Paulas' Choice Tinted Moisturizer

This is probably my all time favorite tinted moisturizer. I haven't been using it lately simply because I can't buy it at the grocery store, and, well, I tend to try a plethora of products! This is one that I'll definitely return to, though! It is a bit pricey, at $14.95 but a great product.

What's great about Paula's Choice is that you can order a sample before paying full price. I recommend purchasing a couple of different sample colors before buying the full size. If I remember correctly, I used the fair/light color and the light/medium was a bit dark. I think the colors in her makeup generally do run dark, so keep that in mind when ordering!

This tinted moisturizer is great for rosacea sufferers because it is gentle and covers flaws and evens out skin tone in one simple step, without leaving skin shiny. I used to wear this under mineral makeup instead of a thick foundation.

I love multitasking beauty products! :)

Cleansing with oil

Okay, so I know that the skin care industry really pounds the "no-oil" thing into our heads, but what if they're wrong? After purchasing JASON vitamin e oil and cleansing with it for 2 weeks, I am a believer in cleansing with oil! This is a serious break through because I actually have oily skin. The type of oil that I use is actually a mixture of oils (I blogged about it a couple posts back). Vitamin e is great for healing acne scars and blemishes. I have found that my pores are also smaller and the oil draws out junk. Combine it with my baking soda cleansing technique and you'll see a transformation!

Today I came across an article on www.theskinsite.com about making your own cleansing oil.

I would love to try this method because it's true that oil in a bottle can get messy! I think the downfall is trying to find the right ingredients all in the same place. Beeswax is not something that grocery stores usually carry and it might have to be purchased online. A little inconvenient, but it might be worth a try!

I tried cleansing with olive oil a while back and I didn't care for it. It left my face feeling very slick. Olive oil may not be the way to go if you have very oily skin. The vitamin e oil does not look oily or feel too greasy if I leave it on after cleansing (because oil doesn't wash off completely with water).

Have you had success with a cleansing oil? I'd love to hear your story!

Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Pads

Hi, Beautiful ;)

I recommended tea tree oil for blemishes a couple of posts ago. Well, I found a great inexpensive product that incorporates tea tree oil without the mess! Desert Essence makes tea tree oil cleansing pads and they work great! Only $6, which is actually cheaper than if you were to buy it in the bottle.

I highly recommend using these pads if you're using tea tree oil!

Vitamin E Oil

I recently purchased Jason Vitamin E Oil, when I ran out of my face wash. I decided to try cleansing with a vitamin e oil because I have acne scars that just won't go away! I was skeptical, since the cosmetic and skin care industries are really pounding the "no oil" theory. Well, I'm not so sure that "no-oil" is the way to go! So far, I have not had any new blemishes. In fact, I washed with vitamin e oil at night and the next morning my blemishes were reduced and my complexion looked brighter.

After cleansing with the vitamin e oil, I use Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Pads. I swipe it on my face and let it dry. Then I use pure aloe vera gel. If I am putting makeup on after, I have found that I need a bit more moisture than the aloe provides, so I might put on Cetaphil cream, or I have thought of trying just some more vitamin e oil.

I purchased this Jason vitamin e oil, 5,000 I.U. but there are several different strengths. Next time I'll probably try the 45,000 I.U.

The type of oil I bought smells great! I also use it all over my body in the shower and at the ends of my hair to prevent breakage.

Gentle and natural :)

Tea Tree Oil

If your skin is to sensitive to use benzoyl peroxide, try tea tree oil. It has been proven to be almost as effective as benzoyl peroxide, but less irritating.

Tea Tree Oil can be found in the vitamin section of grocery stores and drug stores. It is usually inexpensive, around $7. A little bit goes a long way, so it'll last you a while.

Tea Tree Oil does have a very strong smell. You can dilute it with some water, mix, and dab onto skin with a cotton ball. I recommend only using this at night if you're going to leave it on, or just use it as a mask in the shower, so that people can't smell your face all day!

Even with the smell, I still highly recommend tea tree oil! 

Exfoliation Tip

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If you're going to use a mask, exfoliate beforehand using baking soda. This will help remove dead skin and unclog pores, allowing the mask to sink in. I have shown Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Cleaser/Mask because that I what I am currently using. I use it about once a month because I have sensitive skin and it contains 3.5% benzol peroxide. If you'd like a more gentle mask option, try the Aubrey Organics I blogged about previously.

You can also make your own pore minimizing mask out of egg whites. I know it's a little gross, but it does work! Just use one egg white and mix it in a bowl. You can add essential oils if the smell gets to you!

NYC Lip Gloss

I know I just posted about Neutrogena lip gloss in red, but I just purchased a very inexpensive lip gloss that I will forever be in love with! It's NYC lip gloss in Park Avenue Punch. I love the color and smell! I think it's a good color for all complexions.

Be happy :)