How to choose a Cleanser

 Cleansing is the first step in your skin regime.  The benefits of skin cleansing include:

• Removes makeup, dirt, debris, oil and bacteria from skin.
• May contain emollients that soften skin.
• May contain ingredients to treat various skin conditions.
• Offers a clean slate for other products to penetrate skin better.

The first step to choosing a cleanser is know your skin type. Cleanser formulations include: gel, cream, lotion, and oil.

Gel Cleanser is a foaming cleanser that dissolves oil.  Perfect for oily and acne prone skin, but do not overuse it can dry skin out causing irritation.  If oily skin becomes dry, it can stimulate oil glands, causing them to overcompensate for loss of oil.  Medicated cleansers are also available for acne prone skin.

Cream Cleanser contains mainly oil and is great for mature and very dry skin.  Cream dissolves makeup & dirt and should be removed with a washcloth, tissue or sponge.  Follow up with a toner to remove any residue. 

Lotion Cleanser is a water based cleanser for normal and combination skin.  For dry skin, choose a "milky" cleanser containing emollients or oil to soft skin.  Skin will feel comfortable and does will not strip skin of its pH balance. 

Oil Cleansing is very popular now.  It is used to remove makeup and attracting oil from the skin.  Oil attracts oil.  Follow with another cleanser to remove oil residue and thoroughly cleanse skin.

Review: Everyday Minerals High Quality Cosmetics at Super Affordable Prices

I was attracted to Everyday Minerals because they offer high quality mineral cosmetics at affordable prices. Everyday Minerals is a vegan and eco-friendly cosmetics line based on the facts of being healthy and saving money. Their products contains all natural ingredients and will not break the bank.  Everyday Minerals Products are free of:

• Nanotechnology
• Carmine
• Dimethicone - A sillicone.  Coats skin, traps anything underneath it and does not allow skin to breathe.  Non-biodegradable, known tumor promoter and accumulates in the liver and lymph nodes.
• Fragrance - Can indicate up to 4,000 separate ingredients, many carcinogenic and toxic.
• Animal by products
• Bismuth Oxychloride
• Silicone
• Lake Dyes

I tried the Mineral Blush $9 (.17 oz )in Disco Inferno & New Car Smell and eye shadows $7 (.06 oz ) Add to you Pearl Eyes & I do declare shimmer eyes.  The mineral makeup lasted well through the day with pigment rich colors.  The pigment looks great on darker skin and really pops.  Disco Inferno is a rose shade blush and great on all skin tones.  New Car Smell is a very light pink, great for fair skin tones.  The blush has a sliding cover over the sifter opening to prevent you from losing product.  Add to you is a moss green shade, very pretty with I do declare a chocolate color.  I did NOT breakout from the blush, thank you Everyday Minerals!  I look forward to trying their foundation!  I am extremely excited to try this line and am a life long fan with their super affordable prices!  I recommend everyone try Everyday Minerals, especially sensitive & acne prone skin types.

Blush Ingredients: Mica & Lauroyl Lysine.  May contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron oxides, Ultramarines, and Manganese Violet.

Eye Shadow Ingredients: Mica & Lauroyl Lysine.  May Contain: Titanium Dioxide and Iron Oxides.

Everyday Minerals has a No Animal testing policy.

Available at Everydayminerals.com

UPDATE 1/20/13: I believe this blush has contributed to irritation and breakouts, as it has Lauroyl Lysine (a coconut derivative).  Coconut oil/butter/deravatives are highly comedogenic.  If you experience the same, discontinue use for a  few weeks and see how you skin reacts.


Products provided by Everyday Minerals.  This review is my honest opinion.

Basic Skincare

A skincare regime is very important for the health and appearance of your skin.  Here are the steps you should be taking to a healthy complexion morning and night.

1. Cleanse morning and night. Pick a cleanser appropriate for your skin type.  Wash your face with a Clarisonic brush or clean washcloth.  Be sure to remove all traces of makeup before going to bed.  This will prevent accumulated makeup, oil, debris and bacteria from causing breakouts.

 2. Tone.  This balances skins pH, removes cleanser residue and excess debris.  Choose a toner without alcohol, which can strip skin of its acid mantle.

3. Treat. Apply serum or corrective skincare & eye cream.  Target your areas of concern.  Apply when skin is still moist, products will penetrate better and work better.

4. Hydrate.  Moisturize your skin, even if its extremely oily.  Oily skin can will overcompensate for loss of moisture and produce even more oil.

5. Protect (day only).  Wear a minimum SPF 30 EVERYDAY.  No one is immune to skin cancer, protect yourself.  Olay Sensitive Skin SPF 30 is a great option without irritation.

Weekly Skincare
1. Exfoliate.  Exfoliation is extremely important, sloughs off dead skin cells to reveal fresh, healthy skin cells.  Acne prone skin and oily skin must be exfoliated up to three times a week to clear & prevent clogged pores.  Everyone should be exfoliating at least 2x week. I do not suggest using St. Ives Apricot Scrub, it is too aggressive for facial skin, will irritate skin and create micro-tears (it's better suited for feet).  Instead try a enzyme, AHA/BHA or Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant.  Exfoliate after cleansing.

2.  Mask.  A mask can treat blemishes, draw out impurities, brighten, rejuvenate, nourish, calm & soothe, tighten & tone skin, and hydrate skin.  Use a mask 1-2x a week.

Beauty Obsession of the Day: Gossip Girl Leighton Meester

I'll just say it-I'm obsessed with gossip girl.  I wish I started watching it sooner, its that good.  I love that Leighton always has a huge smile on her face.  A smile is so beautiful to me.

Review: Neutragena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 30

 SPF is very important.  It protects your skin from damaging free radicals, skin cancer, UVA/UVB rays (must be broad spectrum to protect from both), aging, burning, hyperpigmentation (over production of pigment/uneven skin tone), capillary damage, and weakens collagen & elastin.  I read plenty of reviews before purchasing.  It seemed to be favorite among oily skin types.

"Neutragena Ultra Sheer Sunblock is a breakthrough in sun protection. Dry Touch technology to provide an ultra-light, non-shiny finish. This lightweight sunblock absorbs quickly and has a light, fresh scent. The non-oily formula is enriched with anti-oxidant vitamins A, C, and E to help fight against environmental damage."-Neutragena

• UVA/UVB Protection 1789.
• Ultra-light, clean feel.
• Fast-absorbing, leaves skin soft and smooth.
• Light, fresh scent.
• Waterproof, sweatproof, rubproof.
• Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores).
• PABA-free. 

The Good
A Broad Spectrum SPF that protects against both UVA/UVB rays.  The spf has a light feel and does not feel greasy or heavy; making it a great option for oily skin and humid weather.  My skin feels light and looks matte after applying.  My skin feels soft and smooth after application and absorbs quickly without a trace of white.  I did not breakout, which is a breakthrough for my skin.  I have had terrible experiences with SPF clogging my pores in the past.


The Bad
Loaded with chemicals eek!!  This product is super irritating and dehydrates skin.  It is missing a physical spf like Zinc Oxide or Titanium dioxide, which is ideal for preventing hyperpigmentation.  Physical blockers reflect UV Rays instead of absorbing them with a chemical spf.  The scent bothered me, I immediately started sneezing.  My oily skin felt dry after applying, which is not good.  I also made the mistake of applying too close to my eyes and ended up tearing up, which wasn't fun.  I would not say it "resists rub -off", because it does rub off and can be irritating.  I hope I can find something affordable without the irritation.  Bottom line, I am not a fan of Neutragena, because the number of irritating chemicals in their products!  If you have allergies, skip this SPF.  I will not repurchase.


Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (2.0%), Homosalate (7%), Octinoxate (7.5%), Octisalate (5%), Oxybenzone (3.0%)
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Silica, Adipic Acid/Diethylene Glycol/Glycerin Crosspolymer, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Dimethicone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Glycerin, Oat Kernel Extract (Avena Sativa), Squalane, Ascorbyl Palmitate (Vitamin C) (Vitamin C), Retinyl Acetate (Vitamin A), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), BHT, Cetyl Dimethicone, Bisabolol (L-Alpha), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (Licorice Root) (Licorice Root), Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Tetrasodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Xanthan Gum, Benzyl Alcohol, Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Butylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance

3 fl oz.
$9
Available at CVS
1/5

sunscreen

Services offered by LadyJskincare

For those interested in stopping by for a facial or waxing service in West Hollywood, CA, here is a list of services offered.  If you have any questions or would like to make a appointment Sunday, Monday, Tuesday please email ladyjskincare@yahoo.com or call (310) 601-7633.

xoxo
Jena

Gentle Hydration Facial 30 minutes
This treatment is for the basic visual maintance of unwanted skin imperfections. The light exfoliant and gentle hydration protects you from daily exposure to pollutants that clogs your pores. Walk out of our day spa with a sense of refreshment and vitality!
$44


Signature Facial 50 minutes
If you're looking to sooth and hydrate your skin and take away the redness, this is the facial for you.  A gentle yet effective exfoliant soothing facial massage with essential oils will visibly calm irritated skin followed by a hydrating and calming vitamin masque.
$82

Deep Pore Cleanse Facial 50 minutes
This is designed to alleviate your skin of impurities which leads to blackheads, breakouts and acne. The deep cleansing with an enzyme peel, blackhead extractions, and a pain free high-frequency electrode to kill bacteria will leave your skin fresh, clean with a new feeling of confidence!
$82

Deluxe Galvanic Facial 50 minutes
To achieve a dramatically smoother skin refinement, we start you off with a glycolic or lactic peel depending on your skin type.  It's then followed by the use our ionizing galvanic current with a balancing thermal masque to stimulate cell turn over.  Indulge in a hand, arm, and shoulder massage while the multi vitamin, hydrating facial masque soothes your face and produces even supple skin tones.
$112

Upgrades

1) Galvanic Facial Machine $20
Utilizes alternating positive/negative ions to maximize product absorption deep into the dermis.  It stimulates collagen, boosts elasticity, and tightens.
2) Green Tea Lactic Peel $15
Anti-oxidant peel evens out skin tone and reduce pigmentation by smoothing and lightening the skin.   Sensitive enough for all skin types.  Great for hyperpigmentation or first time peels. 
3) Glycolic Peel $15
Reduces scarring, fine lines, wrinkles and is deeply exfoliating.  Leaves skin looking refreshed with immediate dramatic anti-aging results.
4) Microdermabrasion $25
A mechanical exfoliation that removes the uppermost layer of dead skin cells.  It leaves skin fresh, younger, polished and glowing.
5) Neck/Chest $10 each

Galvanic + Peel= $30

Waxing (Hard & Soft Wax)

Lip : Chin : Nose - $15

Brows : Ears - $20

Full Arms : Half Legs : Bikini - $32

Back : Chest : Booty - $45

Full Legs and Brazilian - $62

Review: Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10 Zaps Zits

Now here is a great product that works.  It is rare for me to find drugstore brand that works effectively.  I chose to purchase after reading Paula Begoun "The Cosmetic Cop" website, Beautypedia.com.  I trust her product recommendations and my skin is grateful.

"This acne medication contains maximum strength benzoyl peroxide.  The micronized benzoyl peroxide formula goes to work immediately, releasing the medicine deep into the pores where pimples begin.  It's the same prescription formula prescribed by doctors and dermatologists for over ten years, available without a prescription. "-Clean & Clear

Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10 contains 10% Benzoyl Peroxide, which releases oxygen that kills bacteria, sterilizes the follicle, irrigates and sloughs out acne impactions.  It works rather quickly and some maybe sensitive to BP. 

I struggle with comedones on my forehead and chin.  I am sure to wash hair products from my skin asap and keep my skin extremely clean.  My skin is also very oily, sensitive and acne prone.  This cream has kept my skin smooth and blemish free.  I also should give credit to Neostrata Anti-bacterial Facial Wash.

Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10 is actually a cream.  I am happy to have found a acne product that works and is very cheap at $5.99.  If you have sensitive skin, I suggest using once a day in the evening before bed.  Your pimple will shrink overnite.  For skin that is not easily irritated, you can apply up to three times a day.  I only apply two times a day.  My skincare regime is below.

My PM Regime:
1)  Cleanse with Neostrata Anti-Bacterial Facial Wash. Warm water +washcloth.
2) Weleda Pomegranate Eye Cream.
3) PCA Skin Pigment Gel (for hyperpigmentation)
4) Spot treat with Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10.
5) Moisturize with Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion or Weleda Pomegranate Night Cream.
6) Extra dab of C&C Persa Gel 10.

My AM Regime:  
1) Cleanse with Neostrara Anti-bacterial Facial Wash.  Warm water+washcloth.
2) Weleda Pomegranate Eye Cream.
3) Spot treat with Clean & Clear Persa Gel 10.
4) Moisturize with  Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion or Weleda Pomegranate Day Cream.
5) Protect skin with Neutragena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch spf 30.

 I have seen a huge difference in my skin after 4 weeks use.  My skin has completely cleared during this time and has remained clear.  My #1 Pimple cream!  Be sure to properly moisturize skin while using benzoyl peroxide, it can cause dryness.  Drink plenty of water and wear spf 30 everyday rain or shine.  I recommend this product for acne prone skin.

1 oz.
$5.99
Available at CVS
4.5/5

pimple gel