Winter Rescue - Control Cream

Control Cream from Mario Badescu, one product I can not survive winter without. It is one of my favorite products and I tend to recommend to lots of friends and family. I get dry, flaky and red during the winter months on my face. For me it's not just winter, just at it's worst during winter. It happens every time the seasons changes, because my skin is so sensitive. No amount of moisturizers worked until I found this product. It helps calm and soothes my skin and heals the dry patches on my face. Most important thing it does not cause me to breakout. It is not listed as a night cream or moisturizer but under preventive care from the product listings on the online store.

What does this product do?

-soothes instantly upon application

-reduces flaky and dry skin

-ideal for Rosacea and sensitive 

-treats red rashy skin and irritated skin

Why I love it?

As I mention it's great for treating red rashy dry skin especially on my cheeks. It is non greasy can be used as a spot treatment or in place of a moisturizer. I love it because when I apply concealer or makeup it makes my face look clean and not dried up. Prior to using this product whenever I was going through winter or climate change my make up always looked dried up and you can see flakes of skin peeling. If your skin is dry or red due to excess application of acne products, this is great to use while your skin is healing from the acne. It will help with the dry flaky spots most acne products create.  If you skin is irritated or red from the acne control cream can help reduce and camouflage the redness. It cost $30 for 1 oz.,  and usually last me for a year.


I will not recommend to use this product as a moisturizer during summer it can be too rich and thick. It is best to use as a spot treatment during the summer if needed. I tend to package some in a smaller container and take it with me everywhere and have a habit of giving away my small sample to friends and coworkers whenever I see they might need it. So far the 80% of the people I gave it to always comes back and asked me where to get it. 

All about Cleaning, My Favorite Facial Cleansers!

Why do we need to wash and cleanse our face. The same reason why you need to shower. You cover body with clothes and lather lotion on it all everyday, likewise you need to take care of you face. Our clothes protects our skin from environmental factors and impurities. Our faces are naked to the world. The first step in protecting our face is cleaning it.; so it can better absorb nutrients from facial masks, creams, lotions, and moisturizers that protect and nourish it. It is all about putting our best face forward!

When we cleanse our skin we are removing dead skin cells, dirt, declogging pores, removing impurities, and makeup. If we just wash our faces with plan water it may not be as effective and nourishing as facial cleansers. Our skin can not fully absorb and benefit from nutrients and ingredients infused in mask, moisturizers and serums when when its is blocked by dead skin cells, clogged pores, and environmental impurities. 

What makes a good cleanser for you skin?

- does not leave your skin dry and tight

- removes impurities 

-is able to remove makeup or remaining makeup post makeup remover 

-leaves your skin soft and clean

-does not leave soap residue

-does not leave your skin feeling oily or filmy 

Basic Tips when Choosing a Cleanser

Tip #1 Change cleansers for different seasons
We wear lighter clothes during the summer and put heavy sweaters on for fall and winter. Our skin tends to produce excess oil during warmer months and skin tends to be drier during the winter months. If needed during winter you might want to use a milder or cream cleanser and for summer you might need to use a cleanser that deep cleans with oil control.

Tip #2 Try not to use cleansers that contains soap or gives you a tingling sensation. (soap can be harsh and dry up skin)
A tingling feeling and lots of soap is not the best combination for your skin. Cleansers that contain soap can be harsh to your skin especially during winter months because they can strip away your natural oils and natural moisture barrier. This will leave your skin dry and dehydrated which can lead to premature aging and fine lines.  Cleansers that leave you with tingling sensation means that your skin is irritated by the product which can lead to dry patches and redness. If you have acne this can cause further inflammation and irritation.


Tip #3 Not all Oils are Bad for You
Cleansers that contain natural oils are good for the skin. It has been a myth that only oil free products should be used. Natural oils like olive oil and rosehip seed oil are popular ingredients used in cleansers. They tend to be less harsh to your skin and replenish natural oils and some have anti-inflammatory benefits. When our natural oils have been removed our body compensates by producing more oil. As a result this leads to breakouts and oily patches. "Oil dissolves oil."

Tip #4 Amount
A dime size is usually the recommended amount unless otherwise instructed on cleanser or by skincare specialist. The more you used does not correlate with effectiveness. If you apply too much cleanser than the needed you can excess residue on your skin and it's wasting your money. Not all cleansers can be used daily please read instructions and or as instructed by skincare specialist.

I have complied a list of my top 5 favorite facial cleansers. I have personally used all of them and loved them for different reasons. My skin type is combination and sensitive. Everyones' skin type is different please take this into consideration and you can always ask for store samples if available prior to purchase.

DHC Face Wash

Price: $28.50
Skin Type:Dry, Sensitive
Likes: Leaves your skin super soft and great for winter especially if you get dry patches and skin becomes irritated when the weather changes. It contains oil olive and can help replenish loss moisture.
Dislikes: It is too rich for me to use during the summer and only available online through DHCcare.com and you will need to buy a certain amout to qualify for free shipping
Where: www.dhccare.com







Clarins Foaming Cleanser (Normal/Combination Skin

Price: $20
Skin Type: Comes in Dry/Sensitive, Normal/Combination, and Combination/Oily
Likes: Milky foaming cleanser works as effective as soap and leaves skin soft and protects skin from drying effects from hard water. This cleanser is available is for all skin types narrowed down to 3 categories dry/sensitive, normal/combination, and combination/oily.
Dislikes: Only comes in 4.4oz tube bottle and I tend to go though a bottle pretty quickly. Need to use make up remover prior to cleanser and does not double as a make remover or not an effective make up remover in general.
Where: Major department stores beauty counter or Sephora






The Face Shop Brightening  Rice Water Cleansing Foam (Migasmu)

Price: $12
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Likes: Smells great , leaves skin soft, and brightens skin's complexion with the rice water( 10%) . This cleanser keeps skin hydrated and minimize moisture loss and detoxifies. Rice water has been used among Asians for centuries for cleansing face, body, and hair. This cleanser comes in a 5.7 oz bottle for under $15 dollars, it is very economical.
Dislikes: Can not be used as a makeup remover and only sold in The Face Shop store. It used to be $9 they raised the price every time I go.
Where: The Face Shop



Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleanser

Price: 8oz. $12/ 16oz. $20
Skin Type: All skin types
Likes: It is great to use if your skin is easily irritated and regular exfoliators and scrubs are too harsh especially during colder months. I prefer to use this product during winter and fall months more frequently, because my skin tends to dry up and it becomes irritated, red, and flaky. This products is non foaming and exfoliates skin leaving it soft and hydrated. This cleanser is economical because comes in huge bottle for $20 or under depending on size.
Dislikes: Even though it claims to remove makeup, I felt it's best to use a makeover remover as step one prior to using this cleanser.
Where: Mario Badescu counters, www.Mariobadescu.com, or Mario Badescu Skincare





Mario Badescu Glycolic Cleanser

Price: $15
Skin Type: All Skin Types
Likes: This cleanser is great for removing dead skin cells, improve dull skin, minor skin discoloration, and clogged pores. If you have combination or oily skin this great to use during the summer months, because this product deep cleans and decongest pores without over drying skin. It also helps with excess oil production that can lead to breakouts and removes makeup better than the enzyme cleanser.
Dislikes: The product contains glycolic acid so it can not be used on the daily basis. It recommends  2-3 times a week for combination to oily skin or 1-2 times a week for dry or sensitive skin. If you notice dry flaky skin close to they eye area you are using it too frequently. I tend to use 4 times a week during the summer because my skin has build a higher tolerance to glyoclic acid, but everyones' skin is different.
Where: Mario Badescu counters, www.Mariobadescu.com, or Mario Badescu Skincare



Wishing everyone great skin for the holidays and the New Year. Beautiful in and out!!

BB CREAM

What is BB Cream?

My new obsession that's what! BB Cream stands for Blemish Balm Cream or Blemish Base and it's extremely popular in Korean but has taken all of Asian by storm. "This cream is said to have originated in Germany as an ointment dermatologists would prescribe to patients who have undergone laser skin surgery for its soothing and skin-regenerating properties." What made BB Cream sell like hotcakes in Korea and now all over Asia is that it's a multi-functional product; makeup that has skincare properties.

My Experience:

I have been using it for almost 3 weeks now, I have learned a little goes a long way. I bought my first bottle from the FACESHOP located in the NYC Korean Town. It cost me 35 bucks, but I am a skincare makeup junkie. The price did not discourage me at all. I was willing to pay if the product works. There are many types of BB Cream with different emphasis on each variation it ranged from $20-$40. I bought the one with Korean Ginseng in it because its suppose to be extra moisturizing and prevents premature aging.

How do I feel about the product? I liked it. At first I found the shade a bit odd, but it went on very smooth on my skin without the cakey feeling. I looked paler than usual at first, but after 10 minutes it kinda blended with my natural skin tone. It concealed my uneven skin tone and covered my red acne scars well. On most work days I only put on BB Cream and lip balm. It gives people the illusion that I have naturally good skin. I noticed that the red acne scars were slowing diminishing in size and the discoloration faded more rapidly.

What is so great about BB Cream (Pros)?

-acts as a foundation/concealer base suitable for sensitive skin due to acne, laser treatment, and minor burns

-all BB Cream has SPF 15 or higher

-skin regenerating ( heals your skin and makes it look good at the same time)

-works like a tinted moisturizer

-will not clog pores

-prevents and promotes acne healing

-some BB Creams will have anti-wrinkle and brighten ingredients in addition

What is the catch (Cons)?

-limited shades for light and fair skin types only

-you can't try before you buy unless, available only online or Asian cosmetic stores

-not sold in major US cosmetics companies like Sephora

- can be expensive if bought in the US through FACESHOP, Amazon, or SaSa.com

Like all cosmetic products you must research which BB Cream brand works best for you.

Popular BB Cream Brands

BRTC - Bio Remedies Therapeutic Cosmetics

They are world’s forgoer who introduced Blemish Balm to Korea and upgraded it to the multi-functional BB Cream we know today.

FACESHOP

MISSHA

ETUDE

Dr. Jart+

Where to buy in the US?

Your local FACESHOP store (only sells their line of BB Creams)

http://www.brtcstore.com/home2.html (only sells BRTC products)

www.Amazon.com (search BB Cream )

http://www.sasa.com/SasaWeb/eng/sasa/home.jsp ( search BB Cream)

Hair, Hair, and Hair

Most people would say I am obsessed with my hair. Name it, I have done it. hehe. My natural color is dark brown, but I haven't been all natural since JHS. I started with the Sun In sprays and gradually progressed to bleach along the years. My hair can no longer handle the bleach sessions now. I do dye my hair every 3months, so my hair has been through a lot. Today I wanted to share what I have learned so far.

Hair Tip #1 or Answer to the big question..
Do you wash your hair first or do your wash you face first?
You always wash your hair then wash your face. We wash our face last because shampoo and conditioner often leaves residue or chemicals. Your facial cleanser and toning process will help remove the remaining shampoo residue. Another reason is that showering will help open your pores with steam, so it's best to cleanse, tone, and pamper your skin after a shower. It will be easier to extract dirt and clean your pores then, so a mask after a shower is a good idea.

Hair Tip #2 (Moisturizer)
You can do this daily (daytime and nighttime)

Every morning and night after you apply moisturizer to your face. Do not rinse your hand. Your hand will have remaining moisture and nutrients, use it and apply it to your hair. This tip was given by my stylist, he said in a week or so I will notice the difference in my roots. He was right. :) Like you face, your hair can use daily moisturizing too. Moisturizers are full of vitamins and minerals, don't waste recycle.
1. After you moisturize your face
2. Rub both hands together
3. Gentle hold on strands of your hair from you ear
4. Gentle rub the hair into you palm with your fingers
5. Slowly move to the ends
6. Use both hands and do it for both sides at the same time

Hair Tip #3 Don't forget the Scalp
A healthy scalp will lead to healthy hair.

1. We need to massage our scalp. This can be done in shower when applying conditioner or after shower with a good comb.

2. Do not irritate you scalp. If you scalp is irritated do not use relaxers and refrain from doing hair treatments.

3. Like another part of your skin, your scalp needs to be moisturized too.

Hair Tip # 4 CHOP IT

Sometimes the only way to rescue your hair is to say good bye. CHOP IT! The one true way to get rid of split ends, and hair like dry hay is to CHOP it off. Hot oil and hair masks are temporary fixes that won't last after the next wash, two washes at max.

Not everyone is willing to chop off their locks. Below is my favorite product, part of the quick fix category. It is cheap and effective.

Opal 1 minute treatment

Nutrients: NaPCA, Aloe Vera, Vitamin B5 and Keratin Protein. They perform selectively and treat hair according to the degree of damage. The conditioning agents help to disentangle the hair and make it more manageable. One Minute Treatment leaves the hair light, with increased body and better manageability.

It cost about 7-10 bucks, you can get it at a Chinese pharmacy or Chinese supermarket. If not, EBay has it. I use it every time I wash my hair. I know olive oil and good old mayo also works, but this is less messy.

My hair type is long, colored, dry, and over processed. If you tend to have oily hair I do not recommend this product for daily use. If your hair is oily try using it once a week first. Everyone's hair is different, so you will need to experiment and see what works best for you.

Facials, do we really need them?

Facials are great if you can afford them. What is a facial? The basic facial includes cleansing your skin from make up or products you currently have on. Then steaming you skin for at least 10-15 minutes to open up clogged pores and prepping your pores for extraction. Extraction is the process of removing white heads and black’s heads from your pores. The basic facial is usually finished off with a mask. The type of mask used depends on what type of package you bought or what you skin needs at the current moment. There are often special additions you can add to your basic facial like microdermabrasions and photofaicals. The most important part of getting skincare services is having someone that understands your skin and recommends products and services that suitable for your specific skincare needs. Skincare services are not and should not be a one package fits all product.

Are facials good for you? Yes, if you can do them on the regular basis. This is every 2-3weeks. If you can't do them on the monthly basis then, it’s not really worth the investment. If you tend to get facials every now and then, your skin does not reap the full benefits. You may love the relaxation and pampering you esthetician gives you but it will not do much for you skin long-term wise. The problems you had yesterday will still be there tomorrow.

What my esthetician explained to me was, "We can do our best for you, but you have to do your part too!" Expensive skincare procedures can be quick fixes to prevent, control, or reverse problematic skin problems like age spots, wrinkles, uneven skin pigmentation, acne, and acne scarring. What you do at home on the daily basis lays the foundation for good and healthy skin. Your at home skincare follow-up after the facials and expensive skincare services at medical spas are essential in preventing problems from reoccurring plus increasing their benefits.

For good healthy skin there are no quick fixes but maintenance is the key. If you can not afford the expensive facials every month, my best advice is stick to a daily skincare regime. If you do not keep to a regular skincare regime one time expensive splurges for your skin are a waste of money and time.

My Tips for Good Healthy Skin
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Wash, tone, and moisturize your skin morning and night daily.
3. Must use SPF everyday. Try to use a daily moisturizer that has SPF to cut down on clutter of products used.
4. You should do at home mask at least 2-3 times a week. I would recommend one for deep cleansing and one for hydration. Your third mask can be specific problems you want to focus on like whitening.
5. For the super lazy if you can only squeeze time to use a mask once a week, I recommend a sheet mask. (Hydration is best.)
6. Always remove all make up when you sleep.

7. Get 8-9 hours of sleep per day.

I will follow up with my favorite skincare products in different price ranges next time.