Fighting the Summer Oil Slick Series - Out and About and What Do I Do?

Happy Friday Columbus! The sun is shinning, the Buckeyes are still National Champs and it's hot -- albeit less humid. I however, am still hiding out inside watching an Ancient Aliens marathon and waiting for a snowfall. Yesterday I went and got my hair all cut off, which for me means it looks less like a chia pet and more like Ginnifer Goodwin's pixie cut sans that granny lavender ridiculousness she has going on now. Anyway, I was out and about yesterday doing an activity for school with a bunch of people and I got a major chase of the Summer Oil Slick. What do I do you ask? Well I pull out my trusty Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder Compact.

This little baby has saved my life on more occasions than I can count. During the summer, no matter how small a purse I end up carrying, this compact is ALWAY with me. De-Slick is a translucent Mattifying powder that I blot over my make up to de-shine my face in an instant. A little of this goes a long, long way and I have had my current compact for two years now and am in no danger of having to purchase again. You can use this over your make up, under it or on bare skin to keep you shine free. It has a slight lavender shade, which you would think would make you look weird -- but it blends right in with my skin tone immediately. The notable ingredient in this compact is rice powder, which absorbs the oils in your skin. Another reason to love it? It is paraben and sulfate free! You can find it at any Columbus Sephora for $32.

Why I Love It: Instant results, compact lasts forever, a little goes a long way.

Note of Caution: No deals here, $32 is the best price I have been able to find -- worth the splurge if you are seriously oily!

Fighting the Summer Oil Slick with Bioelements Kerafole

It's hot this time of year in Columbus, Ohio. It is also typically humid and just generally gross outside. This is the kind of weather that makes me want to hide indoors until the first snowflakes fall. I not only hate the heat, but I particularly hate was it does to my skin. About this time of year my typically normal to dry face turns into it's own oil slip 'n slide -- complete with a special added bonus -- a mountain of skin blemishes that crop up on my chin. It's that special time of year when the fight between my skin and the summer oil slick become an all out war.

Keeping that balance is difficult. I don't want to strip my skin, drying it out completely -- risking dry patches and skin irritation. But I also don't want to feel like my face is slowly melting on a daily basis.  Additionally, I need to manage these break outs -- because having to deal with acne scars is a whole 'nother set of problems in itself. So how do I keep my skin balanced, yet treated and not feeling oily? Well mostly it's been a lot of product trial and error but this week I will highlight several products that I have been recently using and found some success with.

First up Bioelements Kerafole:

Bioelements Kerafole is a deep cleaning facial mask. For normal to a oil nuisance, slather a little bit (it goes a long way) over your skin once or twice a week and leave on for 10 minutes. I do notice some tingling, very slight burning sensation -- however, despite the sensation this has never caused my skin any irritation or redness. I just mention this as a "head's up" so that you aren't dismayed if you try the mask. The Kerafole mask isn't clay based so it will not dry out your skin but it will give you a deep down cleaning that you are looking for when you skin is super oily. 

I have also used this mask as a intensive treatment -- it can be used as a 7 day purge -- an alternative use that is suggested on the package and product website. In the last couple of weeks my skin has been really congested and I was at the end of my rope. I used this mask every day for a week to do a complete purge of my skin. Keep in mind though, this mask is not recommended for continuous daily use so I try to do the 7 day purge as a last resort. But, if you are really in a bind and have had it with your oily, blemish prone summer skin, the 7 day purge really does work to clear up your skin without over drying it.

I love Bioelements products because they are a more natural skincare solution -- with no artificial colors or fragrances, and their products are not tested on animals.  Kerafole as well as other Bioelements products are packed with natural oils and extracts that are good for your skin. Kerafole contains ingredients like algae, ginkgo biloba, kelp, lavender oil, lemon oil, tea tree oil, chamomile, orange and clove. One things to keep in mind though, Bioelements products can be a little more pricey than your average drugstore brands. On the Bioelements website the Kerafole is $50.50 -- however, I found it for around $28 on Amazon. If you are a Hautelook fan Bioelements often runs on this flash sale website for anywhere from 30%-50% off retail. This is where I tend to purchase my Bioelements stash and as long as you don't mind waiting a couple of weeks for your products (Hautelook sometimes takes forever to get your items to you) then you can often score big!

Why I Love It: Treats my "summer oil slick" without drying out my skin. The 7 day purge has saved my face on more than one occasion.

Note of Caution: If you are sensitive in any of the ingredients test before using. Does tingle (or burn) a little so if you don't like that sensation don't use. Contains tea tree and clove which some people are sensitive to.

For more ways to combat your summer skin follow my "Fighting the Summer Oil Slick" series!! Next up moisturizers for summer skin and cleansers!

Stay Lovely, Columbus!

XOXO - Ann

Formula 10.0.6 -- It's Back and Better Than Ever!

While perusing my local Ulta about a week ago I snagged some Formula 10.0.6 products that were on special (buy one get one half off). I have been seeing this line pop up on my Pinterest feed pretty regularly -- minimalist packaging, boasting "fresh, natural" ingredients to combat troubled skin -- it is definitely an eye catcher. Always game for the latest and greatest (and less expensive) new skincare product I grab several items that appeal to me (along with several other things). But something is nagging at me, something I can't quite put my finger on. Admittedly it takes me a couple of days but then it hits me -- a bad 90's flashback! Ten-O-Six or rather now, savvily rebranded at "Formula 10.0.6" is now relevant again! Anyone remember Ten-O-Six? 'Cmon ladies in their 30's and 40's don't you remember the adds in your "Teen Beat" magazines? I sure do!

I admit, when I finally put two and two together I was more than a little skeptical. Ten-O-Six just reminds me of a time in my life when I sported a scrunchie, a perm and acid wash jeans -- all things from my past I would care not to repeat. I seriously wondered how this rebranded "blast from my past" would fair on my now, 30 something skin. But for better or for worse Formula 10.0.6 was now in my possession so, what the hell? Might was well try it -- and believe it or not, I have been particularly impressed with their Keep Your Cool Breakout Calming Mask.

If you have been reading my blog then you will know I have been dealing with a nasty case of "chinacne" and while it seems to be on the mend (thank the skincare gods!) I still have a certain amount of redness that tends to linger on forever because I have somewhat sensitive skin. My skin is also prone to redness overall (one glass of wine sets my cheeks aflame!), so yeah anything that promises to reduce redness I'm game for. The Keep Your Cool Breakout Calming Mask includes peppermint and chamomile to clean and calm skin as well as cucumber and coconut to soothe and replenish moisture. It also contains green/gold pigments in the mask to mask redness. So far, so good.

Skeptical as always I tried the mask at first over just my chin to see how it reacted to my angry skin. Well color me surprised when I washed the mask off my chin after 15 minutes and noticed an immediate reduction in the redness around my breakouts. Now, this product did not eliminate my redness completely, but it definitely showed visible improvement without irritating my skin. In my book this goes down as a winner for me.

Well I am shocked, this brand has had one hell of a major overhaul! And it is not all for looks! I tried the mask a couple days later over my entire face to see if it would do anything for the redness that tends to creep into my cheeks and sets up shop there. Lo and behold, after 15 minutes I noticed that the skin tone of my entire face was balanced, calm and noticeably less red! What seals the deal? The price. At $5.99 this mask not only does what it promises to do it won't break the bank.

What I Love: Fresh clean sent, not overpowering or "teen". Skin is noticeably calmer and reduced redness overall. Added bonus -- it's dirt cheap!!

Note of Caution: I got nada! :)

Stay Lovely, Columbus!

XOXO - Ann

Beauty Bender and Sneak Peek!!

A moment of repentance before I begin -- I should NOT be allowed into either Sephora or Ulta unattended! Ok, moment over, now onto my stash!! (Insert classic Disney evil Queen cackle of glee!) Over the last week and a half I have been on an unofficial beauty bender at a couple of my favorite beauty haunts around Columbus -- namely -- the Easton Sephora and the Polaris Ulta. I justify this lapse in good judgement as "research" -- I can almost hear my dear husband rolling his eyes and snorting derisively!

So here is the run down of what I scored and a sneak peek on some items I can't wait to review!!

Sephora: So I am a big fan of Sephora's impulse bins that distract you as you are waiting to check out. One part treasure chest and one part marketing genius, this area allows you to score generous trial sized popular and up and coming items at a smaller price tag. I love this because I can try a bunch of different new and well loved beauty items and decide then, if I want to spring for the full sized item at the full sized price tag. These are not your teensy tiny three day samples -- literally some of these trial size jewels can last me up to a month.

It also pays to chat with the saleswomen about your beauty interests. Take the Amore Pacific Color Control Cushion Compact for instance. It was not currently on the floor at the Easton Sephora (don't know why) -- but after a quick discussion with a saleswoman about my interest in Korean beauty products, lo and behold she was able to pull this little beauty from the back room! At $60, it is a bit of a splurge and the most expensive item that I purchased that day but I am super stoked to try it after I work through my Laneige BB Cushion (available at your local Target). I can't wait to compare the two, seeing that they are basically the same company!

Additional Beauty Scores for Upcoming Blog Posts: Dior Show Mascara (trial sized), Ole Henriksen The Clean Truth Cleasing Cloths: Brightening, Boscia Luminizing Black Mask, Tatcha Polished Classic Rice Enzyme Powder, Belif Choose Your Own Moisture Attack with The True Cream Aqua Bomb, Caudalie Beauty Elixir, Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment Duo and the current 500 point freebie -- The Fresh Box with various sample sized Fresh goodies!!

Ulta: So I went in the other day for ONE thing -- the new Urban Decay Naked Smokey Palette -- and I walked out with, as you can see, much more than just the palette. I get lost in Ulta -- I swear -- it is a black hole for my time and my money. I often stumble out of there, three bags in my hand -- blinking at the sun -- wondering --- what the hell just happened?!?!

Sadly though, I was not kidnapped by aliens, I was just lost down the lovely aisles of Ulta.  I do a lot of my drugstore beauty buying there and the other day was no exception. I picked up  John Frieda Luxurious Volume 7-Day Volume Treatment, which I have been dying to try ever since it popped up on my Pinterest feed. This thing went right into my shower and I am hoping it lives up to it's hype.

I also picked up a bunch of stuff from Formula 10.0.6. The beauty gods must have been smiling upon me today because because they were on special (buy one, get the second half off). It gave me the perfect excuse to try out several of their inexpensive products at an even more reasonable price. I scored the Formula 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure Skin-Clarifying Mask, Formula 10.0.6 Three Times Sublime, Formula 10.0.6 Best Face Forward Daily Foaming Cleanser, Formula 10.0.6 Keep Your Cool Mask. A little spoiler alert -- I have already used the Keep Your Cool Mask a couple of times to fight the red marks left from my most recent acne battle that is raging on my chin and I have been super impressed. Look for my full review of this product very, very soon!

Rounding out my score, I nabbed couple of item from Nip+Fab since they were also on the buy one, get one half off special. This is another drugstore beauty brand that has been getting a lot of press due to endorsements from Kylie Jenner. I doubt any of the products will give me her lips, but hey, the line is sensibly priced and boost primo ingredients so I am game. I could have grabbed them all but the voice of reason prevailed, (Since when do I have a voice of reason?!) I went with my current skincare needs which are fighting acne and then fighting the dryness that is caused by said acne.  Nip+Fab Dragon's Blood Fix Plumping Mask and Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel went home with me as well.

Lastly, I picked up a new bottle of the Mario Basescu Buffering Lotion -- I was running low so why not right? :)

So there you have it folks -- for better or worse -- now on the internet for all to see -- my beauty bender! No judging lovelies!! ;)

Stay Lovely Columbus,

XOXO -- Ann

Lush Summer Must Have Products

I love Lush. I first discovered this company when I was living in London in 2003. While there my skin freaked out due to the pollutants in the city and I was at my whit's end with what to do about it. One day I stumbled into a Lush store in the Covent Gardens arcade and I never looked back. If you don't know Lush, you should. Lush is a British company committed to creating organic, fair trade, non animal tested products for your bath and body needs. They are a company that is devoted to being as Green as possible -- you can recycle your pots with them and for every five you turn in you get a free fresh face mask!! This company not only makes heavenly products, they just might be angels themselves!!

Here are a few products from Lush that I swear by in the summer months!

So, summer is here -- and with it my annual summer skin freak out! My otherwise normal to dry skin turns into a schizophrenic oil slick each and every July through about September. Without fail, each year, my face turns into a battle royal between me and these summer blemishes. Lush's Ocean Salt is always on stand by in my shower this time of year. Ocean Salt contains sea salt, grapefruit, lime and vodka to polish away dead skin and junk and suck out the oil in your skin like magic. Avocado oil and coconut oil replenish your skin and seaweed absolute soothes. An added bonus, it smell's like a Margarita!

Why I Love It: Exfoliates, as natural and organic as it get and smells amazing!

Note of Caution: Mix this product before using! The salt (especially on top) is a bit rough so be gentle when using this product.

If Ocean Salt just isn't doing the job I turn to another Lush face scrub/cleanser....

Dark Angels is the charcoal facial cleanser that has been around since before charcoal was "cool". This cleanser/scrub in one uses sugar and charcoal to exfoliate and suck excess oil right out of your skin. Seriously, it's like a vacuum for your face. Dark Angels leaves my skin feeling matte for many hours after use. For those of you that are on the sensitive side, Dark Angels contains Rhassoul Mud to deep clean but also calm your skin. This product also contains Avocado oil to replenish skin after giving it a good scrub.

Why I Love It: Exfoliates, as natural and organic as it get and is an instant mattifier!

Note of Caution: This can make a mess in your bathroom or shower so beware. Again, be gentle when using this product. It can be a little gritty!

Lastly, has the pool done a number on your hair? Is it fried, straw-like or brittle? If this is the case, then Roots may be exactly what you need.

Roots is a hair and scalp treatment (hair mask) that I make sure I never run out of! Although this is a product I keep around "year 'round", I use Roots weekly in the summer to combat hair damage from multiple days at the pool. Extra virgin olive oil and honey hydrate and repair your hair, while fresh mint, peppermint oil and spearmint oil work on your scalp. Sweet Orange oil, grapefruit oil and neroli oil add some much needed shine. My hair is smooth, shiny and bouncy after a 20 minute treatment.

Why I Love It: Smells great and has that tingly sensation that I love! While nothing can truly repair split ends, this product works well to hide them and make your hair look like it hasn't seen the light of day or for that matter, a pool for years.

Note of Caution: (Tip for using) Apply product generously to dry hair from root to tip. I like to massage it into my scalp as well. Rise and follow with shampoo (I like to use Rehab after a Roots treatment and a light conditioner if desired). Style as usual!

Stay Lovely Columbus!
XOXO - Ann

Brighten Up Baby! Brightening Masks are Here to Stay!

Skin not looking as bright and radiant as it used to? Skin tone looking dull? Looking in that mirror and saying "What the f*%k"?! Ladies in their 30's (40's, 50's and 60's), I'm talking to you!

So I have noticed in the past year or so that my skin is not as sparkly (yes, I said sparkly) as it used to be. While I was more than happy to bid adieu to my 20's (except wait, acne what the hell are you doing back?!?!) -- My 30's is turning out to be a bit of a skincare learning curve. I never used to worry about dullness, cell turnover or radiance. I took my younger (blemish prone) skin for granted. I naively believed that my skincare routine would generally stay the same as I entered my third decade of fabulous-ness. But this was not to be the case -- I started to develop the dreaded "zombie face" (insert dramatic scream here)

So after much online beauty stalking and accosting most salespeople at Ulta, Sephora and the occasional make up counter this is what I have come up with as my (current) favorite brightening masks.

Must Have: Garnier Dark Spot Treatment Tissue Mask

Sheet masks have recently become all the rage and a "must have" for your beauty routine -- and while many Korean brands have been making a splash in this niche market, I discovered this little miracle a while back. I was looking for something to battle those pesky acne scars (officially known as hyperpigmentation or as I like to call it the "skin devil"). Not only do these sheet masks help reduce areas of hyperpigmentation this mask also works to brighten you skin with a Vitamin C serum punch that gives you instant results. At $14.97 at Walmart (the one on Sawmill in Dublin sells them) or $6.49 found on Amazon for 6 masks, this has quickly become a staple in my skincare arsenal.

Why I Love It: Inexpensive, instant results and easy to use. (Won as Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2013)

Note of Caution: If you are sensitive to Vitamin C this product may not be for you!

Worth the Investment: Juice Beauty's Green Apple Organic Peel (Sensitive)

While this is the most pricey brightening treatment I will be reviewing today, compared to other products on the market it really hits somewhere in the middle of the pack as far as price. Let's face it, you can spend a small fortune on skincare. There are pricey options abound, promising to cure your skincare blues --- just waiting out there to gleefully take your money. The Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel (Sensitive), in my opinion is worth the $39 price tag (Ulta.com) and delivers on it's promise.

Now you are probably wondering, why the "sensitive" peel? Some of you may be screaming, "Oh beauty guru, I do not have sensitive skin!" But wait, hear me out! If you have never had a chemical peel or even if you have and you hate having to hide your face while your skin recovers by peeling off (Mom, I'm looking at you) -- then this is the product for you. Mild enough to use twice a week and be able to leave the house immediately after use, this peel instantly brightens and evens out your skin tone. It uses alpha hydroxy acids to exfoliate your skin and reduce the signs of age by battling those evil "skin devils" -- hyperpigmentation. Literally, I can leave the house with NO MAKEUP on the minute I remove this peel. Also, I notice a visible reduction in my acne scars after the use of this product. I use it twice a week without fail -- in my opinion it is a miracle in a bottle.

Why I Love It: Organic beauty product (enough said), gentle yet effective and immediate results.

Note of Caution:If you have never used a chemical peel before or have sensitive skin please spot test this product before use. I have never had an issue with it irritating my skin but that doesn't mean you won't!

Honorable Mention: Boots No.7 Beautiful Skin Energising Mask

Last, but certainly not least is the Boots No.7 Beautiful Skin Energising Mask. (That is not a typo it is "Energising" -- it's British) I have loved Boots products ever since I lived in London. They are affordable and do not irritate my skin. This is a peel-off mask (yay, so fun!) that uses Vitamin C and E to exfoliate and brighten your complexion. Boots bills this product as hypo-allergenic on their website (but I know some are sensitive to Vitamin C so be aware). The Boots website sells this baby for $16.99 but you can also find it at your local Ulta or Ulta.com.

Why I Love It: Inexpensive, fun to use and provides that immediate boost we sometimes need.

Note of Caution: If you are sensitive to Vitamin C this may not be the product for you!

Well there you have it, my three (current) favorite brightening masks! Check back soon for my next post and pictures from my most recent Sephora bender! :)

Have a Beautiful Weekend!

XOXO - Ann

A Review of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale -- Go for the Sale, stay for the shoes!!!

Every year in July it feels like Christmas has come early! Shopaholics rejoice! It is the Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale!

I love shopping at Nordstrom! Whether it is for myself or for a client you can always find me at Nordys! Their customer service is second to none, their cardholders get tons of perks and their quality cannot be beat! Recently, Nordstom has been really stepping it up to retain those customer! They are now price matching/adjusting in their stores and online. Also, they are running more frequent sales to compete with stores like Macy's, Dillards and Von Maur. That being said, it is probably obvious that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has to be one of my favorite sales of the year.

Now last year's Anniversary Sale was AMAZING -- like knock your socks off -- go multiple times --- AMAZING. Literally the "best of the best" was on sale last year! I had a field day -- my credit card screamed for mercy -- and my husband cried when he got the bill. It was hand's down the best Anniversary Sale I had been to in recent memory. So as you can expect, I had some high expectations for this year's Anniversary Sale.

When I got the catalogue this year I flipped through it hoping to dog ear and circle tons of things that I "just had to have". However, I've got to admit, initially I wasn't impressed. Not to be deterred though (catalogues can be deceiving!), a friend and I made our way to the sale this past Saturday. My plan of attack at Nordstrom is always very simple -- shoes first, followed by upstairs for clothes then back downstairs for accessories and finishing up in the Wonderland that is their cosmetics department. No, this plan of attack did not come from researching shopping patterns or anything as complex as that, it is just simply how I like to shop.

So, we head straight for shoes and pop behind that beautiful gray curtain that signifies that YOU are a cardholder and YOU have EARLY ACCESS (enter maniacal laugh here). This year the shoes are just as lovely as in previous years. There are good deals on Tom's, Frye, Tory Burch, Stuart Weitzman and more. I truly feel that the shoe selection during the sale saved the entire Anniversary Sale this year. Anniversary Sale shoes are, in my opinion, where you can find the best deals. This is always the time of year when I buy Frye boots and this year was no different. I ended up with a beautiful pair of Frye Melissa Tab Knee High Boots (wide calf) in black. They are regularly $417.95 but during the Anniversary Sale they were $279.90. Disclaimer here -- I believe in investing in shoes. I am on my feet all day when I work and so I have to have well made shoes -- the simple fact is I wear out cheap shoes unbelievably fast. So, definitely an investment for a pair of boots that I probably will not get much wear out of until October, however Frye's last forever and can be resoled if the need ever arises. (Contact the company for more information on this service.)

On we go, upstairs now for clothing. Really, overall there wasn't a particular deal that I was overly impressed with. I did, however notice several trends for the fall. One thing is that leather is back again in a big way. Just like last year, you are going to want to dust off that leather jacket (if it doesn't look like it teleported from 1992) or invest in one for the fall. I would suggest Hinge's Hooded Leather Jacket. I recommend sizing up one size for a more comfortable fit. I got last's year's style and it has quickly become a "go to" layering piece for me in the fall on those days when I don't want to wear a "real" jacket.

I would also recommend picking up some pieces in army green and tomato red. I saw a lot of items in these colors and Nordstrom has some especially affordable option from the Caslon and Halogen lines. These are Nordstrom's own fashion lines and I have to admit, for go to wardrobe staples these two lines cannot be beat. They run true to size for the most part, sometimes running a little big in the tops.  I am loving this Caslon Utility Vest and their Long French Terry Cardigan, The Long French Terry Cardigan runs big so watch out! I sized down and it was perfect. Halogen's Tencel Denim Shirt is a great staple for any wardrobe. If you need a winter coat, Caslon's Hooded Utility Coat is a fabulous deal!

While this is not the end all be all of Anniversary Sales it is worth checking out if you are in the area. The shoe selection is great and there are some nice fall pieces if you are willing to spend some time looking. Also, the cosmetics department is offering some stellar deals. There are several Palattes from Chanel and Mac that are a super deals and if you are in to microdermabrasion a personal favorite of mine, the PMD is over $50 off! My personal favorite find in skincare and cosmetics was the Glamglow Glamazing Set at $69 it takes the sting out of that insane price for a face mask by allowing you to try three products for the price of one!

Access for all to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sales starts July 17th! Happy Shopping!

XOXO -Ann

And here we go.....

So I've finally gone and done it. After much talk, and little action on my part, the blog is an official reality (and no longer a fantasy that I make obscure references to). For several years now my friends and family have joked that I should turn my shopping, skincare, cosmetic hobby (obsession) into something a little more tangible -- or as my husband would say, legitimate. I'm not sure if starting a blog legitimizes or rather justifies my "hobby" but for now, let's just roll with it.

So this wasn't just born over several bottles of Pinot and late night girlfriend chit chat. It actually all started with a blog, or to be fair, the many blogs I have frequently visited over the years. In my quest to stay up on the current trends I started reading beauty and fashion blogs in my spare time. I also pin obsessively (we'll talk my about that "down the rabbit hole" black hole for my time at another point). While this was all well and good I was noticing that most of these bloggers were flawless women with itty bitty waists -- which was not, well....really, me. Cynical to the core I had a damn difficult time taking beauty advice from a girl almost half my age or a former runway model. Basically, I wanted to get beauty advice from someone who was more like me.

So here I am -- a typical Midwestern woman. I am not a size 2 or 4 or even 8. I struggle with my weight and I hate to diet. I break out, right now my chin is a mine field, I am self conscious about what I perceive are crater sized pores on my cheeks and I am going gray at 33. But I still want to feel beautiful every day. I still want to participate in the current fashion trends (even if I wore them all once before) and if I have to learn the hard way that I shouldn't wear it again, then so be it. I also want to take care of my skin. I know I will age -- granted I will do so kicking and screaming -- but I want to make sure I give myself the best chance of beating father time at his own game -- albeit, on a budget.

So I will share my experiences with the world. I will go in search of awesome products, amazing sales and great finds. I will look for things to make ALL women feel beautiful -- with a little humor on the side.

XOXO - Ann