variety of skin types.  I will throw an honorable mention silicone primer in there on the end if that's what you are into :)

#1- Philosophy The Present- OK its not drugstore- its $20 bucks BUT its TWO ounces- which is over twice the size of just about any other primer I know.  Its spectacular- just let it dry for a SOLID 4-5 minutes before applying foundation- I cannot stress this enough.  This stuff aint coming off.  LOVE IT.

#2- Pixi Flawless and Poreless- I got a sample tube of this in my February ipsy.com bag and its become my fast grab everyday when- "I don't want to use my pricey stuff" go to primer.  It better for oily skin but it works decently at keeping under eye creasing to a minimum.  It is tinted but I would not consider it any sort of coverage.  If anything it dries to a blurry effect which is kind of cool if you are into minimal face products- like just concealer and powder.  You can pick this up at Target and is really great!

#3- Laura Gellar Spackle- This stuff is my new obsession primer.  Again- not drugstore but you can find it on the cheap on sites like Hautelook.com or even QVC!  I bought two 2 ounce bottles for $30!  I got one that was tinted champagne and has glitter and I got the original.  Far and away- the original is the one to pick up. 

Honorable Mention- for those who cannot live without the silicone primer- my favorite formula is by Palladio which is available at Sally Beauty Supply.  This stuff is MAJOR.  Its thick and silky.  If you like the Smashbox Photo Finnish Original- this is a pretty close duplicate at a fraction of the price.  

CONCEALER- Ah, how I love thee concealer   You fool everyone into thinking I have never had a breakout or a bad nights sleep.  There are a couple of different formulas that I would recommend for different places on the face.  Lets get into this!

Under- eye go bye- bye!
I have hereditary under eye discoloration.  Always have.  I fool everyone into thinking that I have slept well- and here are my picks for under eyes!

#1- Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer.  Wow that's a mouthful.  I LOVE this stuff.  Honestly- I have seen this in the store a thousand times before and it always grossed me out.  I'm not into gimmicky packaging that has applicators built right in.  Ewe.  Just ewe.  Well I got recommended to try it out so I did during a bogo sale- so I got it for less than $4!  Let me tell you- WOW.  Seriously- wow.  I have fine lines that love to collect and hold onto concealer like crazy and this stuff is SO thin, so moisturizing and it doesn't crease- BUT its super pigmented!  I just put it on the back of my hand and use my fingers but I know people who put it right on there face and then blend out with their fingers and no one has died of infection.  J/K- in fact the sponge tip is anti microbial- so you wont get all nasty like I'm insinuating.  

#2- It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye.  Again- not a drugstore brand but you can find them discounted and I heard QVC has some good bundle deals.  When I tried this stuff I was a little taken a-back.  This stuff is THICK.  Like super pasty thick and I was FREAKING out that it was going to look cakey.  Boy was I wrong.  You only need the insiest little bit and pat it on and it just melts into your skin!  OH!  Did I mention its water proof and crease resistant?  Uh yeah- totally worth it.

Spot or blemish concealer
I use a drier formula on spots than I do under my eyes.  Its a preference thing- I like the way it works for me and my peeps.  Do you need separate concealers  not necessarily  I just prefer it.  

#1- NYX Above and Beyond Full Coverage Concealer in a Jar.  This stuff is FANTASTIC.  Its a little jar of complexion perfection.  Whenever I get the occasional break out or if I have anything else like bug bites or scars, I go to this stuff.  Its ridiculously amazing.  Oh, and its a steal at under $10!

#2- Mehron ProColoRing- Not drugstore and actually a little tricky to find but if you find it- PICK IT UP.  It is the MOST PIGMENTED concealer hands down.  It also comes in a color wheel with 5 colors so you can contour, highlight and conceal to your hearts content with this thing.  Its the most all around versatile concealer product I own.

All Around winner- If you only want one heavy duty mama-jama The Hard Candy Glamoflauge is the one for you.  This is a tube of imperfection.  It is a HEAVY duty concealer and if you have fine lines- it can settle- so make sure to set really well with powder.  Other than that- this stuff is concealer HEAVEN.  Oh, and its $5 from Walmart!!!

BB CREAM-  If you feel the need to jump on the BB cream wagon- here are your best bets.  Two of which are from Asian companies found on sites like eBay or sasa.com, one from the drugstore the other Sephora.  Don't get too invested in BB creams if you are wanting tons of coverage.  I will go from my least favorite to the best one!

#4- Dr Brandt Flexitone BB cream.  This one is amazing if you have darker skin since 99% of BB creams are for lighter skin.  This is one that changes color to match your skin.  I really like it BUT its the priciest in the $30 price range and can be found at Sephora.

#3-Revlon Photo Ready BB cream- this is the ONLY drugstore BB cream that I like.  Its not as good as the others but the only drugstore find and its on the cheaper side of things.  I like it as a primer too- put it under your foundation for an extra perfect finish.

#2- Skin 79 Super Beblesh Balm (pink packaging)- I really like this one.  I REALLY like this one.  The only down side is trying to get your hands on it.  Sasa.com and eBay are the best bets.  If you want a really good coverage and most true to what a BB cream is supposed to be- this is a great choice.

#1- Skin Food Aloe Sun BB Cream- OK- disclaimer- this stuff smells like roses.  LIKE A LOT.  BUT- EVERY SINGLE TIME I wear this- people compliment my skin.  Not- oh, your makeup looks great, but WOW- you have the most perfect skin I have ever seen.  You cant tell that this is makeup which is why its my #1 choice.  Again- finding it can be a bit tricky but its one that I hunt down again and again.

Foundation- OK, I really need to find a support group for the foundation addiction I suffer from.  I have SO many foundations which makes me qualified to tell you all about them.  I feel like this category there will be no surprises though- I talk about these three ALL THE TIME.

#3- L'Oreal True Match- this one is the greatest if you are a hard to find color.  They come in three lines- cool, warm and neutral.  You WILL find your color- from lightest light to dark.  Its between a sheer to medium coverage with one coat with a stipple brush.  It can be built up or you can just use your fingers which is my favorite way with this foundation.  

#2- Urban Decay Naked Skin- This is NOT drugstore, you cant usually find this on the cheap but if you HATE the feeling of foundation but want to look flawless- this is your foundation.  This stuff feels like I have nothing at all on my face.  Seriously- I LOVE how light weight it is.  The coverage is a true medium with a stipple brush and I don't like to use my fingers because its so thin.  It is TOTALLY build-able too.  If you have any trouble spots that peek out after one coat- just pat on another.  You wont look cakey AT ALL and it covers!

#1- Not a shocker at all to anyone who knows me- Revlon Colorstay- there are two formulas- one for dry and one for oily and the color choices are pretty amazing.  This stuff is thick but I find I only need the littlest bit to make me look PERFECT.  If you want budge proof full on coverage- this is your bad boy.  I prefer a stipple brush and this is a medium to full coverage in one coat.  I wouldn't recommend building it up too heavily or you will get cakey.  This is my everyday go to foundation and its my special occasion or photo friendly foundation.  

Powder- If you want to make sure your shine free and that your foundation stays in place all day- powder your face!  The problem with powder?  The wrong kind of powder can really make things look heavy, cakey and well- powdery.  Here are my three favorite babies!

#3- L'Oreal True Match Powder- this stuff is great.  Going along with the color matching perfection that the True Match line- this stuff has an awesome color selection.  Its finely milled and really sets your face.  It gives a bit of coverage without being too pigmented.  

#2- Laura Geller Balance N Brighten- This is marketed as a baked mineral foundation.  I don't wear it on its own- but over a BB cream or some concealer- its FLAWLESS.  The most awesome thing?  It looks straight up like skin.  Its not drugstore- you gotta find it at Ulta and its worth every single penny- and it lasts FOREVER.

#1- Rimmel Stay Matte Powder- I tried this on a total whim.  I was at Target getting pissed of about the price of translucent setting powders and stumbled across this.  I'm so glad I did.  This stuff is AWESOME.  The powder is milled super fine so it absorbs in and sets your face perfectly.  It also has a range from translucent to dark.  Its $4 and I cant live without it!

And there you have it ladies and gents- the Kristen Awards for face products.  Proof that you can find AMAZING products at every price point and you don't have to refinance your house for a decent face look!  What are your holy grail products?

Ivory 2-IN-1 Hair and Body!

So guys Influenster strikes again and sent me a complimentary bottle of the Ivory 2-IN-1 Hair and Body Wash.  I was tickled because we already use Ivory bars in our homemade laundry detergent and we use the body wash for the kids.  First off- I LOVE the smell of Ivory soap.  It is the quintessential smell of clean- like seriously.  It reminds me of my youth and going to grandmas house.  She always used Ivory bars in the bathrooms.  I'm also a huge fan because they don't add any dyes to their soaps and my kids especially have issues with soap and body wash with dyes.  They tend to get red bumps all over their bodies if they use things from Bath and Body Works or even the kids bubble bath that comes in all the cute bottles.  So the fact that Ivory is dye free is a HUGE score for us.  The last thing- its SO cost effective!  I buy a 6 pack of bars to put in my laundry detergent for under $5 at Walmart.  The body wash is in the $2 price range!  

Anyway- back to the actual review.  I should start out with saying that I have SUPER dry skin.  Seriously- I have alligator legs to the max.  I am always trying to stay away from anything too harsh or drying.  I exfoliate once a week to help with that too....sugar and olive oil together- AWESOME.  I was a bit leery of trying this because I am super choosy and tend to favor anything with "super hydrating" in the title or description.  I have to say- I REALLY like it.  It rinses super clean and doesn't leave a tight or filmy residue.  It leaves your skin smelling clean but the scent doesn't linger and compete with your lotions or perfumes.  Can I skip using lotion after this?  Sadly no, but honestly unless I use oil in the shower- I cant anyway.  

The second part is that this new formula is a 2-in-1.  Its meant to be a hair wash too.  This is where I just cant  give a good opinion.  I have dry, dry curly hair and I quit using sulfates or even shampoo....so I didn't let it go close to my hair.  Josh on the other hand tried it on his hair.  He is a Head n Shoulders 2-in-1 user anyway so he is pretty used to using this type of formula.  He said it was good as a shampoo.  There are conditioners in it but it isn't a conditioner.  The Head n Shoulders left his hair softer but the Ivory left it super clean.  He said that this would be a great one to use after digging in the yard or heavy sweating or just when your hair needs a good scrub.  He used some VO5 conditioner that we had in the shower on afterward and he said it was great!  

So there you go- What do you think of 2-in-1 products?  What are your hits and misses?  Have you tried the new Ivory re-launch or would you give it a go?