30 Day YouTube Challenge - Day 7-Skincare Routine

Admittedly I can get rather lazy when it comes to my skincare.  Previously I could catergorize my skin as oily and sensitive.  As I began to get a bit older, however, that changed to combination, sensitive, acne-prone.  My t-zone remains my problem area as far as trying to combat oil whereas the perimeter of my face tends to be dry.  It took a lot of trial and error to get in touch with that diagnosis and unfortunately my skin suffered in the interim. 

It wasnt until I was having to deal with repeat breakouts and a heightened level of hyperpigmentation that I began to get serious about taking care of my skin.  When I attended the five year anniversary party for The Makeup Girl blog I had a consultation with Joelle Lyons, esthetician for our beloved first lady Michelle Obama.  The consultation involved sitting in this contraption that allowed both Joelle and I to see my skin up close and way too personal.  I was at once shocked and disgusted by what I saw.  That was my turning point.  Since that day I have been a bit more diligent with washing my face twice a day and eating a bit better.  I now see the results and in addition have taken a much needed break from applying foundation and powder every day.  My skin is much happier and showing me by behaving. 

I did a video to showcase the products currently in my skincare arsenal.  Most items I picked up from CVS but if you have a question about anything I used please do not hesitate to ask.

T&T Beauty Haul: Origins

As stated in previous posts my skin is in total rebellion mode. I have admitted defeat, backtracked my steps to pinpoint the exact reasons why, shed a tear or two and now its time to fight back.

With steadfast determination I marched into the nearest Origins boutique armed with my credit card and an open mind. As this was my first time trying the brand, my Origins beauty advisor walked me through each step after listening to me lament my contribution to my skin troubles. At this point I am determined to see results so I didnt even flinch as she added to my skin improvement arsenal. I now have a very thorough skincare regimen as follows:

Never A Dull Moment is a gel cleanser especially formulated for combination skin that with a small drop produces an amazing amount of lather and results in your skin feeling cleansed not stripped.

Modern Friction is one of Origins best sellers and is a microdermabrasion cream that gently exfoliates your skin to reveal a brighter complexion. Use this two to three times per week.


Clear Improvement is a clay mask that draws out impurities and cleanses pores. This product is to be alternated with the Modern Friction, maybe used just twice a week and not on the same day as Modern Friction. It dries very tight on your skin which for some reason I like but it may not be for everybody.

United States is a toner used as a follow up to your cleanser.
Plantidote is a serum chock full of mushrooms that is used to calm your skin and helps in the fight against aging.

Have A Nice Day is the moisturizer and contains SPF 15. It has a wonderful citrus scent, reminds me of a lemon verbena.

Of course I had to get some heavy artillery. Spot Remover is a blemish fighting gel that contains salicyllic acid. A plus is that its clear so it can be used throughout the day.

Zero Oil is a mattifying agent that I will pop in my purse to combat oil slicks throughout the day.

As an added bonus I was given two samples (yall know how I am about samples and GWP opportunities): Plantidote Eye Serum and Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream - can we say yum? The scent of the body cream is amazing! I will be going back to pick that up ASAP!

If you want to give Origins a try for yourself you are in luck! Right now they are having their Friends and Family Sale (I had no idea until I got home!), by entering the code FF at checkout you can receive 25% off your purchase! AWESOME!

I will keep you posted on my progress, I hope to emerge victorious!

Bioelements Lutein Indoor Protective Day Creme

I just recently found out that I have combination skin (a little late to the party, yes I know) so as I am now on the journey to achieve flawless skin I decided to implement this product into my routine. Bioelements Lutein Indoor Protective Day Creme (that is a mouthfull!) is a product used mostly by licensed professionals, and now I know why.

I use this on my skin only in the evenings after I cleanse and tone and my skin just loves it! It kinda reminds me of the Clinique Dramatically Different Lotion (could be the yellow color) but slightly better.

It is formulated for use on dry, combination or oily skin so it can please the masses. I personally fell in love with it because something made my skin go absolutely beserk - I'm talking red, irritated, bumps, all from nowhere (oy vey!). Instead of freaking out like I normally would I decided to just stick with my nightly routine but try out the Bioelements in place of my usual moisturizer. My skin immediately felt soothed and in the morning it was as if the freak out moment never occurred.

Currently Bioelements can be found at a spa near you, I have not found any online shops that carry it just yet. I suggest you give it a try as I plan on looking into their other products as well.