Skin Care

Dry Skin & Dark Spots, and Skin Care Hits and Misses From The Ordinary, First Aid Beauty and Biossance

May 21st, 2021 by Karen 9 Comments

I will not add another step to my skin care routine.

Nope.

Not gonna do it. I WILL NOT!

I figure, if I keep up with this mantra, it’ll eventually come to pass…but so far, no dice.

These are the latest additions to my skin care routine — what I’ve been liking, and what I’d characterize as just “eh.”

Just to add a little background, in case you don’t know me from a slice of watermelon, I have combo skin and tend to break out around my mouth, chin and forehead, and I’m in my mid-40s (about to turn 46, as a matter fact). Right now I’m fighting the good fight against the occasional hormone-related breakout, along with, ugh…hyperpigmentation. SUNSCREEN IS MY HOMEGIRL.

With that said, let’s go…

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

I recently picked up this hydrating product from Ulta, and I’m lurving it. I’ve read that incorporating a hyaluronic acid serum into your skin care regimen can be great for dry skin, but, apparently, there’s a trick to making this tip truly worth your time, which is that you have to apply the product when your skin is damp, then immediately follow up with a moisturizer to seal in said hydrating yumminess.

What’s the deal with hyaluronic acid? Well, it’s a sugar found naturally in our bodies, and its job in the skin is to hold onto water, so it keeps things plump and hydrated. Hyaluronic acid is also found in our joints and eyes as well.

As a skin care ingredient, it’s believed to act as a humectant because of its ability to draw and hold water, keeping your skin hydrated throughout the day!

There are lots of different hyaluronic acid serums at various price points (I’ll link some down below), but I picked up this one because it was only $7 for a 1-oz. bottle, and I’ve been steadily using it for the past month. I’m about a quarter of the way through it now, and my usual dry spots don’t feel as tight as they did before I started, so I’ll happily buy another bottle.

Yes, it’s an extra step…but if your skin’s been feeling parched, it’s totally worth it, IMO.

A few hyaluronic serums

Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Skin Booster Serum and Moisturizer ($28 for 1.69 fl. oz.)

SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier ($102 for 1 fl. oz.!!!)

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Serum ($22 for 1 oz.)

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum

This serum for fading dark spots and hyperpigmentation, among other things, is from First Aid Beauty.

Niacinamide, a.k.a. water-soluble Vitamin B3 is a heroic ingredient that gets mega-love in skin care circles because of how well many people think it works for various skin types (even sensitive), and it seems to do everything and then some, from minimizing large pores, moisturizing and, yes, evening out skin tone. Its rock star status is also due to how well it layers with other active skin care ingredients, like peptides, hyaluronic acid, antioxidants, retinols and acids.

This particular serum is lovely. It works well with all of the other things I’ve had in the mix, and also works great under copious layers of sunscreen (you gotta reapply all throughout the day, my love) and makeup.

I’ve been using it for a couple weeks now, and it seems to help with fading post-acne dark spots. It’s pricey, though, at $42 for a 1-oz. bottle, so I’m going to wait a few more weeks to determine whether or not I’m going to keep it in the mix… I do like it so far.

Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner

WHY IS IT SO HARD TO FIND A GOOD BHA TONER?

I know, I know. Everyone loves the Paula’s Choice BHA Toner and talks about it like it’s the one BHA toner to rule them all, but even though I’ve gone through a bunch of bottles and have been desperately wanting to drink the Kool-Aid, I don’t think it does all that much for me.

I recently started exploring other options and stumbled onto the Biossance Squalane + BHA Pore-Minimizing Toner.

With this one, you really have to dig into the ingredient list because it actually doesn’t contain salicylic acid.

Instead, it has willow bark extract, which contains salicin, which is where salicylic acid comes from. Biossance says that it’s a natural BHA and acts more as an “anti-inflammatory” ingredient, while also gently exfoliating, tightening pores and balancing oil.

I do feel like it’s very gentle, and it does a decent job of not irritating my skin. It also seems to help calm it down… I had some angry red bumpy patches from overdoing the retinol, and this toner really helped my skin chill-the-eff out.

I like it, but don’t love it. Yes, it’s not super aggro, which I appreciate, but I don’t feel like it’s moving fast enough.

I do have to say, though, that it seems like this bottle will last a long time. I’ve been using three or four drops every morning for a month, and I’ve barely made a dent in it.

Bottom line? If you want a gentle version of a salicylic acid toner, this might be your jam.

I’m going to keep looking for a BHA toner that rocks my socks off… If you have one you love, I’m all ears! So far, these are on my “look into it” list:

Typology Purifying Toner 1% Salicylic Acid: This is $24 for 7.2-oz, so it seems like you get a lot of bang for your buck. I like that it contains actual salicylic acid, along with aloe vera (which my skin likes). OMG, DID I JUST HIT “add to cart”! How did that happen? LOL!
Naturium BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%: There’s YouTube drama surrounding this line and its founder. I dunno, but the word “shady” has been thrown around. Anyway, I’m not super enthusiastic about this product, but the ingredient list seems decent, and I could easily pick it up at Target. It’s $20 for a 4-oz bottle. *shrugs*
SkinCeuticals LHA Toner: Effin’ SkinCeuticals. Why you gotta be so good? I’ve had more than my share of euphoric moments with their Vitamin C serum, which is the main reason I’m curious about this toner, which is on the pricier end at $40 for 6.8 oz. It contains a blend of lipo hydroxy acid (LHA, which is a derivative of salicylic acid), glycolic acid and salicylic acid. UGH, want!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S.

Beauty Products I’m Excited About: The Jan Marini Skin Care Management System, OPI and a Target Gem!

May 19th, 2021 by Karen 11 Comments

We’ve been back home in Novato since Sunday night, and even though I’m OH, SO HAPPY to be back in my own bed, I like a lot about the town of Sonoma, like there being so many animals around! We saw wildlife and ranch animals every single day. It’s rural up there with miles and miles of farms, and I’ve never lived anywhere with so many sheep! Or cows! Or horses! Or goats! It was cool to just turn my head and see animals at any given moment.

I’ve only lived in the suburbs and once in a big city (San Francisco) in my life, so to look out my car window and see gangs of goats roaming the hillsides to the left and right of me as I drove down the road was…shocking, in a good way.

Anyway, nerd moment, but every time I see a goat now I simultaneously think of the acronym ‘GOAT’ — greatest of all time, HAHAHA! ? Oh, I make myself laugh…

Being home again, I’m back on my regularly scheduled beauty jam, and these are what I’m excited about right meow…

jan marini skin care management system — The Jan Marini Skin Care Management System Starter Kit for Normal/Combination Skin

For months now I’ve been chomping at the bit to try Jan Marini skin care, as you know. I guess the beauty gods intervened to align ye olde planets and stars, because El Hub actually *paid attention* (GASP) and hooked this mama up with the Jan Marini Starter Skin Care Management System for Mother’s Day.

It comes with five items designed to be used in the following order…

Step 1: Bioglycolic Facial Cleanser

A creamy cleanser with exfoliating glycolic acid for dry, combo and oily skin. It’s also supposed to eliminate the need for a post-cleansing toner.

jan marini bioglycolic face cleanser step 1 — Step 1, Bioglycolic Face Cleanser

Step 2: C-Esta Face Serum

This is Jan Marini’s Vitamin C antixoidant serum, and the two key ingredients are DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol, which is supposed to help with fine lines and wrinkles), and ascorbyl palmitate, which is one form of Vitamin C (there are several).

jan marin c esta face serum step 2 — Step 2, C-Esta Face Serum

FYI, if you’re a SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic fan like I am, C-Esta’s Vitamin C is different than the variety used in CE Ferulic. CE Ferulic has L-ascorbic acid, which is considered in many skin care circles as the gold standard for Vitamin C. It seems like ascorbyl palmitate is often pooh-poohed as being inferior to L-ascorbic acid, but we shall see.

Step 3: Bioclear Face Lotion

EXFOLIATE ME, PLEASE! This lotion has three types of acids — glycolic, salicylic and azelaic. I love me some salicylic and azelaic acids, so I’m very excited about this, which is made for normal, combo and oily skin types.

jan marini bioclear face lotion step 3 — Step 3, Bioclear Face Lotion

Step 4: Transformation Face Cream

A hydrating cream with peptides, hyaluronic acid and an ingredient exclusive to Jan Marini called Thymosin beta 4.

jan marini transformation face cream step 4 — Step 4, Jan Marini Transformation Face Cream

Step 5: Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF33

A water-resistant (up to 80 minutes) chemical sunscreen.

jan marini antioxidant daily face protectant spf 33 step 5 — Step 5, Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant

The kit also comes with a card to walk you through the order the products should be used and whether they’re for mornings or evenings or both.

jan marini skin care management system card — Step-by-step, ooh baby!

I’ve read that the full-size skin care management system is supposed to last about eight weeks, which, truth be told, doesn’t seem very long to me, but I get the sense I can stretch the products out to four or five weeks if I use them sparingly — with the exception of the sunscreen, of course, because homegirl is not shy about applying and reapplying sunscreen!

jan marini skin care management system back — Ingredients

I’m really excited to use it, but I think I’m going to wait until after we go camping to start. We’re heading up to Casini Ranch on the Russian River for a few days so Rosie can have quality time with her favorite pet sitter (LOL!).

When we went camping last summer, the most I could handle while we lived in the tent was to use a face wash and sunscreen… Five steps would probably be a few too many steps for me out in the woods, but if you are the girl who camps with a multi-step skincare regimen, I salute you. You are officially my hero!

On the nail front, I haven’t worn OPI in years (ya know, I’m more of an Essie Gel Couture kind of girl), but I’m very excited about this purple glitter called Leonardo’s Model Color because it was a Mother’s Day gift from Connor.

opi leonardos model color — Two layers of OPI Leonardo’s Model Color

El Hub took her to Ulta, gave her a basket, and let her pick out whatever she wanted to get for mama (within reason). Apparently, the sales associates asked her on several occasions if she needed any help after seeing her linger in the fragrance section for a really long time, LOL! She told everyone “no thank you” because she had it under control, and she choose this polish, along with some sparkly butterfly clips and a pink travel laundry bag.

It’s purple and sparkly, and I will forever keep it in my polish collection from now until the end of time because she gave it to me. 🙂

One last thing before I head on out for now, I randomly picked up this box of Advanced Nail Polish Remover Pads last week from Tar-ghay, and they don’t play! So, so good.

A single pad removes even the most stubborn glitter mani or pedi, and it works fast! It works in less time than it takes you to convince yourself to buy another creamy pastel mint green polish, ha ha ha! If you want an easy, quick no-drama nail polish remover, grab thee a box ASAP.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 3: Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF30, Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50 for Face, Coppertone Water Babies Fragrance Free SPF 50

May 12th, 2021 by Karen 9 Comments

I’ve been trying quite a few new sunscreens lately, and this is a new series reviewing the hits and misses!

For more, check out:

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 1: Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+, CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint and Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 2: La Roche-Posay Broad Spectrum Anthelios 60 SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk and Sunscreen Lotion Spray, and the Sun Bum Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion and Spray

Hi, friend! Happy hump day to ya. 🙂

These are the last of the sunscreens I’ve been testing and trying. How long that statement is true remains to be seen, because I’m always on the lookout for more.

I’ve got some good ones for you (hello, Bliss Block Star), but before we get to that…do you remember the old sunscreen song by Baz Luhrmann?

SPF 1000, what the what?!

I remember the first time I heard it… I was driving across the Bay Bridge at an obscene hour in the morning after a long night of dancing in San Francisco. I was listening to Live 105 on full blast to stay awake, and I liked the song so much that, the next day, I went to (wait for it) A CD STORE — remember those! — to track it down.

I haven’t heard the song in forever, and I gotta say, it resonates differently at 45 than it did at 24. OMG! Anyway, give it a listen…

Bliss Block Star Invisible Daily Sunscreen SPF30

“Hey, now! You’re a block star. Get your game on, go play.
Hey, now! You’re a block star. Get the show on, get paid.
And all that glitters is gold;
Only shooting stars break the mold.”

SORRY, GIRL, but I had to do it. 🙂 This song burrows its way into my brain whenever I pick up Block Star, which, by the way, is the newest item to join the Bliss permanent lineup. It’s a physical sunscreen, and, like all of the items in Bliss’s skin care collection, this tinted mineral sunscreen is cruelty-free.

I wore it on my mug the other day when El Hub hugged me, and he said, “You smell really good.”

Good sign!

It smells like lavender, and it lingers for about 15 minutes or so. I like it, and apparently so do the peeps in my circle!

The tan tint is a surprise. It appears lighter and peachier than the CeraVe tinted mineral sunscreen, so I assumed it wouldn’t work for someone like myself with tan skin, but it completely disappears after you rub it in.

There’s a slight cast at first…but after it sets (about 10 minutes), it disappears, and all that’s left is a smooth, matte finish.

This lotion feels silky, and I don’t feel like I have to jump through any hoops to get my skin to absorb it, likely due to the inclusion of dimethicone. If you’re a fan of that distinctively smooth, silicone-style slip, you’ll probably like how this feels on your skin.

I also like how it doesn’t burn or sting my eyes, and that I can layer it throughout the day. It’s an extremely easy sunscreen to touch up and reapply with, and I think it’s even easier to use than the CeraVe.

If you’re debating between the CeraVe and Block Star, I’d say go for Block Star if you like lavender and like the feeling of a “silicone slip,” and opt for CeraVe if moisture is your top priority. Both are solid choices, IMO, and you can’t go wrong with either.

A 1.4-oz. tube is $19.99 at Target. Definitely going to keep this in the rotation.

Coppertone Water Babies Fragrance Free SPF 50

As far as affordable sunscreen options, this one costs less than 10 bucks, and you get 6 ounces, woot! This fragrance-free chemical sunscreen is pretty darn good. I’ve used this for face and body, and it doesn’t irritate my peepers. Connor has also used it and agrees.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendlier option to La-Roche Posay Melt In Milk, this might be a good alternative, because like the Melt In Milk, it’s moisturizing, as far as sunscreens go, and it actually lasts throughout the day, but I don’t think the formula is as “elegant,” meaning that it takes much longer to rub in and absorb, and it feels thicker and stickier than Melt In Milk…

You also might want to patch test this first if you plan on wearing it on your face. I haphazardly put a layer on my mug one day when I was rushing to get Connor to a playdate, and I broke out shortly afterwards, boo!

A 6-oz bottle is $8.99 at Target. I’ll definitely buy this again because I like it as a body sunscreen, especially for the price, but I would exercise caution as a face sunscreen if your skin tends to break out.

Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ WetForce

I saw a sh*t-ton of these clear, chemical sunscreens sticks at the cash wrap at The Rack a couple weeks ago and picked one up on a whim, and now I get why — it looks like it’s being discontinued.

My feelings are totally mixed about this product… On one hand, I love the convenience of it. The shape and size make it perfect for sticking in a pocket or a purse, so that makes it really easy to reapply during the day. I just unscrew the top, run the stick directly across my skin (it leaves behind a thin, non-sticky film), then rub it in more with my hands.

It’s clear, so there’s no white cast or stain, and the light, lemony scent is delightful but not overwhelming. I also like the matte finish.

Problem is…it just doesn’t stay on all that well! The film never truly sinks into my skin and just sits on top, so it ends up rubbing off on whatever I come into contact with. I’ve worn it on my arms, hands and feet, and it doesn’t seem to do really all that much when it comes to actual, ya know…sun protection.

A 0.52-oz. stick is $28 at Nordstrom Rack, and online at shiseido.com (for now). I’m not going to buy this again, and I don’t even think I’m going to finish it, either, TBH. 🙁

Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50 for Face

Gotta love how affordable this physical sunscreen is for face. A 2-oz. tube is less than $10! Those who prefer their face sunscreen without a whiff of tropical fruit notes may also enjoy how its faint sunscreen-y scent fades quickly.

Unfortunately for this latte-colored lady, the white cast is pretty visible on tan skin. When I wear the recommended amount, my face and neck turn into the most interesting a purplish gray… Very Addams Family! It also feels heavy and slightly greasy when it’s sitting on my skin.

A 2-oz. tube is $9.97 at Target, and although the price is SO RIGHT, I really can’t see myself finishing this tube or buying it again. It’s not bad…but it’s not great either.

Take care of your skin, ya hear?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 2: La Roche-Posay Broad Spectrum Anthelios 60 SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk and Sunscreen Lotion Spray, and the Sun Bum Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion and Spray

May 7th, 2021 by Karen 10 Comments

I’ve been trying quite a few new sunscreens lately, and this is a new series reviewing the hits and misses!

For more, check out:

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 1: Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+, CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint and Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

You may have noticed that things have been serious around here lately with regard to sun protection. ??️

This cat lady and her cat companion don’t mess around, ha!

La Roche-Posay Broad Spectrum Anthelios 60 SPF 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk for Face and Body

This moisturizing and water-resistant fragrance-free chemical sunscreen for face and body is made for all skin types, even sensitive skin. Pretty much every spot I put this on feels great — my arms, legs, face, neck. It’s just like applying a regular old body lotion, and after it absorbs, it dries to a velvet finish that doesn’t feel sticky. There’s nary a greasy limb in sight! It just feels comfy. It hasn’t triggered any breakouts for me, and no burning or stinging eyes.

I mean, I know it’s just a sunscreen, but it’s a delight to wear. Please, however, remember to budget time for it to set and absorb completely before putting on any light or white clothing because it will leave yellow stains on white shirts. Yup, this is a lesson I learned the hard way. Thankfully, I got the stains out of my shirts, but I cannot say it enough — LET THIS BAD BOY DRY DOWN.

Even with the staining issue, I still like it a lot. It’s moisturizing, non-sticky, doesn’t leave behind any cast whatsoever, and I can load up on multiple layers throughout the day without any pilling. It also works well with other skin care products and makeup.

A 5-oz. tube with a flip cap is $35.99 at Ulta. It’s PRICEY, but I’d totally buy it again. I’ll be dancing into summer with it by my side.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Sunscreen Lotion Spray SPF 60

Basically, the same as the lotion sunscreen above but in an aerosol spray. I think it works just as well too, but one big advantage is its watery consistency, which makes it easier and faster to rub into skin. It’s useful to have when I’m touching up on sunscreen at lunchtime and feeling lazy.

Here’s how I like to apply it: I cup my hand and point the nozzle into my palm to spray liquid in there first, and then I rub the liquid on my arms, legs, etc. I don’t like spraying it directly on my body willy-nilly because I feel like it misses too many spots, ya know?

Please note, I’d recommend waiting for the liquid to dry completely because, like the lotion, it stains light or white clothing.

A 5-oz. bottle is $24.99 at Ulta. I’d buy this again if it were on sale, but I don’t know if I’d call this my holy grail spray because of the potential for staining… I’m going to keep searching for one that won’t stain my clothes.

Sun Bum UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion

I see this brand all the time at outdoorsy type places like Sports Basement, and I’ve always wondered if it was any good. Long story short, it is!

No cast, stays on like glue, but oh, the scent… It’s very strong. I like it because it’s yummy, like a coconut smoothie, but dang — I feel like I’m trapped in a tropical bar listening to the Steve Miller Band’s greatest hits all night long. In other words, you gotta be in the mood.

I’ve only used it on my body so far, so I can’t say how well it does on the face and neck, but both Connor and I wore this on our arms and legs on a very hot, sunny day last week, and neither of us picked up *any* color whatsoever. It really does seem to freakin’ work wonders at screening skin from the sun.

Other things to love? The satin finish is super pretty, and the formula isn’t sticky at all. Plus, it layers well.

Note: when you get into the shower or bath at night, expect to spend a little extra time removing it with a washcloth or an oil-based cleanser because it does such a good job of staying on skin that it’s actually hard to remove.

A big 8-oz. bottle is $15.99 at Ulta. The super strong coconut scent is a little much for an everyday sunscreen, but I still love this enough to buy it again for the beach or camping.

Sun Bum UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum SPF 70 Sunscreen Spray

The spray version is exactly like the lotion but in liquid form, and it’s just as lovely. This is the sunscreen I bring to Connor’s playdates at the park for touchups.

A 6-oz. bottle is $15.99 at Ulta. I like the price, and it works great, so even with the strong coconut scent, I’ll buy it again.

Happy sunscreen-ing, my friend! ?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. TGIF!!!! ?

Sunscreen Roundup, Part 1: Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+, CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint and Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

May 6th, 2021 by Karen 14 Comments

sunscreen roundup neutrogena paulas choice cerave — Sunscreen Roundup, Part 1!

I’ve been trying quite a few new sunscreens lately, and this is a new series reviewing the hits and misses!

I’ve gotten a few requests to do a deeper dive into the sunscreens I’ve been ~~hoarding~~ applying with enthusiasm lately, so next stop — SUN PROTECTION CITY. ?️

Let’s go!

Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 60+

I straight-up LOVE using this chemical sunscreen on my body, but I do not like using it on my neck or face because it makes me break out! — and I don’t mean break out into song. It also makes my eyes itch when I sweat. ? For arms, legs, tummy and back, though, it’s bomb.com.

You know I cannot deal with the backs of my knees feeling sticky, and this formula absorbs in less than a minute. It’s also on the watery side, and my skin doesn’t feel sticky or greasy afterward.

It’s so easy to apply and reapply throughout the day, too, which is probably why I — drumroll please — already finished the tube.

Also, the quick dry time seems to help keep this sunscreen from staining clothes, which is GREAT. I’ve already taken the plunge and worn it with white shirts, and it doesn’t leave any yellow spots behind, even though it does have a lovely yellow-ish golden tint, which, FYI, you can’t really see once you rub it in.

I must say, I don’t know why the yellow tint is there, but it seems to help this not leave behind any cast.

Oh, and the finish!? It looks all glowy and schmexy when you start rubbing it in, and then it dries to satin, which is very pretty, especially on arms and legs.

As for the scent, it has a light one that reminds me of Bobbi Brown Beach Perfume. I like it.

Another thing I like is how it does not budge, even when I sweat. It’s so good at staying put that when I get into the shower at night, it takes elbow grease and a washcloth to completely remove it from my body.

If you already have a sunscreen you love for your face and neck, I say give this one a try.

A 3-oz. tube at Ulta is $17.99. I really like this for my arms, legs and feet, and because it’s especially easy to reapply throughout the day, I’ll for sure buy it again.

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sheer Tint

This physical sunscreen has a tint… It’s on the deeper side, so if you’re a lighter lass, you might have some issues with the tint looking too dark or too orange. I’m an NC42 in MAC, and I think it suits me pretty well, although I can see a subtle, sheer cast when I apply multiple coats.

I don’t worry about it too much, though, because the product has so many positives. It’s unscented, doesn’t sting my eyes, and it feels comfortable on my face and neck (I don’t really use it on my body). It’s also quite moisturizing, which I think is due to CeraVe’s three signature ceramides.

I’ve noticed that physical sunscreens take much longer to settle into my skin, and this takes about three minutes to rub in completely. After that, once it’s absorbed, it feels light and doesn’t feel greasy or sticky.

FYI, I’ve noticed that this tinted lotion can rub off on lighter clothing, so just pointing that out. So far I’ve been able to remove it from my clothes in the wash (knock on wood), but it’s worth noting.

This is pretty affordable at $16.99 for a 1.7-oz. tube (I bought mine at Ulta).

I wish it came in an option with a higher SPF, because if it did I’d totally get it again. It cooperates with other skin care products, looks great under makeup, and it’s super easy to apply.

Paula’s Choice Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 50

I’ve been using this chemical sunscreen on my face, where I have combo skin, and there’s a lot to like about it.

The good — it’s moisturizing, lightweight, and it absorbs quickly. I can also put it on my lids and my under-eye area without it bothering my peepers, and because it’s unscented, I can apply as much as I want without getting a headache.

Oh! — I also like the demi-matte finish.

The not-so-great part? I can see a very slight grayish cast on my skin when I use it… Granted, it settles down and disappears, eventually, but it takes a while… About an hour. Also, it doesn’t play all that well with other skin care products in the mix. It balls up and pills quite easily, so reapplying it throughout the day is challenging when I’m wearing more than just this.

A 2-oz. tube is $33, which is a lot for a sunscreen that’s just OK… I liked it enough to use most of the tube, but I don’t think I’ll be keeping it in rotation when I finish it. *shrugs*

Have you tried any of these sunscreens? Are there any others you really like?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Latest Ulta Haul: Skin Care, Sunscreen and Makeup

April 27th, 2021 by Karen 17 Comments

ulta skin care haul april 2021 — Goodies from Ulta

Look what you made me do, Ulta! ?

Remember how I mentioned there’s a new Ulta in my town? And how it’s barely a five-minute drive away from mi casa?

YES, I know. They ran a 20% off sale on everything last weekend, and this is what found its way into my basket…

ulta basket sunscreen skin care april 2021 — Ooh-la-la!

Lots of sunscreen and skin care as you can see. Yup, I still love makeup, and I was tempted by quite a few things (like this palette and these cream shadows), but I resisted *this time* around because I’ve decided that it’s time to get serious about fighting the good fight against hyperpigmentation. If I’m going to go to the effort of doing retinol, Vitamin C, AHAs and BHAS, I’ve got to get the sun protection part of the equation right, so sun protection was my main goal on this trip.

Side note: having a product game plan before beauty shopping helps a ton. I’ve blacked out at Ulta and Sephora one too many times, leaving with a basket of things I didn’t even plan on getting, and I know I’m not alone in this either. Having a plan stopped me from being tempted by things I probably don’t need, so I wholeheartedly recommend this strategy next time you head to the mothership.

Back to the sunscreen! What I really wanted was a face sunscreen, specifically a tinted one because I’ve heard that tinted sunscreens can help medium and darker skin tones prevent hyper pigmentation.

cerave cotz sunscreen swatches — I’m on a mission to keep the hyper pigmentation at bay.

The Cotz one is going back, unfortunately. I like how smooth and fresh my skin looked after applying it, and I liked the depth of the tint (I couldn’t see it at all on my skin), but it made my face itch. ?

The tinted Cerave, though, is a keeper! The tint is a little lighter than the Cotz one so I can see a slight cast at first, but it fades after it settles in.

I also like how lightweight and moisturizing it is. Only thing is…the tint rubs off on my mask and clothes, so I’m going to use the La Roche Posay Melt In Milk sunscreen on days when I wear white shirts or tees (which I do often).

la roche posay in milk swatch — LOVE THIS!

OMG, this is SO GOOD. The name “Melt In Milk” really does it justice because it absorbs incredibly quickly and completely, leaving behind absolutely no cast whatsoever. Plus, it’s moisturizing but isn’t sticky or heavy. I also like the amount of SPF protection and that it doesn’t have a strong sunscreen-y scent.

Speaking of scents…don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind scented skincare at all. I just prefer that the stuff I wear on my face not smell like a margarita. But on beach days or fishing days or camping trips, I do love a summery, sunscreen-y scent, which is why I picked up a couple things from Sun Bum, including this SPF70 lotion.

It smells like a coconut and pineapple smoothie, and it doesn’t leave a cast. I also bought the spray version because I’m really trying hard to get better at reapplying, and I figure that having a spray might help me stay motivated, since it’s faster and easier to apply than the lotion.

In non-sunscreen news…I stocked up on the retinol cream I’ve been using from Neutrogena, and I grabbed an old-school fave of mine by Proactiv.

pro activ neturogena in hand — Pimples and wrinkles… GOOD TIMES.

I wore this benzoyl peroxide cream back in my early 30s, back before I discovered Kate Somerville Anti-Bac Clearing Lotion. I still love the Kate Somerville, but they just keep jacking up the price! Last time I went to Sephora it was $52 (it was $39 when I started using it back in 2013). I’m pretty cranky about the price increase, so I’ve been trying to find an alternative… When I re-stumbled on this cream at Ulta for $35, I was stoked. I hope it still works for me.

Other stuff I picked up: a bottle of Pattern leave-in conditioner and couple of Clinique liquid eyeliners in basic brown and black.

clinique pretty easy liner brown and black — This liner really is pretty easy!

Have you done any beauty shopping lately at Ulta or anywhere else?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

Checking In: SkinFix Favorites | A Possible Solution to Crazy Baby Hairs | The Dinner Rage Chronicles, Continued

April 14th, 2021 by Karen 18 Comments

Oatmeal: good for cookies *and* good for your skin.

Side note, here is a recipe for oatmeal cookies. Make them ASAP. You’re welcome! ?

oatmeal choc chip raisin — Who wants a snack?

Colloidal oatmeal is a common moisturizing ingredient in skin care products, and my dry skin and I are definitely fans (hence my obsession with all things Aveeno). Its main jobs are to protect and soothe skin and to prevent water loss. It’s the active ingredient in a couple of things I love from this new-to-me line I’m trying called SkinFix.

This “clean” (airquotes) brand burst onto the beauty scene in 2019, and they’re known for uber-moisturizing products that focus on protecting and hydrating the skin barrier. You might recognize their Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream; it won an Allure Best Of Beauty Award in 2019.

If you continually fight the good fight against dry skin, firstly, welcome to my world. Secondly, I’ve found a couple things from the line you might like.

Yup, they both have colloidal oatmeal!

I’ve been LIVING for the Eczema+ Dermatitis Face Balm, which has 5% colloidal oatmeal as its active ingredient.

skinfix dermatitis face balm — Love this, and I’m putting some on my skin right now…

It’s a rich, soothing balm that you can use all over your face, even around your eyes and lids, to protect and relieve irritated skin, rashes and eczema. I don’t suffer from eczema; however, sometimes I do get dry, red patches at the corners of my eyes and on my lids, and this is the only balm that doesn’t cause me to break out in those areas. LOVE IT.

My hands love the Eczema+ Hand Repair Cream, which has 1% colloidal oatmeal as its active ingredient. This thick, non-greasy hand cream relieves eczema and soothes irritated, dry skin. A little dab goes a long way! Like most of us nowadays, I’m washing my hands a lot — all the time — and they get uncomfortably dry, and this cream really helps.

skinfix hand repair cream — A must for dry hands

OK, raise your hand if taming flyaway baby hairs takes up an inordinate amount of time in your day!

*RAISES HANDS* ?‍♀️

Mine are BANANAS! They stick up wildly every which way, and when I let them run amuck, I walk around lookin’ like I’ve been electrocuted.

A friend of mine has the same issue and recently clued me into this Amazon find called the Samnyte Hair Finishing Stick.

It’s a clear, super strong hair gel in a tube with what looks like a curved mascara wand, and, allegedly, when you brush it onto your flyaways, it smooths them down and keeps them in place without looking greasy.

The marketing kinda makes me laugh…

hair stick marketing — Clearly homegirl is bummed out!

What does dating have to do with “flyaway hair troubles”? LOL.

I just ordered a two-pack for seven bucks. DAGNABBIT, just when I think I’m done with Amazon (too many sketchy sellers and not enough protection for buyers, among other things), I get roped back in with this nonsense. My baby hairs and I are waiting with baited breath!

Last night Dinner Rage was averted thanks to a channel I recently found on YouTube called Yeung Man Cooking. The star of the show is Wil Yeung, and he cooks vegan and plant-based recipes that are simple and easy to follow. Our family eats everything under the sun, but I do like to cook plant-based meals whenever I can because I feel great when I eat a lot of veggies.

For dinner last night I made Wil’s 15-Minute Weeknight Noodle Stir Fry…

He has the recipe pasted in the description box, but here it is again in case you’re curious…

Yeung Man Cooking’s 15-Minute Weeknight Noodle Stir Fry

Ingredients:

60g broccolini

1/4lb thin rice noodles

150g mixed fresh mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, shimeji)

2 sticks green onion

1 tbsp hoisin sauce

1 tsp toasted sesame oil

1 tsp dark soy sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp white sesame seeds

Directions:

Boil some water in a kettle for the noodles

Chop down the broccolini into bite sized pieces

Place the noodles in a pan or bowl and soak in the hot water for 3-4min

Slice the cremini mushrooms and roughly chop the shiitake

Chop the green onion into bite sized pieces

Make the sauce and have it ready by combining the hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and both soy sauces

Give the noodles a stir to get rid of some excess starch. Then, strain out the water

Heat up a nonstick pan to medium heat. Drizzle in some olive oil

Sauté the broccolini and green onions for 2-3min. Add in and sauté the mushrooms for another 2-3min. Then, add in the noodles and sauce. Sauté until the noodles are cooked (about 2min)

Plate and sprinkle over some white sesame seeds

This was really good, and the reason I didn’t snap any pics of it is because we ate it all, and we ate it fast! Next time I make it, I’ll try to remember to take a quick snap…

The beauty of this recipe is that you can tweak it with whatever you have on hand. I subbed the flat rice noodles for ramen rice noodles, and I only used shitake mushrooms rather than a mix. I also didn’t have any dark soy sauce on hand, so I added more hoisin sauce and regular soy sauce to taste. I also left out the sesame seeds because El Hub isn’t a fan.

If you don’t have hoisin sauce readily available, you could probably substitute it with barbeque sauce in a pinch.

Another plus is that you can also customize each person’s noodles, too! El Hub usually likes a little extra protein in his meals, so I added smoked salmon slices and an egg over easy to his bowl. I made a sunny side up egg for mine, because you know that runny egg yolks are life, man! I kept Connor’s noodles as-is, and I let her shake some pre-grated parmesan on top. I know it sounds crazy to put parm on top of an Asian-style noodle dish, but it works, and if it motivates the Coywolf to eat a few more bites, I’m 100% for it.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

SkinCeuticals Vitamin C Serums and National Vitamin C Day, REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 (and SHOTS!)

March 31st, 2021 by Karen 13 Comments

If lipstick can have a national day all to its won, then why can’t Vitamin C? Shoot, we’re living in crazy times; we need to celebrate everything!

Sooooo, in case you haven’t marked it on your calendar yet, April 4 is National Vitamin C Day. ? I plan to celebrate by eating a bunch of mandarin oranges (but only the kind with the leaves attached!) and contemplating one of my favorite skincare ingredients.

(Vitamin C)

My favorite Vitamin C serum for the longest time has been SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic. If you want a serum that does everything — helps with fine lines, firmness and dark patches — this is the stuff! When I use it consistently along with sunscreen, my face (especially my cheeks, which is where I have most of my hyperpigmentation), looks noticeably smoother and more even-toned.

Unfortunately…it’s hella crazy expensive at $166 for a 0.50-oz. bottle.

(Yes, OMG!)

But it really works well for me.

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic isn’t the only Vitamin C serum in the SkinCeuticals line though. There’s also Phloretin CF, which is for helping to fade post-acne marks, and their new Silymarin CF, which is an oil-free version for blemish-prone skin.

Here’s a handy-dandy chart to help figure out which one should be best for you…

If you’re looking for a Vitamin C serum at a lower price point, Vichy’s is also good IMO, and it’s $28.50 for 0.34-oz. I went through two bottles and saw a subtle improvement on the uneven areas on my cheeks. It doesn’t pack the same punch as Skinceuticals CE Ferulic, but it still works (albeit more slowly), and — added bonus — you can find it at drugstores. I got mine on sale at Walgreens.

vichy liftactiv — Gimme all the vitamin C.

While we’re on the subject of skin schtuff, here’s a heads-up for my oily-skinned friends about a sunscreen I tried from REN. REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 is a face sunscreen made with 22% zinc oxide SPF and a very flat, uber-matte finish.

Right now my skin is dry, so it’s not the best fit for me, but if I had super oily skin like I did in my teens and early 20s, I’d be totally into it. It cuts down ALL OF THE SHINE and then some.

FYI, zinc sunscreens typically leave a white cast, and this one does too, but it’s very subtle. I’d say that if you’re lighter than I am (I’m a MAC NC42), you’ll be fine, but if you’re darker, it could leave a purplish-gray tint behind.

Other than sunscreen, the only makeup I’m wearing in this pic is JOY (seriously, where are my eyebrows, haha). I took this pic right after I got my first COVID vaccine shot yesterday!

I got weirdly emotional right after it happened… It was a mix of relief and happiness. I kept thinking of this exact time last year, when I thought that “all of this” would only last two weeks.

Yeah, I was a bit off with my estimate there. ? It’s been a LONG year, am I right?

Anyway, I practically danced on the way out, and I kept thinking of that song where all the people yell, “Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, SHOTS!”

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen