Good Skin (fingers crossed!)

 Yay for cheesy stock skin-care photos!

If you are a regular visitor to Gloss Spot you know that I've had skin problems and have discussed different ways of attacking the problem, mainly acne, throughout the life of this blog. Well, knock wood! It's been a few months of good skin, so I thought I'd open up my figurative medicine cabinet and discuss what I've been using as skincare, and what I think works.

For your reference and comparison my skin is sensitive, combination skin (normal-oily). My current skincare issues? I have some red scarring on my chin leftover from months of regular breakouts, and an oily t-zone. 


*No two skin-types are the same. Skin issues should be viewed individually, not categorized. But, there are general tips you can follow that will lead you in the right direction, instead of causing more damage. Read my Acne article here for more information.

My Routine: 

 1. Remove eye makeup with pre-soaked pads (this step is key and often overlooked)

 These do an excellent job of removing every last bit of eye makeup, 

without drying or pulling eyelashes. 

**Removing eye makeup prevents premature aging of eyes.

2. Wash face with Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser

This face wash removes every trace of makeup. 

This foaming cleanser is recommended for oily to combo skin types, 

(use the cream wash if you have dry skin) 

3. Moisturize with Neutrogena Anti-Stress Control, 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment

Treats and prevent acne with adequate amount of salicylic acid, but does not dry out skin.

Excellent product, can't recommend it enough!

In the A.M. I 1. wash my face, and 2. apply Paula's Choice 2% Beta Hydroxy Acid Lotion as a day-time acne treatment/preventative

I HIGHLY recommend this product for men and women suffering with acne, acne scarring, combination skin, and/or uneven skin tone (this includes blackheads). It is a simple formulation that gets right to the point. Order the 1% formula if you have extremely dry or sensitive skin. I saw results within the first week of using it
(the Neutrogena moisturizer above is an excellent option too).

3. Clinique Superdefense SPF 25 combo to oily

I like this day moisturizer because it has anti-oxidants, and an high spf. The formulation comes in different forms to suit dry, normal, and combination-to-oil skin types. The texture is moisturizing enough to use around the eyes as an eye cream too.

Although it contains spf, I have not found it to be irritating in any way.

To combat oiliness: This isn't really skin care, but I am IN LOVE WITH MAC's Blot Powder to combat my oily t-zone that creeps up around the 11am mark at work. I apply it as the final setting powder on my forehead, nose and chin, and then reapply later in the day if needed. The powder is translucent and is absorbed into the skin, it doesn't just sit there like some other powders do. It creates a flawless, matte finish. I highly recommend this for use with photography, tv, combination and oily skin.

Beautymarks

My beauty bookmarks...when it comes to makeup, I love visiting these blogs and websites:

Makeup By Mario

Samantha Lennon

Artistrhi

Allure

  

Pixiwoo

What do you have bookmarked?

Quick tip: Chapped lips?

 

Avoid looking like Rocky Horror this bitter winter.

What is synonymous with cold, icy winter? Dry, chapped lips of course!

Here are my tips for preventing and mending a scaley mouth...

Already have chapped lips? Follow these steps:

• Apply Vaseline to lips (or any sort of barrier cream, olive oil works too!) and allow to sink in for a few minutes.
• Soak a face towel in tepid (not hot) water, squeeze out excess water
  
• Lightly press the damp towel on lips, then rub - this sloughs off dead, dry skin.
  
•  Repeat as necessary.*
  
• Apply a non-menthol lip balm/chapstick product (I like Nivea lip products).
  

The terry cloth acts as a physical exfoliant, far less damaging than salt scrubs, and cheap! Vaseline acts as a barrier, locking in moisture and protecting lips. Menthol is a skin irritant, sorry Burts Bee's fans!

 Want to prevent dry, chapped lips? Follow these steps:

• Drink lots of water!
• Exfoliate lips at the first sign of dryness or dead skin (directions above).
• Always carry lipbalm with you and apply regularly, but not obsessively as that in itself can lead to dry lips.
  
• Avoid wearing drying lipsticks and lip glosses in the winter (usually matte finish or 'long lasting' products) because these suck moisture out of lips.

* Stop exfoliating your lips if they are cracked or start to bleed. The best solution for this is to drink lots of water to accelerate healing and apply a barrier cream like Vaseline daily.

Gloss Spot turns 1!!

 

 Hard to imagine that I've been blogging for a little over a year now; my first post was October 3rd, 2008. Over the past year I've talked about many a concealer, mascara and shampoo, and surprise surprise, there are more articles to come.

I truly enjoy writing blog posts and corresponding with readers, and I'm working towards one day being able to do this sort of thing full-time. Gloss Spot is a fun way for me to compile my thoughts and share what I learn with friends and eventually use this blog as a portfolio of my writing. My original intention for blogging was to get everything I know about beauty and health down in one place, but it's become a vehicle for research, learning and community. Skincare, makeup and helping people in this area is my passion and I'm hoping that eventually I'll be able to reach people on a larger scale.

Not to turn this into an Oscar Award acceptance speech, but I just wanted to say a HUGE thanks to friends and readers who follow Gloss Spot, it means a lot to me!

XO Liz

What did I dress up as for Halloween?

Lucille Bluth from the cult-classic tv show, Arrested Development.

We had a blast! Hope everyone had a fun Halloween too!