Burt's Bees Acne Regimen Kit

All throughout high school, I never had problems with blemishes, zits, pimples, whatever you want to call those pesky little buggers. I have had clear, nearly flawless skin all my life (with the exception of one pimple popping up here and there, never more than 2 at a time).

But once I graduated from high school, my face seemed to start to break out. It was horrible, and so devastating for me. I didn't expect to begin to have acne when I was almost done with my teen years!

My dry, sensitive skin doesn't make matters much easier, either. I have tried numerous spot treatments, drugstore face washes, and had been debating whether to try Proactiv or Neutrogena's Skin ID for months. I've tried liquid and cream concealers to cover zits during the day, and that just makes them worse. I felt so horrible about myself because even though I couldn't see the zits on my face throughout the day, I knew that was all that people around me were looking at. And that bothered me.

So I researched some relatively cheap options I could find in a store near me. I stumbled across the Burt's Bees Natural Acne Regimen and decided I'd give it a go. I have been a fan of the lip balm and the Pomegranate Volumizing Shampoo from this brand for years.

This kit comes with a facial cleanser, moisturizer and spot treatment. All together it was 30 dollars, which when compared to all of the products at their individual retail value is much less.

My first use of the products was... a bit shocking to say the least. All of the products smell funny, which came as a surprise to me. I thought they would smell a lot better than they did, especially because the brands' hair products all smell wonderful. But then I told myself, "These products ARE all natural, after all." There's no way getting around a weird smell. In the morning, you are supposed to use the cleanser (I apply a bit of water to my face and rub the cleanser in my skin to get it milky), apply 1-2 pumps of the moisturizer, apply a small amount of spot treatment, and then repeat the process in the evening. With the first use came a bit of stinging. My skin must not have been used to "all natural" so I expect that's why it reacted that way. WARNING: The spot treatment that comes in this kit burns. Beyond a stinging sensation. It burns for about ten minutes. If you can handle the burning for that long, then your pimple size will go down overnight.

I've been using this regimen for about a week now. The first few days, I wore no makeup to let my skin get used to the products without being overwhelmed. The first time I wore foundation with the moisturizer (after setting in for about thirty minutes) I wanted to rewash my face. The already odd smell of the moisturizer mixed with the smell of foundation does not go well together. But because I was running late for school, I rushed out the door and felt nauseous breathing that scent in for the rest of the day. I learned my lesson, and instead of applying the moisturizer in the morning, I use a different brand, and use the Burt's Bees at night after the face wash.

So far, I have seen a difference in my skin. I actually see a difference in the tone of my skin as well. Usually I have redness around my nose area and that has gone down slightly. I haven't gotten any blemishes on my forehead. I still have a few around my mouth, but they have become less noticeable and there are not as many as there were a week ago.

OVERALL: I am pretty satisfied with this skin regimen so far. I like that it's improving the quality of my skin, which I never expected. The all natural ingredients do have a funky smell, but hey, if it works, then it works. I definitely recommend this regimen to people who are looking for an all natural skin care routine, or for people who want to improve their skin/get rid of acne. I've got my fingers crossed in hopes of having my beautiful skin back soon!

xo, Erin

What I'm Loving: Spring 2010 Fashions

Spring is the best season, isn't it? The snow begins to melt, and we can finally stop wearing layers upon layers of clothing. Goodbye heavy wool coats, see you next December.

This spring I've really been interested in three main things: rompers, distressed denim and resort/nautical looks.

Rompers are a tricky piece to master. I think they can be adorable when they're on the right body shape and accessorized the right way. Let's take a Loeffler Randall bustier belted romper for instance: I mean how cute is this?! With a pair of simple ballet flats or wedges, plain bag and woven style belt (lets get rid of the skinny one) and you've got yourself a great outfit. Throw a cream cardigan over it and you're good to go for school, a date, whatever! Personally I will not be rocking the romper trend because they look hideous on me. But more power to the girls that can pull them off.





Ripped jeans. Who doesn't love worn in denim? Insanely ripped jeans a la taylor momsen and erin wasson seem to look best paired with simple tops in solid colors. Go like Erin and add in a long blazer for an evening look.





Stripes. I love the thick navy and white stipes seen in nautical style outfits. Love it. Whenever I see those stripes, big buttons and navy and white combination's, my heart flutters a bit. Dolce and Gabbana got it SO right!

Sigh. I love spring.

xo, Erin

Forty Beauty Questions Tag

I decided to be a copycat (stolen from lollipop26) and, instead of making a video of this tag, blog it!



SKINCARE

-How many times do you wash your face daily?
once. only at night. that probably doesn't sound very healthy, but when I wash my face twice in one day it tends to break out and dry out.

-What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
dry. maybe a combination-dry. I can never seem to get rid of flakies :/

-What is your current facial wash?
I think it's l'oreal brand... the face wash with the scrubby?

-Do you exfoliate?
I use the Pink Grapefruit exfoliator once a week-ish. maybe twice.

-What brand do you use?
I think its Neutrogena.

-What moisturizer do you use?
ponds. yes, I'm a grandmother on the inside.

-Do you have freckles?
of course.

-Do you use eye cream?
no but I'd like to start.

-Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
I rarely ever got pimples until I turned eighteen. now I always have at least one.

-Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
no. it'd probably dry my skin out way too much.

MAKE-UP
-What foundation do you use?
currently, revlon photoready.

-How about concealer?
MAC studio sculpt.

-Do you know your undertone color?
I can't say that I do.

-What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I like when they look natural-ish. not those thick ones that could be mistaken for tarantula legs.

-Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months?
yes I know that. but do I do it? no.

-What brand of mascara do you use?
currently I like Covergirl's Lash Blast Length in the yellow tube followed by Maybelline Colossal.

-Sephora or MAC?
I'd have to say sephora, actually. they have such a variety and the people there don't nag you.

-Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
no. I'm not a pro. haha.

-What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
concealor brush. flat top brush for foundation. a random eyeshadow and blender brush. and fingers!

-Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
yes. urban decay primer potion.

-For the face?
the rimmel brand. I'm not fond of it. I'd like to try a new one.

-What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
I don't think I have a favorite! I like purple and brown shades.

-Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
pencil. I can't quite master the liquid but I'm working with MAC's fluidline as of late.

-How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
never. I'd gag!

-What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
I think they're fun. I like that they can be used for things other than eyeshadows. but they're pretty messy.

-Do you use mineral makeup?
no. I like using liquid foundation, not powders.

-What is your favorite lipstick?
I've only owned one lipstick, and its Hard Candy brand number 200 in Fire Alarm. I like it, but it wears off after a half an hour or so.

-How about lipgloss?
I'm really not much of a lip person. but I do like my Sephora brand lipgloss paired with the lipstick mentioned above.

-What is your favorite blush to use?
anything that will give me a light flush.

-Do you buy your makeup on ebay?
I never have. I'm a little afraid to. who knows what those people have done to those makeup products.

-Do you like drugstore makeup?
yes! I like being able to go somewhere to quickly pick up an eyeliner or a new bottle of foundation.

-Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)
I haven't been to one yet, but I'll be going soon.

-Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?
that would be lovely :)

-Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
usually, yes.

-Name a makeup crime that you hate?
orange face, white neck. enough said.

-Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
on me, I like neutrals. but I don't hate on other girls if they wear bright eyeshadow or lipstick (as long as they stick to ONE, ie lips OR eyes, and don't look like a clown!)

-Which celebrity always has great make up?
a lot of them always do. I really love kim kardashian, she always has a smokey eye and nude lip. perfect.

-If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?
mascara. my eyelashes are nothing without it.

-Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
I could if I was sick and didn't care what I looked like. but I like doing my makeup as a part of my getting ready routine.

-Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?
ehhhhhhh. no.

-In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
honestly, I haven't tried enough different brands to be able to say.

-What do you think of Makeup?
I think makeup is one of the best things to be invented. I love that its a way of self expression, but its something that all girls do. its fun. its exciting. I love the feeling of buying a new product and being able to try it out. there's nothing that could replace that feeling.

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Blusher Brush Review

Yesterday I purchased the Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Flat Blusher Brush from Target. I have been in search of good brushes that are relatively cheap for their quality. I plan on ordering a Sigma Brush Set (sigmamakeup.com) as soon as I come up with the money but until then I have to use what I can get my hands on.


At first glance the Synthetic Flat Blusher Brush looks a little intimidating for those uncomfortable with makeup tools, like my mom. She asked, with a perplexed look on her face, "What in the world is something like that supposed to do?!"


Its ergonomically designed black handle and flat top bristles instantly grabbed my attention, so I was intrigued enough to check it out. The bristles are velvety soft and pretty dense. I have a decent blush brush at home (although quite worn out) but I decided I'd pick this up anyway since I've read reviews that this works great as a foundation brush and I've been meaning to get one.


I don't like using brand new brushes/products if my face isn't fresh, so I held out on my new brush last night to try it out this morning. I immediately jumped out of bed and rushed through a shower so I could try it out with foundation (I honestly do get excited about simple things like makeup brushes). I applied the foundation to the back of my hand, stippled the foundation onto an area of my face and swirled the brush in circles to blend. I have never applied foundation with a brush before so it was a new experience for me, and I'll tell you that I had no idea what I was missing! This brush applied my foundation so evenly and smooth, in a way that fingers never could, that I wanted to smack myself for not thinking to get one of these sooner. For using the Synthetic Flat Blusher Brush for blush, like it's supposed to be used, I expect it would do a good job. Contouring could easily be done with this brush as well.



(after applying foundation and a bit of concealor around nose and under eyes, no setting powder)


As far as pricing goes, I think this is a great buy. The brush was about $15 (14.99 I believe, if you want to be technical) and for the quality/price combined I think nothing could beat it. I'm not sure if I want to purchase the SS 188 Small Duo Fibre from the Sigma website along with a kit because the Flat Synthetic by Sonia Kashuk does the job of applying foundation well enough. (The Sonia Kashuk is less expensive, considering that shipping costs will be taken into account with the Sigma brushes).


I would completely recommend this brush to anyone willing to give something new a try. I'll stay updated with how well it keeps up.


Erin.

1

so I came to blogspot.com since some of my favorite youtube beauty gurus have blogs that they post here. to my own personal amazement, I already had an account! well now I will actually keep up with it. usually I'm not very good at blogs but I'm willing to give it a shot.