How I use Hydrocolloid dressing to heal pimples

So after my last post about Hydrocolloid dressing to heal pimples overnight, I've had a lot of questions on how to actually use it.  Here's my method...

1.  At the end of your day, shower or wash your face and dry it thoroughly.
2. Cut Hydrocolloid dressing to size to cover the entire pimple with a little overlap onto your skin.
3. Apply the dressing and place your finger over top of it to warm it up for 30 seconds.
4. Leave it on and go to sleep. 
5.  In the morning, remove the dressing and shower/wash your face as normal.

*Note* If you're acne prone, after the shower, dry your face and rub half a lime all over your face, leave on for 1 minute, wash off, dry your face and apply your dressing.  You can do this in the morning and night. 

Get rid of a pimple OVERNIGHT!

So I've been suffering from acne for about 4 years now.  I've tried topical creams and pills...including Accutane!  While the Accutane did get rid of my breakouts, it also cause a lot of stress on my liver which is now causing me to break out again.   I've gotten to the point where I don't fight with my skin, I just kind of let it do it's thing......until now!

So I'm just going to get right to it,  Hydrocolloid bandages!  That's it.  That's the miracle cure.  I was online researching skin products and came across these Nexcare acne patches.  These patches were getting rave reviews from everyone.  I didn't read a single negative review.  Because it's not sold in Canada, I started to research the technology and why these patches work.  Basically, these patches are just Hydrocolloid bandages cut into circles.  Hydrocolloid bandages are actually used for blisters, burns, cuts and bruises to suck all of the nasty stuff out of the wound.  I got to my closest drug store and picked some up to test out this little miracle.  All I have to say is that THEY WORK! 

I cut the bandage to size and applied it to one of my cystic breakouts. After one night, it shrunk the spot about 20%, after the second night it shrunk about 90% in size! 

Needless to say, these bandages are going to be a staple in my medicine cabinet!

Try it out and see how you like it.

Undressed Photoshoot

I recently did the makeup for a photoshoot for Stylist Jennifer Anselmo. 

Here is a peek of some of the photos:

 

 

 

 

 

Stylist: Jennifer Anselmo
Model: Natasha Perricciolo
Photography: Irem Harnak Photography
Makeup by me

Benefits of Rose Water

Roses have been added to cosmetics, medicines and therapeutic treatments for centuries for it's amazing beauty properties.
 
Rose essential oil has antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties, making it ideal to topically treat a host of ailments including abrasions, burns and skin conditions.

Vitamin A, B3, C, D, and E. In addition, falvonoid (antioxidant), tannins, and zinc are also often found in rose water.

works well on dry skin and aging, as well as the oily skin and acne prone.
 
Rose water has a nutritious astringent tonic which helps reduce redness caused by enlarged capillaries.

Rose water increases blood flow to the scalp to nourish and strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss.

Rose water helps maintain the skin's natural pH balance so they can against various skin diseases and eczema.

Sebum production can be balanced by using rose water. This applies to people with oily skin or dry skin.

 

Rose water can help in reducing the redness from irritated or over-heated skin.
 

 It is a great cleanser and aids in removing oil and dirt accumulated in clogged pores. Thus preventing acne and pimples

 

Its astringent like properties are great if used after facials and help to close open pores. Applying rose water after steaming tightens capillaries, reduces redness and blotchiness.
 

The aroma of roses is said to be a powerful mood enhancer. It rids you of feelings of anxiety and promotes emotional wellbeing, thereby making you look relaxed. Since it is de-stressing, it helps you sleep better which means you will wake up feeling fresh.
 
For those with mature skin, try using rose hip oil or serums as an anti aging treatment.
 
Try using rose water with glycerine as a facial spray in the morning and evening.  Simply spritz on dry skin and allow to obsorb.

 

Skin care routine!

I've had quite the journey when it comes to my skin.  I've suffered from large cystic breakouts to small tiny bumps all over my face.  After trying just about every product, I've finally come to find that the most simple regimen is working for me.  Below is my new routine that has transformed my skin! I hope this can help others if not inspire others to look towards simplicity when it comes to your body and skin.

Morning routine
I wash my face, in the shower, with Aveeno Creamy Cleanser.  This one works best for me but I know everyone's skin is different.  It has tiny beads that exfoliate your skin gently.

Once I get out of the shower, I use a separate towel to PAT my face dry. 

I then spritz my face lightly with rosewater and allow it to dry on its own. 

Lastly, I moisturize.  I've been using probably one of the worse things possible on my face, Jergens body lotion!  BUT because I've been using it for so long, it just works for my skin now.  I've tried tons of different face creams and they all break me out.  If you have the same problem, I would suggest going to your closest health store to see what types of natural moisturizers they can recommend. 


Night time routine
My night time routine is exactly the same as my morning routine however, before I wash my face with my Aveeno cleanser, I do a pre-cleanse with a stronger cleanser.  I like Clean and Clear because I can literally see all my makeup wash right off.  I then follow with my above routine. 

Stay tuned to my next blog post about why I use rosewater and what the benefits are.

Double duty makeup!

Makeup can be very expensive and most people forget that it does have an expiry date!  That's why when it comes to my personal makeup and the makeup in my professional kit, I like to find ways to make my products work for me.  Here are some of my products that do double duty for me.

Kat Von D Lock It Tattoo Foundation

This foundation is either a love it or hate it product. I personally LOVE it!  I started using this foundation all over my face for a full coverage look but I started to notice that I was getting a lot of breakouts from it.  Having an entire bottle left, I needed to find a way to use it up.  I now use this foundation as a concealer!  I use it to conceal any blemishes on my face.  The best part is that you only need a tiny bit of product. I take the tiniest amount of product on my finger (best makeup tool ever!) and dab, not rub, it on the spot.  Viola, completely concealed!!


MAC Studio Fix Fluid

If you're a girl who likes to hit the gym or just have to run out for a quick errand but don't want to pack on all the cake, mix a dab of MAC Studio Fix Fluid (or any foundation for that matter) with a bit of facial moisturizer for a sheer makeup look!  You have yourself a tinted moisturizer!


MAC Blush in Blunt



 














This is my favorite one!  If I'm away on vacation or some sort of travel, this is a staple in my bag because it does so much! 
I use this product as an eyeshadow, contour colour and to fill in my brows!!  That's tripple duty!! 

Benecos Natural Mascara

I know a lot of girls love their mascara.  I also know a lot of girls tend to not follow the expiration date of mascara which is 3 months after opening.  To make sure you use up this bad boy, why not use it as a mascara and an eyeliner!  Simply take your angled eyeliner brush and rub it onto the mascara wand to pick up some product and line your eyes!  Simple!


Lipstick as blush

This is an oldie but goodie and it really works!  Did you forget to put some blush on before work?  Or maybe you need a touch up before after work drinks.  Reach for your favorite pink, coral or berry blush and dab it lightly on your fingers.  Blend it in by patting it on your cheeks for a pretty kiss of colour.


Nivea Lip Blam



 













So this one is a little weird but I promise it works!  I use my lip balm not only to moisturize my lips but you can also use this stuff to soften your cuticles.  I also use my lip balm to tame my brows!!  Mind you, I don't just go rubbing my lip balm all over my hands and brows, remember to always use clean fingers when you're reaching into your lipbalm.  Bacteria can fester in this little tubes.

Hope you guys enjoyed those little tips!  This will help you get the most out of your beauty products!

Style Flash! Giorgio Armani Rouge d'Armani Sheer #614

Giorgio Armani is well known for his chic clean lines and is known to be one of the worlds most influential fashion designers.  But clothing is not the only thing he excels in, he also does cosmetics very well! 

One of Giorgio's latest 2014 cosmetic collection is called Effetto Nudo, which is described as both feminine and captivating, reinvented in modern romanticism. 

This collection boasts beautiful tones of nude and sheer luminous color! Sounds amazing right?!

One of the more captivating colours that caught my eye is #614: Plum nude.  This is a deep nude mauvy plum tone that will compliment any skin tone!  

Keep your eyes open for this in January 2014!! 

Pantone 2014 Color of the year!

So exciting!  Pantone has announced their 2014 color of the year and it is......Radiant Orchid!! 

Radiant orchid is described as “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.”

This colour could only mean a bright and beautiful 2014! 

Pantone talks about these colors and what they mean for beauty and fashion:
 
Radiant Orchid for Fashion
Radiant Orchid’s rosy undertones radiate on the skin, producing a healthy glow when worn by both men and women. A dazzling attention-getter, Radiant Orchid permeated the runways during the spring 2014 fashion shows and is already making its way onto the red carpet. Fashion designers featured in the PANTONE Fashion Color Report Spring 2014, including Emerson by Jackie Fraser-Swan, Juicy Couture and Yoana Baraschi, are incorporating Radiant Orchid into their spring collections and variations of this hue will carry into men’s and women’s clothing and accessories throughout next year.
 
Radiant Orchid for Beauty
A modern and surprisingly versatile shade, Radiant Orchid enlivens the skin, making all who wear it feel more healthy and energetic. Blending both cool and warm undertones, purple is an appealing hue for distinctive combinations and flattering to many hair, eye and skin tones.

These colors have already been seen on the runways from Salvatore Ferragamo, Max Mara, Missoni and even Gucci has an orchid colored bag out.

This is a win for beauty lovers everywhere as this color is flattering for most skin tones.  
 
Have fun with the orchid lipsticks, blush and eye shadows everyone!!

Gluten Free, Natural makeup products

 If you're one of those people who react to everything and anything you put on your skin, you might want to try switching to natural products. One of the best I've tried to date is by a brand called True Natural. True Natural carries a high end line called Lavera as well as a more affordable line called Benecos. Both lines carry a wide variety of makeup and skin care products. You can find these products at The Big Carrot as well as Natures Emporium. Check out their website for full ingredient listings.

Stay tuned for more posts about these products!

I had the opportunity to collaborate with Graeme at Enchanted Forrest Productions on a makeup tutorial video.  Have a look at how I created a dramatic smokey eye.  

 

 

Fall beauty must-have's

For most of us beauty obsessed girls, a new season means another reason to stock up on more makeup! 
Let's talk fall/winter 2013 2014 beauty.  If there's one thing fashion week teaches us, it's what's going to be hot for the upcoming seasons.  This years New York fashion week has taught us the following:

Brows - It's all about the brows for the season. Bushy/groomed/ thick/ thin, doesn't matter! More emphasis will be on the brows. This was very evident at Versace and Victoria Beckham's runway shows. 

Wine coloured lips- It looked like wine stained lips were the trend on the runways.  Lanvin and Vera Wang featured these amazing bold looks that brought a richness and bold feminity to their shows.

Purple shadow- Let's be careful with this ladies!  Purple shadow seems to be all the rage for fall and when done right, can really make any outfit pop!  Jason Wu showed us how to do it right!

Smokey eye- Seems like the smokey eye is always in style but you can definintely expect it to stick around for another few seasons!   Cavalli and Marc Jacobs were definitley spotlighting the smokey eye for their shows. 

Toners - Necessary or not?

There's really no yes or no answer to this one.  Toners can be beneficial if used correctly.  When you wash your face, there's bound to be a little residue left over.  Toners can help remove that residue and dead skin cells.  The best way to use a toner and ensure it's benefitting your skin is to apply it on moist skin. When you apply a product on moist skin, it helps the product penetrate your skin more rapidly.  Same goes for moisturizers etc. 
The moral of this story is that if you plan on using a toner, use one with good ingredients.  Avoid toners with alcohol, even if you have oily skin.  Pictured are some great toners if you plan on trying one as part of your skin care regimen.

Product review

Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Foundation.

The promise: A high-pigment foundation for full coverage with a long-lasting, beautiful finish.

Review: so I've been wearing this foundation all week and I'm sold! If you have acne scars, discolouration or any other skin problems, this foundation will be your best friend! It's light, highly pigmented and very well priced at $41 a bottle.