Skin Diaries Week 6

It has been a few weeks since I posted...

I have a case of the BLAHS. My face (and back, ugh!) decided to break out a bit at about the 1 month mark. I was hoping that I had skipped the initial breakout phase. But noooo dice! I read that this is completely normal though. A lot of women break out at the 1 month mark because of the fluctuation of hormones. It could also be because I upped the Spironolactone dose from 50mg to 100mg. It may even be a mixture of these two things.

The good news is, my face is SIGNIFICANTLY less oily and has been for the past several weeks now! It is not just my imagination this time. ;) In fact, the oilies really started abating once I upped my dose to 100mg. I am not oil-free by any means but the amount of oil produced now is a pretty normal and bearable amount (like going from 3+ blotting sheets a day down to a half one at the end of the night to take the shine off...which is the way my skin used to be before I started the BC pill and messed up my hormones.)

I have two active zits...one may even be a cyst, by my mouth. It is a painful one. >:| And a bunch of healing ones from the IB. Yay. I am hoping I am over the worst of the IB.

Review Rimmel Sunlight Bronzer 021, Match Perfection Blush Light Medium 002

Oh boy. Where do I even begin.

I picked up two Rimmel products while perusing the Wal-mart isles, and for a mere $5 each got my hands on the Sunlight Bronzer & the Match Perfection Light/Medium blush.

Rimmel Sunlight 021 Bronzer

I am a sucker for a cute design. I think the little sun embossing pulled me to this particular bronzer...but it also does not hurt that it was under $5. I am a huge fan of Rimmel Stay Matte powder. It is up there with Maybelline Dream Matte powder as my all-time favorite HG setting powder. Anyway, I digress. 

In the pan it looks like a pretty beige-y brown with a bit of shimmer. It looks like it would be a lovely bronzer for us super pale ladies.

...and then I got it home and swatched it. Holy sparkles, Batman. Not shimmer, not a hint of shine, but gritty, chunky glitter. It was ultra powdery too, and took MANY swipes to get the color payoff you see in the swatch. There was like...no color at all. Just gold glitter. I cannot even express to you my disappointment with this product. I was hoping it would apply better to the face than it did in the swatch. Sometimes products surprise you like that.

Excuse the blur...I must have put a smudge on my camera lens ><
Rimmel Blush & Bronzer on cheeks

 ...It did not. As you can (hopefully..) see above, there is very little color deposited. And even that little bit of color took many a swipe. And I used a MAC 109 brush. I mean, come on. Although it did leave a HEAP of gold glitter all over my face. Even though I love me some Edward (dont judge me xD) I do not want to sparkle like a Twilight Vampire (does anyone, REALLY?)

Rimmel Match Perfection Light/Medium 002 Blush

If you were hoping the blush faired better than the bronzer...you will be disappointed. The blush is matte, without a hint of shimmer, so thankfully it did not have the same crazy glitter fallout everywhere.

I like the fact that the blush and bronzer were the same size as the stay matte powder. It is really a huge amount, and you could easily use your brush to pick up just one of these three colors or swirl it around to combine them.

For this swatch I chose to combine them. The color you see here took MANY swipes to achieve. This blush is very poorly pigmented but not in the same way the ELF studio blushes are. With these, it is almost impossible to build up any color at all...and when you do, the result is subpar; a patchy, powdery mess.

The Verdict: Stay away. Although I love the Rimmel Stay Matte powder, there are MUCH higher quality drugstore blush and bronzer options to choose from. Both the Rimmel Sunlight Bronzer and the Rimmel Match Perfection Blush in Light/Medium were total duds for me. As with any beauty product, though, your mileage may vary.

FOTD Junkie & Doggie Surgery

I took Brutus (my 15 week old Pomeranian) to get neutered today. I figured it would be a quick and easy surgery. Unfortunately the vet had some bad news for me; not only had his testicles not descended, but he had a hernia causing the blockage. They were able to repair the hernia and sterilize him, but he is definitely down and out. I feel so bad for my little man.

While I was waiting to pick up my Bru-berry I decided to play with a UD liner that I have not used yet, the beautiful Junkie.

I love it, it is such a gorgeous dark teal pearl with gold shimmer. I usually stick to my neutrals, though, so this was a bit out of my comfort zone especially for daytime wear.

FACE:

Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Concealer in Light 18

Clinique Acne Solutions Foundation in Alabaster (far too pink for me, yuck >_<)

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent

Sue Devitt Silky Blush in Koh Samui

EYES:

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Junkie on top and bottom lids

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Perversion upper and lower inner rims

Covergirl LashBlast Volume

LIPS:

Too Face lipgloss in Pillow Talk

FOTD & Review ELF Warm Bronze

Another ELF product I picked up while running errands is the Warm Bronze bronzer (Target - $3). It contains 4 different shimmery shades that, combined, create the loveliest beige rosy glow on my skin.

This product is shimmery, but there are no glitter chunks or particles. The shimmer is not overpowering and does not seem to sink in and highlight pores. You really do not need a separate highlighter with this. The texture is silky smooth and not at all powdery; something you usually only find in blushes at a much higher price point.

This was a VERY heavy swatch

The powders, swirled together, apply fairly sheer giving your skin a faint wash of color. It really is a lovely glow. The color can be built up; I used 3 swipes to get the desired effect on my cheeks and used one swipe along my hairline and nose. The fact that this applies sheer makes it a heavenly bronzer for fair skins like mine, where if you are not careful can easily over-apply and give yourself mud cheeks. I think on darker skin tones you might have to apply more than you would want to, and the effect could be overly shimmery, not just a subtle glow.

What is also interesting to note is that the ELF bronzer case is identical in size to a NARS bronzer ($36) and contains a nice, large mirror just like the NARS. I really do love the sleekness of the black cases. Classy ELF, very classy.

Here I am wearing only Warm Bronze on my cheeks, nose, and forehead.

FACE:

NARS Sheer Glow in Mont Blanc

Maybelline Dark Circle Eraser in Fair

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Cream

ELF Warm Bronze bronzer

EYES:

Anastasia Brow Powder in Ash Blonde

UD Naked Palette - Buck (all over lid & bottom lash line), Naked (crease)

UD liner in Hustle (smudged out on top lid)

Covergirl LashBlast Volume mascara

LIPS:

Loreal Color Riche Balm in Rose Elixir

FOTD & Review ELF Candid Coral

Yesterday whilst I was out running errands, I picked up a few elf blushes. One of those blushes was Candid Coral. 

It looks so pretty in the pan, a faintly shimmery peachy coral. This blush has been touted as a dupe for Nars Orgasm (....it is funny how many times I see this, when in reality I have never come across anything quite like Orgasm) It is not. Not even close. It is also sometimes referred to as a dupe for Nars Deep Throat. Nope, not there either. Deep Throat is more pink. But it is quite a pretty blush in its own right.

Heavy swatch

This is not a highly pigmented blush. In fact, on my super fair skin, it took about 3 passes to get the kind of color payoff that you can usually get from a highend blush in a single sweep. I do not consider this a terrible fault, though, at least for me. It is nice not to have to worry about giving yourself clown cheeks. :D And for $3 it really is a steal. 

It applies smoothly and evenly, and is not overly shimmery. Meaning, it does not fall into my pores and highlight them. And It is not a crazy powdery mess (I am looking at you, Nyx blushes)

Throughout the day, it does oxidize a little on me and turn a bit more orange. 

FACE:

Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Concealer in Light 18

PC Barely There Sheer Matte Tint Level 1 Fair/Light

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Cream

ELF Candid Coral Studio Blush

EYES:

UD Stash smudged out on top and bottom lashlines

Covergirl Lashblast Volume

LIPS:

Carmex

Maybelline Coral Crush lipstick

Skin Diaries Week 3 update

My little friend did decide to visit me this month, yay. =p

Today I upped the spironolactone dose from 50mg to 100mg a day, to see if that will help the oiliness issue. 

I figured I would also post another pic of le bare skin right after a shower. I will do some detailed ones at the 1 month mark.

FOTD Dolce Vita

Today I woke up super late (like 11:30am >_<) which sucks because the Wolf works nights and goes to bed around 1:30pm, so if I sleep in at all I miss quality time with my honey. *__* Bloombloombloom. I have to run errands today. I never used to dread going out and about, but when the average temperature in Yuma this time of year is STILL 110 degrees, it kind of makes me not want to step a foot outdoors.

I have my battle face on, though. So obviously, I am ready for anything. ;)

FACE:

Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Concealer in Light 18 to conceal undereyes and nose redness

UD Naked Skin Foundation 1.0

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Cream to set foundation and as oil control

NARS Madly blush on cheeks

EYES:

Tarte NeutralEYES Volume II Palette, matte taupe(all over lid) and matte dark brown(crease) shades

 UD Uzi lower inner rim

UD Stray Dog smudged out on top lid

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume

LIPS:

Nars Lipstick in Dolce Vita 

I am testing out a new sunscreen from Paula's Choice. It is the Resist Super-Light Wrinkle Defense SPF 30. I received it 2 days ago with some other staple goodies from PC. So far, I am looooooving it. In fact, it might even be the first product I review on my blog! :D

Skin Diaries Week 3

I think I spoke too soon last week...about the oiliness, anyway. This week I have been pretty crazy oily. =( 

But the good news is...No cystic zits yet...yay! Although my forehead is pretty congested and I did wake up this morning with a small zit...it is not a crazy gross ginormous zit. I should be about to start my period...hopefully, lol, which is probably why the small zit has appeared.

My skin is really smooth, but super flaky and red from the retin-a micro. I am hoping my skin will learn to tolerate it better. I have these annoying bumps under my skin from previous cysts that take FOREVER to go away.

But so far, so good. I am starting to feel better about my skin...and have even worn my hair up a few times (I usually wear it down to hide my cheeks >_<) 

The scarring and hyperpigmentation on my left cheek is almost coverable by concealer and foundation now...before, nothing would cover it and trying to would just make it look horribly obvious. 

Skin Diaries - Week 2

Yesterday was the 2 week mark on Spironolactone 50mg a day. I have started splitting my dose and find that the side effects are much easier to deal with. Which is good because....wow. Just wow. I have not had a single cystic zit pop up this week. This is unheard of for me, I always have at least 1 painful cyst on my face either brewing or in full awesome force...so to go a week of having no active breakouts is a miracle.

The Retin-A Micro is doing some wonderful things as well. I have started to use it every night, but buffer it with my Paulas Choice Resist Toner and Resist Ultra-Light Antioxident Serum (meaning I put these two products on first, followed by the Retin-A Micro). The buffering keeps my skin from getting all irritated and red, but the peeling effect is not all that diminished, which I believe is a good thing. I want my skin to continue peeling for a good little while, to speed up the healing process of the old acne marks. 

My skin is much smoother due to the RAM use. I am finding I am using less foundation and the product is not falling to my crater-pores...which, and this may be a little preemptive and wishful thinking but...I *think* they might be getting a tiny bit smaller. I think my oil production has decreased a little bit too, as when I blot now (after 5-6 hours...used to be every 2-3 hours) I am not filling up an entire sheet anymore. Also, my makeup still looks decent after blotting and not like it just melted into every crevice on my face. I am still pretty oily, but I would be okay if it remains as it is now. It is manageable oiliness, at last!

As for the spotting-- It only lasted a day and was over, so that was good.

You know it is starting to look up when your boyfriend (boys, bless them, never notice anything *_*) comments to you that your skin is looking really good. Yeah, that happened today. TOTALLY made my day, not gonna lie.

FOTD Paris

Feeling feline. ;D My skin is a little bit irritated today from the Retin-A Micro usage, but my trusty Revlon Colorstay takes care of all the icky redness. Had to take Brutus (my little pompom puppy) to get his puppy shots today. He does not like needles. :(

Face:

Revlon Colorstay Combo/Oily Buff

Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder 110

Bare Minerals Ready Bronzer Skinny Dip

NARS Blush Deepthroat

NARS Highlighter Albatross

Eyes:

NARS Eyeshadow Duo Paris

MAC Eyeshadow Blanc Type

Urban Decay Uzi on waterline

Urban Decay Zero tightline

NYX Cottage Cheese inner corner of eyes

Lips:

Chapstick

FOTD Ashes to Ashes

Errands to run all day-- had to put on my battle face. ;) My eyebrows are going through a CANT PLUCK ME phase...as up until about 8 months ago I was overzealous with the pluckage.

Skincare:

First Aid Beauty sensitive skin cleanser

Paulas Choice Resist Ultra-Light Antioxidant Serum (around eyes)

Finacea Gel

Elta MD Physical SPF 41

Face:

Maybelline Dark Circle Eraser Fair

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation 1.0

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent

Physicians Formula How to Wear Bronzer Light Bronze

Rouge Bunny Rouge For Love of Roses Original Skin Blush Delicata

NARS Albatross

Eyes:

Anastasia Brow Powder Taupe

NARS Ashes to Ashes eyeshadow

Urban Decay Stray Dog Eyeliner

NYX Milk

Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara

Lips:

Fresh Sugar Plum balm

Spironolactone Update - Week 1

Oh lawd. So I started thinking I would not have any side effects from Spiro (other than some anxiety that I get from taking ANY medication....I am always scared that I will have a crazy reaction or something)...but today I started spotting. >_< It is really strange because, from what I have read, people do not usually have irregular periods from taking 50mg....It is usually a side effect of higher doses. Oh well, though. Supposedly it is a side effect that goes away after a while...but honestly, I would wear a panty-liner forever if it meant I no longer had to deal with acne. >:|

Skin Diaries - Week 1

Watch out, o peeps of the interwebs. This is going to be a gross, long post. With a lot of rambling. *__*

I decided to keep a little skin diary of sorts as a frame of reference. My skin is suffering from some serious uglies. I mean....I think it is the worst it has ever looked....ever. I suffered from a serious cystic acne breakout in March 2013 that has left my face scarred and with some crrrraaaaazzzzzyyyy hyperpigmentation. 

I have had acne since puberty, but it has only gotten bad over the past several years. I am 27, should be focusing on anti-aging, and instead have to worry about cystic acne. Yay. 

I have tried a number of things over the past several years....but nothing has worked. I have not had a single day, since the age of 13, that I have not had a pimple on my face. 

I went to the dermatologist last Thursday, and told him I wanted to be put on Accutane because I was so tired of the constant war I had been waging. It has caused me enough grief and stress. I am well versed in the possible horrible side effects but I have gotten to the point that I am willing to take the risk. The derm talked me off the ledge, said he would be willing to give it to me but I should try this androgen-blocker called Spironolactone first. Well, I had already done a ton of research on spironolactone anyway, so I knew exactly what it was. I was pretty pleased  he knew about it (supposedly a lot of derms do not like to prescribe this) so I agreed to try the Spiro as well as use Retin-A every other day (at least).

He told me to start out on 50mg a day, and when I felt ready, to up my dose to 100mg. So I have been taking the Spiro for a little over a week, and use the Retin-A micro every other day at night. I used Finacea gel in the morning (followed by Sunscreen) and on the other nights I am not using Retin-A micro.

Mini rave starting about Finacea: I LOVE IT. There is no topical that I love more than Finacea gel. I have been using it about 2 months now, and it seriously takes all of the redness out of my face (until I added Retin-A in, of course >_>) I do not know if it is helping fade my hyperpigmentation or if time would work just as well on it, but for the redness reduction and evening of skin tone alone it is fantastic! I neeeever plan on stopping this stuff.

Anyway. Here are some pics. A little over a week in to the treatment.

le bare face

Right cheek-- couple active/healing breakouts, hyperpigmentatin, scarring, huge pores, oily skin, the works. 

Left cheek-- nothing active, just scarring and hyperpigmentation.

Chin area isnt horrible, just a bit pink from Retin-A Micro.

Yuck, right? I currently have a few healing breakouts and sooo much hyperpigmentation and a bit of scarring too. HUGE craterous pores that seep oil like crazy...I am hoping Spiro will help with the oil as well as the acne. But only time will tell-- supposedly it takes a couple months for your hormones to get adjusted to the medication.