Today's Fab Tip:
"Dab on acne medication with a cotton swab, not your fingertip. The sterile cotton will contain the treatment (translation: fewer scaly patches) and prevent bacteria from transferring from your hands."
-- Taken from In Style magazine, Special Beauty Issue Fall 2013, page 63.
This is a tried and true tip, believe me. It's a lot easier to apply, is more sanitary, and keeps the acne treatment from getting all over your fingers, which I hate.
XOXO
Gossip Ghoul.
Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label skincare. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Monday, August 12, 2013
Wax On
There's an ongoing debate: waxing vs. shaving. Since it's summer, it's time to show off one's legs with shorts, skirts, swimsuits, et cetera, but nobody wants to bare hairy legs. At least I don't. Waxing and shaving are both means to remove body hair, and in my experience, most women prefer one over the other. Shaving is the easier option, and it doesn't take too long; but good razors are freaking expensive and have to be replaced frequently, and shaving has to be redone every single day. Waxing, on the other hand, can cause lots of burns and pain by placing hot wax on your skin and using it to rip a whole strip of hairs out. However, waxing only needs to be done once every one or two months, leaving legs smooth and fabulous for a while.
Being the lazy girl I am, I found the idea of defuzzing my legs only once every six weeks very appealing when I was a sophomore in college, so I bought myself a home wax kit. My dorm room was right next to the handicapped bathroom, which hardly anyone used, so I knew I wouldn't be disturbed if I spread out a towel on the floor and went to work there. Don't ask me why the handicapped bathroom was on the third floor of a building with no elevators; it's something I've never understood. At the time, though, I didn't really care why because it was much closer than the community bathroom and showers.
I put on a tank top and shorts while the wax heated up in my microwave, then I moved the wax, the paper strips, and the wooden popsicle stick things (to dispense and spread the wax) all into the handicapped bathroom. That was my first mistake right there. You see, wax needs to be kept hot the whole time you're using it. That's why they sell wax warmers, which I did not know at the time. Moving into a room without a microwave for the duration of my waxing was just asking for trouble. I should have realized the wax was too cool when I smoothed the wax onto a small section of my left calve; I was just relieved not to be burnt.
I pressed on the paper strip as instructed in the direction of the hair growth, waited a few moments, and, with a deep breath and wince of anticipation, pulled it off. Well, the wax was still on my leg and stuck to my skin and the hairs which were still fully on there. I tried again with a different strip, but it didn't help. Then I attempted to use paper towels to pry the wax off, but that was to no avail. That's when I started to panic. I left everything and raced down the hall to the showers. Luckily there was one free, so I jumped in, stripped, and tried scraping the wax off with my fingernails in the hope that the water would loosen the wax. Another big mistake. With purple wax-covered fingers, I threw my clothes on over my dripping wet body and sprinted back to the handicapped bathroom. I got the instructions wet and sticky as I frantically read through them again, trying to figure out how the hell to get the wax off.
Fortunately, another girl from the dorm found me, a packing, freaked-out mess, and asked me if I'd tried the oil. It turns out there was a tiny bottle of vitamin E oil in the box that I hadn't noticed. I poured some of the oil on my leg and hands and wiped off the wax in clumps with paper towels rather easily. It was pretty embarrassing. Immediately afterward I got back in the shower, rinsed the oily residue off my legs, and shaved.
Ever since then, I've been rooting for Team Shaving over Team Waxing. Some experiences should not be revisited, after all.
XOXO
Gossip Ghoul.
 |
| Picture from Ulta.com |
Being the lazy girl I am, I found the idea of defuzzing my legs only once every six weeks very appealing when I was a sophomore in college, so I bought myself a home wax kit. My dorm room was right next to the handicapped bathroom, which hardly anyone used, so I knew I wouldn't be disturbed if I spread out a towel on the floor and went to work there. Don't ask me why the handicapped bathroom was on the third floor of a building with no elevators; it's something I've never understood. At the time, though, I didn't really care why because it was much closer than the community bathroom and showers.
 |
| Picture from Ulta.com. This is the brand of kit I used, actually. |
I put on a tank top and shorts while the wax heated up in my microwave, then I moved the wax, the paper strips, and the wooden popsicle stick things (to dispense and spread the wax) all into the handicapped bathroom. That was my first mistake right there. You see, wax needs to be kept hot the whole time you're using it. That's why they sell wax warmers, which I did not know at the time. Moving into a room without a microwave for the duration of my waxing was just asking for trouble. I should have realized the wax was too cool when I smoothed the wax onto a small section of my left calve; I was just relieved not to be burnt.
I pressed on the paper strip as instructed in the direction of the hair growth, waited a few moments, and, with a deep breath and wince of anticipation, pulled it off. Well, the wax was still on my leg and stuck to my skin and the hairs which were still fully on there. I tried again with a different strip, but it didn't help. Then I attempted to use paper towels to pry the wax off, but that was to no avail. That's when I started to panic. I left everything and raced down the hall to the showers. Luckily there was one free, so I jumped in, stripped, and tried scraping the wax off with my fingernails in the hope that the water would loosen the wax. Another big mistake. With purple wax-covered fingers, I threw my clothes on over my dripping wet body and sprinted back to the handicapped bathroom. I got the instructions wet and sticky as I frantically read through them again, trying to figure out how the hell to get the wax off.
Fortunately, another girl from the dorm found me, a packing, freaked-out mess, and asked me if I'd tried the oil. It turns out there was a tiny bottle of vitamin E oil in the box that I hadn't noticed. I poured some of the oil on my leg and hands and wiped off the wax in clumps with paper towels rather easily. It was pretty embarrassing. Immediately afterward I got back in the shower, rinsed the oily residue off my legs, and shaved.
 |
| Picture from Target.com |
Ever since then, I've been rooting for Team Shaving over Team Waxing. Some experiences should not be revisited, after all.
XOXO
Gossip Ghoul.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Masked
I might not have the best complexion in the world, but I do try to keep my skin as healthy as I can with a daily regimen of exfoliators, salicylic acid in cleansers, toners, gels, and creams, retinol, antioxidants, and moisturizers. I have very oily and acne-prone skin, so my skincare routine is a balance of acne treatment, oil absorption, and moisturizing to keep my skin hydrated so that it won't produce even more oil. About three times a week, I do a face mask.
If you've never tried a face mask, I highly recommend it. It's a great way to pamper your skin. There is a large range of face masks from affordable to luxurious for ever type of skin need. I rely on a lot of clay masks and avocado masks for my super slick oily skin, but there are moisturizing varieties for dry skin, like Freeman Beauty's Chocolate Strawberry Mask, which smells so delicious, btw. There are many with antioxidants to combat free radicals, some to brighten dark spots and even skin tones, and even some with anti-aging properties. People with combination skin can apply mud masks only on shiny areas like the t-zone, and there are delicate options for sensitive skin.
There are three main types of masks: peel-off, sheet, and rinse-off. Peel masks, like Freeman Beauty's Cucumber Peel, feel like a goopy gel when applied but then dry and are peeled off like a snake shedding its skin to remove impurities and deep clean pores. Think of it as an all-over and much less painful version of Biore pore strips. Sheet masks are like a wet cloth or paper that you put on your face with hole for your eyes, nostrils, and mouth, a literal mask, and all of its goodies soak into your skin. These are the easiest to remove. The third kind is the broadest; these are the masks you paint, with either a brush or your fingers, onto your skin and rinse off, usually with a wet wash-cloth, once they've dried, and these can be made of mud, clay, olive oil, honey, avocado, mashed fruit, yogurt, et cetera. Rinse-off masks are perfect to do during a relaxing bath or unwinding before bedtime.
I honestly have eight different bottles and tubes of face masks that I switch between. Freeman Beauty is my go-to brand, but it's always fun to try new ones. Yes to Cucumbers, Montagne Jeunesse, and several other brands sell single use packets of masks that are perfect for trying out, and of course, there are dozens upon dozens of DIY recipes involving all natural ingredients.
Just a few notes: make sure you wash and dry your face before applying the mask. The benefits won't really be able to reach your skin if they're blocked by sweat, oil, dirt, makeup, and such, and most masks won't stick to wet skin. Secondly, I prefer to use toner afterward to make sure I removed all traces of the masks and to restore my skin's pH, so I recommend this step. Finally, be sure to moisturize. Healthy skin is always well hydrated, so use your favorite moisturizer or a couple drops of argan oil.
This is a great way to get a spa experience in your own home. You can even place slices of cucumbers over your eyes and take a nap all girls' night cliche style. Try experimenting with different masks, and share your favorites with me in the comments. Enjoy!
XOXO
Gossip Ghoul.
If you've never tried a face mask, I highly recommend it. It's a great way to pamper your skin. There is a large range of face masks from affordable to luxurious for ever type of skin need. I rely on a lot of clay masks and avocado masks for my super slick oily skin, but there are moisturizing varieties for dry skin, like Freeman Beauty's Chocolate Strawberry Mask, which smells so delicious, btw. There are many with antioxidants to combat free radicals, some to brighten dark spots and even skin tones, and even some with anti-aging properties. People with combination skin can apply mud masks only on shiny areas like the t-zone, and there are delicate options for sensitive skin.
 |
| Picture from Sephora.com |
There are three main types of masks: peel-off, sheet, and rinse-off. Peel masks, like Freeman Beauty's Cucumber Peel, feel like a goopy gel when applied but then dry and are peeled off like a snake shedding its skin to remove impurities and deep clean pores. Think of it as an all-over and much less painful version of Biore pore strips. Sheet masks are like a wet cloth or paper that you put on your face with hole for your eyes, nostrils, and mouth, a literal mask, and all of its goodies soak into your skin. These are the easiest to remove. The third kind is the broadest; these are the masks you paint, with either a brush or your fingers, onto your skin and rinse off, usually with a wet wash-cloth, once they've dried, and these can be made of mud, clay, olive oil, honey, avocado, mashed fruit, yogurt, et cetera. Rinse-off masks are perfect to do during a relaxing bath or unwinding before bedtime.
 |
| Picture from FreemanBeauty.com |
I honestly have eight different bottles and tubes of face masks that I switch between. Freeman Beauty is my go-to brand, but it's always fun to try new ones. Yes to Cucumbers, Montagne Jeunesse, and several other brands sell single use packets of masks that are perfect for trying out, and of course, there are dozens upon dozens of DIY recipes involving all natural ingredients.
 |
| Picture from MontagneJeunesse.com |
Just a few notes: make sure you wash and dry your face before applying the mask. The benefits won't really be able to reach your skin if they're blocked by sweat, oil, dirt, makeup, and such, and most masks won't stick to wet skin. Secondly, I prefer to use toner afterward to make sure I removed all traces of the masks and to restore my skin's pH, so I recommend this step. Finally, be sure to moisturize. Healthy skin is always well hydrated, so use your favorite moisturizer or a couple drops of argan oil.
This is a great way to get a spa experience in your own home. You can even place slices of cucumbers over your eyes and take a nap all girls' night cliche style. Try experimenting with different masks, and share your favorites with me in the comments. Enjoy!
XOXO
Gossip Ghoul.
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