wake up call

On a regular basis, I'm asked what products I use. Sometimes people ask me because they're complimenting me. Sometimes they genuinely want to know so that I can recommend something from my routine. And sometimes I think they want to know so that they can test me. Maybe they're testing me because they know I'm an Esthetician or because I have a beauty blog, or because they know I have a terrible memory and can't remember the products I use on my face every. day. It's pathetic, really.

Anyway, here's my routine for the fall/winter/early spring seasons (I'll post my p.m. routine tomorrow). As the weather warms up, some of these products will change.

1. First Aid Beauty Cleanser is my go-to cleanser when I need to use something quick and gentle. Sometimes my face is extra sensitive (maybe from a peel or too much retinol) and this cleanser will clean my skin without drying it or adding to any irritation.

2. I alternate between the First Aid Beauty Cleanser and this one. The Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Cleanser feels like you are washing your face with a cloud. It's a creamy foam that is heaven sent for combo/dry skin...it also doesn't hurt that the soft citrus scent gently wakes me up.

3. Kate Somerville ExfoliKate is a facial in a tube. It contains enzymes, an AHA peel and also granules so it's a triple exfoliator that packs a major punch. My skin is super soft every time I use this.

4. I don't know how I've lived without Dr. Brandt Needles No More. It's a targeted serum that's only applied to the areas where Botox would go (which is only the forehead and outer crow's feet) and a dual peptide delivery system relaxes the muscle contraction and mimics the results of Botox, but without the needle. There are immediate and cumulative results and I'm just over the moon about it.

5. Shiseido Ultimune Concentrate is a pre-treatment serum that is full of antioxidant protection to keep my skin on the D-E-F-E-N-S-E all. day. long.

6. Fresh Black Tea Eye Concentrate is a lovely, hydrating (albeit rich) eye cream that moisturizes my dry eye area. It also doesn't hurt that it's loaded with anti-aging benefits.

7. I've expressed the benefits of using a hyaluronic acid serum before and Perricone MD Hyalo Plasma is the one I use to keep myself from slathering my dehydrated skin with gross stuff, like Vaseline.

8. Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Cream has a cream-gel texture that sinks in and feels great. I only wish it had an SPF, but at least I get that from my tinted moisturizer.

Ok, so what are the products you use in the morning? Do you use as many products as this?

Peel it off, peel it all off... the best Peel off mask for your skin

Sorry I didn't post yesterday but both Elise Ruby and I were sick this weekend and have been in recovery-mode. One thing that is nice to do for yourself when you're recovering from whatever ails you is a mask, so without further ado...

Welcome to mask week!! Last week was focused on healthy baking and this week will be focused on using masks to get your skin healthy. Peel-off masks are a fun way to treat and heal your skin and there's a peel-off mask for every skin type- here are some options.

Boscia Peel-Off Masks have four different varieties to offer based off your skin needs: The Luminizing Black Mask will decongest clogged pores i.e., blackheads. The Cool Blue Calming Mask will help hydrate and soothe red, irritated skin. The Bright White Mask will help brighten dark spots on skin and give it an allover radiance. The Green Tea Oil Control Mask is targeted for acne and breakouts. 

Freeman Peel-Off Mask Cucumber will help make skin soft and remove impurities. I've also seen one-time-use packets of the Freeman masks at the drugstore making them travel-friendly or if you're a full-size commitment-phobe.  

First Aid Beauty Red Clay Purifying Mask will deep clean the skin and reduce inflammation that is caused by breakouts.

No this isn't Campbell's tomato soup smeared all over my face, it's the First Aid Beauty Red Clay mask

** The key to any peel-off mask actually peeling off is to apply a pretty thick layer. If you only do a thin layer the mask will take forever to come off because you'll be peeling little, tiny strips... and you might as well just wash it off. When the thick layer is dry just make an expression. Yes any expression will do because your skin should be so tight from the mask that when you move your face parts of the mask will pull away, making this a great starting point for peeling. Then wash away any remaining mask residue and your skin should feel soft, luminous and healthy.

Have you ever tried a peel-off mask? Any favorites you'd recommend?