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shinigamiringo · 2 years

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New year new death :D

So I have pretty much always failed my resolutions. There’s so much I want to learn and do, and so ofc like a normal adult I try to cram it all into one month and get overwhelmed then give up and beat myself up. Because that’s what you’re supposed to do right? 😂 But! While this year might not be too different, I have decided to cram less into the resolution part and not commit sudoku if I fail. Because I probably will. A lot. At this point though, I need something to change or I will just be a dog chasing its’ tail. I get too dizzy for that so fuck that noise. So, I’ve decided to try this in terms of quarters- that is, 4 separate parts of the year with each quarter building upon itself. My resolutions are pretty small too, so hopefully that will help a bit. Without further ado:

Q1:

1. Learn and understand all 2000 jouyou kanji.

I’ve been trying to learn Japanese since about the time the dinosaurs roamed, and with that amount of time I should have been fluent already. Sadly, I am not. Obviously. So instead of putting a goal of “become native level fluent,” my goal is just to learn the Jouyou Kanji. I do have some things to build on for that, but right now my goal is just to be able to read and since kanji has always been a huge road block I thought tackling that would be pretty helpful.

To help with this goal, I will be using a few different resources that I have hoarded through the years: Wanikani, A Guide to Remembering Japanese Characters, Renshuu, and Memrise. Wanikani goes too slow for the time I have to accomplish this, so it will mainly be used as a reinforcer. Resnhuu and Memrise will be both reinforcers and learning resources, while A Guide will be my main focus.

2. Work out at least 2x a week

The gym and I have always had a weird relationship. I love working out when I’m there but getting there is the insanely hard part. I get tired as soon as I sit down and then distract myself for too long. I also don’t want to work out before I go to work only because I’m afraid I won’t have time. Yes, I am the person who has an appointment so makes no other plans for the day 🥲

With that in mind, I have a few different things to help out: I have teas to drink so I can lower/ completely cut out soda consumption, Fit boxing/Ringfit for the switch, a step/ swinging thing called dipda, and ofc some youtube videos. This gives me plenty of options if I don’t want to go to the gym. If I do make it to the gym, I plan on just focusing on getting my mile below 18 minutes. God, if my teen self saw my time they would throw me off a roof 😭

3. Floss, brush, and mouthwash everyday

OK, so ngl I debated putting this in here but since I’m shouting into the void it probably won’t be too bad. Anyway, due to depresso I’ve had trouble being consistent with my dental hygiene. Is it gross? Yes, but that’s what happens when you feel like shit and even getting out of bed is a exhausting. If you don’t understand what I mean, you’ve obviously never been to that dark place and while I applaud you, don’t judge me for my amount of spoons. hmph.

To help with this, I figured putting on a podcast I like as I listen would be a good way to encourage that, and only listening to it when I do my teeth. I have quite a few on backlog but decided to either use Behind the Bastards or Let’s Not meet. I’m not sure yet tbh, but having 2 to choose from will probably be better so I won’t get bored. Also, since I can only listen to the chosen podcast during the washup process, I might actually encourage myself to do a face routine and teeth routine day and night. Hope springs eternal!

There are a few other things I want to add on there, like drink 64oz of water everyday, a drawing course, and a calligraphy course (already bought and delivered, thank goodness) but I don’t want to make the same mistake again so these 3 are the main focus for this quarter. Hopefully, I can update everyday to show progress, but if I don’t then I’ll focus on washing my spoons. Let’s go, 2023 D:<

#haha this is how i die #2023 resolutions #onwards to death #I SHALL SCREE THE SCREE OF MY PEOPLE

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m0thstardust · 4 years

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SKINCARE 101 MASTERPOST

TABLE OF CONTENTS Step 1: Identifying your skin type Step 2: Identifying skin conditions Step 3: Creating your skincare routine (steps are in order, but do the SPF in the AM and the Face Oil in the PM!) -Cleanser -Toner -Serum -Exfoliation (NOT every night, skip toner/serum when you do this) -Moisturiser -SPF -Face Oil Step 4: Customizing your skincare routine (AKA. How to read labels & advanced skincare geekery)

Step 1: Identifying your skin type

Oily skin - Prone to breakouts / blackheads. Makeup tends to breakup on your face by or before the late afternoon, and skin gets shiny.

Dry skin - prone to flaking, irritation. Skin often looks dull and matte.

combo skin - some areas of your face are oily, and some areas of your face are dry. Oftentimes, your oily areas are in your T-Zone: your forehead, nose, and sometimes chin. If you have this skin type, you need to identify which are your oily areas and which are your dry areas!

Step 2: Identifying skin conditions

a note: you can have any of these conditions with the above skin types! For example, acne with dry skin is uncommon, but not unheard of.

Acne - small bumps that are red on the skin, often turns into whiteheads. Can be cystic in nature (underneath the skin, large, painful) or otherwise. This happens when your naturally-produced sebum is not efficiently being cleansed out of your pores, when outside pollution and dirt gets trapped in your pores, or when your skin is irritated (if you have sensitive skin).

Sensitive skin - skin that is prone to redness & irritation. Some types of acne can pop up because your skin is irritated, not just because of trapped sebum or pollution.

wrinkles - not inherently bad y'all, but if you want to incorporate anti-aging into your routine, now is the time to figure that out!

Step 3: Creating your skincare routine

Now that you know your skin type, it's good to figure out what products work for you and what don't! This can be a lengthy and complicated process and tbh, is deeply individual to each person - trial and error is somewhat necessary. However, as someone with extremely sensitive combo skin, I can give you recommendations that have worked for me, and I do believe these would be a good starting point for most people!

NEVER start on more than one skincare product at a time, because if you have a reaction, you will not be able to identify which product or environmental factor is the problem. Give a minimum of a week before introducing another product in your routine.

If you're just starting out, I'd recommend picking a cleanser, moisturizer, and SPF from this list. After about two weeks, if there are no problems, I'd recommend adding a toner or a serum, depending on your skincare concerns.

please note that each step is in order!

cleansing

If you wear makeup, double cleansing is key. This means that you cleanse first with an oil-based cleanser and then with a water-based cleanser. If you have particularly oily skin, this may be effective for you too (despite popular belief) - but if you don't wear makeup start out with a water-based cleanser and you can add an oil-based cleanser later if you want to.

Oil based cleanser: (tbh for these they're all the same, here's a cheap one): Simple hydrating cleansing oil, $9-$13 https://tinyurl.com/r7fad8e

Water based cleanser: Simple Water Boost Micellar Facial Gel Wash, $7 (got mine for $2 on sale) https://tinyurl.com/yxx5vlx4

Both of these should be effective for all skin types. For cleansers with ACTIVE INGREDIENTS, see serums.

toner

Imo, I don't use a toner and I don't think they're necessary, but depending on your skin type they may be helpful! Not all toners are clarifying / stripping these days, and even if you have oily skin, I'd avoid toners with witch hazel or alcohols (fatty alcohols like cetyl /cetearyl alcohol is okay, they're not stripping) - they're a bit outdated and stripping all your oils can actually make your skin produce even more sebum.

Some toners claim to rebalance your pH so that other products are more effective, however this is an outdated claim as most cleansers are pH-balanced these days. If you're on a budget it is totally acceptable to skip this step.

serum

A serum is a concentrated active designed to target specific skin concerns. The Ordinary is one of my favorite brands to start out - they are transparent about their active concentrations, the pH of their products, and they don't include unnecessary fragrance, coloring, or essential oils. Start with ONE active, and don't use more than 2 actives in a skincare routine unless you know what you are doing.

Always apply your serum to a damp face - don't towel dry your face after washing, it introduces unnecessary bacteria and can cause breakouts. Every product on this list is for ALL skin types, but focus on targeted skin concerns. I like pairing a moisturising serum with an active because it allows the active to penetrate deeper.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc (this one is my FAVOURITE serum) https://tinyurl.com/v8tvfeu

Niacinamide is excellent for acne-prone skin & sensitive skin. It can reduce scarring over time, as well as hyperpigmentation from sun damage. Zinc has less research attached to it, but some posit it can rebalance the oily parts of your skin without drying out the drier parts.

The Ordinary "Buffet" Peptide Serum https://tinyurl.com/wr8vxsx

Peptides are found in the skin, and some research indicates that they are one of the most effective anti-aging, moisturising ingredients around. This peptide serum is cheaper than any other peptide serum you can get these days, and I found it to plump up my skin and hide wrinkles and fine lines overnight.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 https://tinyurl.com/tqn9usd

Hyaluronic acid is not an exfoliating acid - it is a moisturising acid. (see below for more about exfoliation.) This serum is a great introduction to Hyaluronic acid to see if your skin can tolerate it. (It's rare, but some people do have sensitivities to this ingredient.) Use this or a peptide serum for added moisture to the skin. The bonus is that this one is cheaper.

If you're already familiar with Hyaluronic acid and your skin loves it, try this: multi-molecular hyaluronic acid from NIOD, a sister company of the Ordinary, which is a bit more expensive: https://tinyurl.com/qtyccjr

"Multi-molecular" means that the HA is various sizes. The smallest molecules penetrate the skin the deepest (and have the most potential for irritation, but the most potential for anti-aging and moisture), and the larger molecules focus on surface level moisture.

Retinol/Retinoids: The Ordinary Granactive Retinoid Emulsion 2% https://tinyurl.com/sbdwskq

This is the recommended form of non-prescription Retinol that I'd start out with. (prescription Retinol is always better, but obviously cost-prohibitive for many). However, due to COVID-19, its out of stock for the forseeable future so if its urgent I'd go with the one below.

Retinol causes dryness, flaking, and irritation when you first start using it, so you have to start using it 2x a week and gradually increase to every other day or ideally every day. However, it is a miracle worker (and the most science-backed option) for acne, wrinkles, dark spots, and scarring. It promotes faster skin cell turnover and it's the BEST preventative measure for aging. I use this formula around my eyes for my dark circles and hyperpigmentation and it's the best.

The Ordinary Retinol .2% in Squalane https://tinyurl.com/t5r9rsy

This one, because its pure Retinol, may cause more irritation at first in comparison to the retinoid. Start with the lowest dose and GRADUALLY move to a higher dose as you get used to the retinol. THIS ONE IS NOT EYE SAFE so if you're looking to use it for the eye area, wait until the first one is back in stock.

exfoliation

For ALL skin types, I recommend exfoliating the skin. However, the amount of exfoliation is going to be greatly dependent on your tolerance level. AVOID apricot scrubs, they are far too granular and sharp and can cause micro abrasions in the skin. It's best to avoid physical scrubs altogether unless they are very finely milled such as a rice powder scrub.

Acids / chemical exfoliators are (believe it or not!) the most gentle way to exfoliate. HOWEVER, start with the lowest possible concentration and only do it once a week at first. Mix 2-3 DROPS of it with your moisturizer. If your skin seems to tolerate it well, SLOWLY increase the number of times a week you use it. NEVER use an acid more than 3-4 times a week, and for many people, that may be way too much. If you get waxy, dry, irritated, or flaky skin, DISCONTINUE USE and let me know and I can give you a paired down "recovery" regimen.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% https://tinyurl.com/s6rj3fs

An Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA), Lactic acid is best for sensitive and/or dry skin. This is a great starter acid! This acid helps with fine lines and surface texture tremendously.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner 7% https://tinyurl.com/rcc9fpq

Glycolic acid is more effective, but more likely to irritate your skin. Glycolic acid is slightly more effective for anti-aging.

Salicylic acid IS a chemical exfoliator, but it is a BHA (beta-hydroxy acid) which means it works differently from the other exfoliators on this list. It is safe to use Salicylic acid every day if you have extremely oily skin, however my sensitive skin cannot tolerate this so I use it a maximum of two times a week. You don't need to have salicyclic acid in a serum - if you use a salicylic acid face wash, it will be gentler on the skin.

CeraVe Salicylic Acid Face Wash: https://tinyurl.com/y2h75tlx

You can use Salicylic acids with other types of acids (AHAs, alpha-hydroxy acids), but you should NEVER mix two AHAs together without professional guidance or a professional formulation.

moisturiser

If you're just starting out, I recommend keeping your actives in a toner / serum form and keeping your cleanser and moisturiser as bland as possible. This way you don't accidentally double up on actives which could harm your skin in high concentrations, and also you don't have to spend WAY too much $$$ on fancy skin creams that may not even do anything!

simple light moisturiser https://tinyurl.com/s7b9ouh

Simple rich moisturiser https://tinyurl.com/sp9n4ar

(I use the light in the morning, rich in the evening. Use the light only if you have very oily skin, and the rich if you have dry skin)

CeraVe PM (good for combo skin, oily skin) https://tinyurl.com/wupcjrd

CeraVe in the tub: (good for dry skin) https://tinyurl.com/y67farnp

SPF

Only for use in the daytime, this is a VITAL step - especially if you're using actives like Acids or Retinol, but even if you aren't. Sun damage is the primary cause of wrinkles, dark spots, etc in your skin and will save your ass in the long run. SPF 50 is a must, and yes even if you're indoors it may be worth wearing! UVA-B rays can penetrate windows and damage your skin.

I personally only fuck with Korean sun block because their technology is leagues ahead of American sun blocks. There are two different kinds of sun block, chemical and physical. I won't go into this too much here because this is already too long, and I'm new to Korean sunscreen myself. Look at reviews for CosRX, Nature Republic and check out www.yesstyle.com for ideas!

Face oil

Absolutely not necessary, but I like using this in the nighttime at the end of my routine, when I'd normally use SPF! I find it locks in the moisture in my face and prevents transepidermal water loss, or your skin dehydrating itself in the middle of the night.

I use Rosehip facial oil, but you can use Jojoba, Squalane, Marula or many others. Don't worry about the fancy face oils, just go to your local organic food stores and get the pure stuff!

step 4: Customising your skincare routine

Now that you've got the basics down, it might be worth diving deeper into the ingredients you are using. The products I mentioned above are all known for using minimal ingredients to create the most effective results, but you may have noticed that some may not have worked for you. Maybe you have a sensitivity to the preservative used, or an active ingredient just isn't right for you. The only way to figure this out is through trial and error and research.

Some of my favorite brands include Simple, CeraVe, CosRX, The Ordinary, & Cetaphil because they don't have essential oils in their products (which can be sensitizing) and they are relatively easy to decode as there are less ingredients. BUT, not all products are made alike and just because these are trusted brands for me doesn't mean all their products are going to be effective, so understanding how to decode ingredient lists is vital.

INGREDIENT LOOKUP: https://www.paulaschoice.com/ingredient-dictionary https://incidecoder.com/ http://www.cosdna.com/

CROSS-REFERENCING: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ some of these websites are owned by skincare brands, so it's always best to cross-reference if you're able to get a variety of opinions out there!

THE 1% LINE Phenoxyethanol is a common preservative used in skincare products. While skincare brands do not need to disclose the percentage of an ingredient on their packaging, their ingredients are always listed in highest concentration --> least.

Phenoxyethanol is regulated in both the EU and the US to be in no greater concentration than 1%, so if an ingredient is after phenoxyethanol, that means that it is likely at a concentration of 1% or less. With powerful products such as Retinol this isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it could mean the company is advertising its product as effective when its actually shortchanging you.

SENSITIVE SKIN INGREDIENTS TO AVOID This is just out of personal experience - some of these ingredients may be just fine for you, and the concentration is also a big factor into whether your skin can tolerate it. But this is a good place to start in terms of ingredients to avoid!

Alcohol (Denat. Alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, methanol) Fragrances such as: -Limonene (linalool, linalyl acetate) -Citronellol -Eugenol -Cinnamal -Menthol -Geraniol Anything labeled parfum/perfume Any essential oils (yes, even lavender - it can be sensitizing!) Sulfates / Sulfites (foaming face cleansers are a no-no) Be wary of anything labeled paraben-free, because the science behind parabens being harmful is shoddy at best and many of the preservatives used in their place can be sensitising. But you're not going to be able to avoid paraben-free products entirely tbh.

#skincare #masterpost #hyram #youtube #the ordinary #skincare 101 #skincare for dummies #intro to skincare #skincare science #im a nerd sorry

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meaninginmakeup · 6 years

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I’ve posted before about my chronic pain. That means it takes a lot out of me to do a full hair care routine in the shower, since conditioning adds like 10-15 minutes because my hair is so thick. Which ends up actually being good for your hair, since it allows your natural oils to recover between showers. If I’m having to work more, I’ll shower about 3-5 times a week (depending on the time of year), but only do my hair about 1-2x a week during the winter.

Normally a lot of people with darker hair will complain about dry shampoos making their hair look white or like they have dander. Enter: Batiste’s colored dry shampoo. They have it for blondes and brunettes (and darker brunettes), I used the brunette one. I got a sample of the argon oil dry shampoo from work. A co-worker and I were wondering how it would work, since wouldn’t the oil in it defeat the effect of eliminating the oil in your hair? The answer is no, it’s actually even better than the Batiste one!

I use the argon one as a starter base. You massage it into your roots/bangs as much as desired. I’ll brush my bangs back into the hair so they can be sprayed with the other hair/my part. After that’s set a little bit, I’ll do a little bit of the Batiste to cover any light coloring the previous one left behind. You also massage that into your hair and viola: you have hair that doesn’t look greasy, and it still looks shiny and healthy. I’ve found that this combo actually lasts me about 48-72 hours (up to 3 more days), instead of 24 that I saw with using just one dry shampoo by itself.

Don’t be afraid of your hair’s oils. Remember it’s actually healthier if you don’t wash it daily (usually leads to a less agitated scalp, and gives the natural oils a chance to be combed out from the roots down). And some people actually co wash (which is using conditioner only instead of shampoo when they wash their hair. It’s also known as co-washing). I always get compliments on how healthy my hair is, and I’ve been only washing it a couple of times a week for a few years now.

#hair #hair care #dry shampoos #batiste #ogx #spoonie hacks #argon oil #argon oil dry shampoo #product reviews

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vestedbeauty · 4 years

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I Finally Nailed My Morning Routine At 53

New Post has been published on https://vestedbeauty.com/i-finally-nailed-my-morning-routine-at-53/

I Finally Nailed My Morning Routine At 53

How freaky is it to look forward to a morning routine every day?

Assuming a good – or at least decent – night’s sleep, this morning routine is a glorious thing. The best part is that it doesn’t even feel like a massive string of excellent habits all strung together. Always a plus when you can trick yourself (er, understand human psychology) and do all the things you know are good for you.

It feels a little weird writing this one because:

This morning routine is ROUTINE. Like, putting it into words shows how boring it is. There’s nothing all that impressive. Nothing eyebrow-raisingly badass. Certainly nothing epic. But maybe that’s part of its charm.

You might read this and be like, “Oh man, this is the morning routine I’ve been looking for my whole life!” Cool. But you’re pretty much on your own as far as figuring out how to implement it. I’m no life coach!

But if your morning routine could use a little shake-up, this might help.

Wake Up in the Morning Feeling Like P-Did…

(Okay, I won’t embarrass my kids after all. But you and I both know that when you reach midlife, songs get stuck in our heads more than ever before. Doesn’t matter that these songs are now playing over the speakers at the grocery store.)

I don’t use an alarm. Well, unless I’ve got an early flight or appointment. That hardly ever happens. What’s freaky is that I’ll go long streaks of mornings waking up at the same time, to the minute. 6:17 is the current streak.

Before my feet hit the floor, I spend some time in gratitude for the avalanche of blessings that fill my life. I pray for my kids (the two I raised, and the three my hubby raised) and their partners, my tribe (family and family by choice), and the seven families I know who’ve lost a young adult child, including one in my extended family. I ask for wisdom, grace, and creativity – and a heart full of love, joy, and peace.

Coffee on the Porch with Hubs

We make our coffee, then distract the dogs long enough to sneak out the front door before they stampede.

On the porch, there’s this glider loveseat in the shade. I bought a cushy cushion so it would be comfortable enough to sit on for a while. Out there, we watch birds, squirrels, and bunnies.

Sometimes our neighbor gives us a show. Not that kind.

He raises racing pigeons. They fly laps around the block many mornings. There also seem to be some volunteers – wild doves that want to earn a spot on the team so badly that they try out day after day.

FREE CrossFit! (Minus the Gym Whistle… If That’s a Thing)

Thanks to having a huge oak tree fall at the corner of the house (not on!), then getting mulched to oblivion, I have a year or so of workouts. Each morning, I’m shoveling, pushing a wheelbarrow, dumping the load of mulch or dirt, and spreading it. Listening to a little Trance mix puts extra pep in my step. (I have been listening to mixes by @DavidOlam for about a decade.

Of course, that’s after I do a stint as a chicken tender. We have 21 hens currently. They love cracked corn. In fact, they love it so much they will congregate on our back deck asking for it. They get some (it’s like candy for them). They also get fed and watered. I collect eggs then, too. Usually, we give about 3-4 dozen eggs away each week during summer and fall. Those slackers go way down in production during the winter.

Also, I love growing flowers and veggies. So, when stuff’s growing, I check in on it all. I use those watering globes to make sure everything gets the water it needs… where were these all my life?

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Stretttttttttttch That Body

After dripping sweat from mulching, nothing feels better than lying flat on my back on the floor. My muscles stretch, and sometimes my back cracks a little (gently). A little floorwork, then it’s time to stretch. I’ve always been about as flexible as a pretzel rod. But with daily stretching, there’s some progress.

My goal is to build strength and endurance and increase my flexibility and balance. Days I need to miss this routine, I feel like a slug. A stiff slug.

I Scrub His Back, He Scrubs Mine (My Favorite Part of the Morning Routine Around Here)

Anyone else out there shower with your partner on the regular? We do so every morning that we’re both home. In fact, if one of us is traveling, we joke about not remembering how to even clean ourselves anymore. It’s lovely.

He’s been so good-natured about the ever-changing lineup of products. Doesn’t even freak out when there’s one conditioner for every day except Monday and Thursday, on which there’s a different one. Also, he takes some ribbing from the guys in his VW restoration shop for being “late” to work. But he melts my heart when he says, “Are you kidding? For a chance to wash my girl’s hair? You bet I’m late.”

It’s more time to just connect (hehe – okay, yeah). We share what’s on the agenda for each of us. That works well because I’m the Content Director at Capitalism.com, a very busy startup – plus we both own businesses. It can be a challenge to keep our schedule in sync, but we’re getting pretty good at it.

Fix and Fuel

Having a pretty simple routine for hair and makeup on the days I do them is beautiful. (Here’s what I’ve found to make my hair routine work…ish.)

I listen to podcasts (at 2x speed). Current favorites are, Capitalism.com (of course!), Garrett Gunderson’s Wealth Labs, and Brooke Castillo’s The Life Coach School.

Floss (it sucks, but sucks way less than having to have dental work done). Makeup – I get most of mine from BeautyPie. I’ll do a review one of these days. If you want to check it out, here’s my referral link, which will give you your first month’s access free.

While I dry my hair, I catch up on newsletters like Morning Brew. On Mondays, I read a bit of Mark Manson’s goodness. Maybe check email and FB (NOTE: this is about 90 minutes after I wake up! NOT first thing! Not even second thing.)

As a creature of habit, I thrive on routine. This shows up big-time at breakfast. I’ve probably had steel-cut oats for breakfast 99% of the time for the past six months or so. A little bit of fresh fruit in the bowl first, a spoonful of Mike’s Natural nut butter (I’m a taste tester and my team is writing product descriptions – I’ll write more about that when they launch), and a splash of milk. Or, just nut butter on an apple, if we’re out of oats.

And then… ready to make my long commute to our home office (and my lovely ergonomic desk chair).

What Parts of Your Morning Routine Do YOU Love?

I didn’t build this routine overnight. It grew gradually by stacking one practice on top of another. Within a few months, it got to feel like second nature. With a few more months, it felt like something was “off” if I skipped part of it.

What I love most is that this natural rhythm of starting the day helps me prioritize my relationships, attention, health, and the expansion of my mind. By focusing on these core vitals every morning, it seems like the rest of the day just works better.

How about you? I’d love to hear your #1 favorite part of your morning routine in the comments.

#Morning Routine

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seekingraesmiles-blog · 7 years

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The Importance of Self-care: By Ladymedas

Your mind is racing, you haven’t had a good night’s rest in what feels like weeks, your meals consist of whatever is in arms reach or on the go, and forget about exercise - what’s that?! It wasn’t until I was in my late twenties that I had a deeper understanding of what self-care truly was and how important it is. My daily regimen now consists of caring for my mind, body, and soul.

I was noticing so many changes in my body, mood, energy level, and social life that I took a much-needed minute to pause and realize that some changes had to be made. My biggest issue (or at least I thought at the time) was time. My infamous line was “I’m so busy, I have no time to...”. Knowing I couldn’t change the fact that there were only 24 hours in the day, I decided to make the most of them.

Starting with making a list of must do things daily, I built everything else around that. I start my day with lying in bed manifesting the perfect day in my mind, following by writing out my gratitude. On occasion, I also throw a yoga class in there as well. As a morning person, it was vital that I did my most important tasks then, because it’s when I’m most efficient and productive. I plug in a few five minutes “Eb sessions” throughout the day (to breath, check in on a dear friend, daydream, scroll on instagram (guilty lol), etc.), and from the moment I get home from work, I begin my wind down. Dinner and catching up with my love, 2 hours of an activity of my choice (favorite TV show or reading), then preparing for tomorrow (prepping meals, picking out my outfit, adding calendar reminders, etc.).

Final task is washing up and getting into bed. If I have a lot on my mind once I’m in bed and it’s keeping me awake, I take a second to write it all down. This helps with clearing my mind and decreasing any anxiety that I may be experiencing. Anxiety has been an issue for me during different stages of my life -writing has been an outlet. My routine during the weekend includes more engagements with friends and family, yoga classes, and spontaneous adventures. Having developed a routine really helped to increase my mindfulness, develop me a deeper appreciation for my health and the people in my life, and most importantly, allowed me to live out each day to the fullest.

Five quick and easy self-care tips:

1. Start your day with 5 minutes of meditation (find a comfortable and quiet spot) - this will set the tone for your day.

2. Nourish your body with balanced meals daily - if you’re always on the go, meal prepping for the week may be best - don’t forget your fruits and veggies!

3. Surround yourself with positive people - schedule time for friends and family that motivate and inspire you. Constant good company gives you the fuel to keep going on those tough days. Can’t get together in person? Phone calls and texting sessions work wonders as well.

4. Take a second to simply breathe. Inhale slowly through your nose (causing your abdomen to expand fully) and exhale slowly through your mouth. Repeat an additional 2x. Also try a yoga class,YouTube offers free and easy to follow videos!

5. Get a good night’s rest. Put the cell phone down, computer away, and turn off any other distractions. Create a routine where you try to go to bed at the same time consistently. Eventually, your body will naturally start winding down around that time on its own - allowing for a peaceful slumber on a regular basis. Sweet dreams!

Sincerely, Ladymedas

#Mindfulness #spirituality #spiritualawakening #good vibes and happy lives #ladymedas #body mind soul #awareness #practice makes perfect #think about it #take care of yourself #instagram #tumblr #seekingraesmiles

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jonasmaurer · 4 years

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Hair routine + fave products for healthy hair

Per a couple of requests, I updated this older post with my current hair routine and tips.

Hi friends! Happy Monday! I hope you’re enjoying the week so far. I’m looking forward to catching outdoor yoga class tonight – my first group fitness class since March!!- and taking it easy with the fam.

For today, I thought we could chat about hair. I’ve been asked to share some of my favorite hair products + the latest hair routine and thought it would be a fun kinda different post. My hair has been through so many crazy stages over the past six years. From luxurious pregnancy hair, to postpartum shredding + regrowth (the lovely Frankenstein baby bangs), changes in texture (my hair got super wavy after I had P! We joke that it’s because the reflux and everything stressed me out that much) and environment (beach air, dry desert air, and swampy humidity), and getting rid of anesthesia from my system 3 times (<— which can make you shed and your hair do funky things).

(trying to decide if I should keep my current blond-ish highlights or go dark again for fall!)

Just this past year, my hair started growing like crazy. I feel like I’d hit a growth slump, and would often have to get a trim merely because the ends were shaggy; never because it was “too long.” While I’ve been working hard to take care of it, I also think that getting my implants out a few years ago and decreasing the inflammation in my body has made a positive impact. I’ve been taking a couple of new supplements that I think have helped and I think it’s responded positively to the super low-key approach I’ve had lately.

Here are some of the things I do to keep my hair healthy:

-Supplement. I used to take a prenatal vitamin, but instead, I currently take a mix of different things: a liver supplement (that has Biotin in it), vitamin b12, vitamin C, D3/K2 and an adaptogen blend. I also have a scoop of collagen either in my [decaf] cup of coffee or smoothie.

Collagen has been hyped up for a long time, but it wasn’t until I took it on a regular basis that I noticed a difference. My skin looks smoother, and my hair and nails are noticeable stronger. It doesn’t taste like anything, so it’s easy to add into hot or cold drinks. You can check out more about collagen and why I love it in this post.

I also take MCT oil (usually in my smoothie or coffee) for a quick dose of healthy fat. You get the the huge bottle at Thrive Market.

-Watch the heat! This one is hard for me because I like showers that literally burn my skin. Like, I want it to feel like burning lava. When I take a super hot shower, I bring the temp down to wash my hair. My mom is a hair stylist and has always told me to rinse my hair with cold water because it closes the hair follicle and makes it more shiny. I’ve actually started listening to this advice.

I just turn the water to ice cold before I get out of the shower and lean my head back so the freezing ice water doesn’t touch my body. Bonus: cold showers can help the lymphatic system, too.

When I know I’m going to heat-style my hair, either with a blowdryer or styling wand, I pick 1 thing to use for heat styling. So, if I’m going to round-brush it with a blowdryer, that’s it. If I know I’m going to curl it, I let it air dry first, so I’m not doubling up on hot tools.

-Get regular trims. This one is tricky with the kiddos and with the current situation, but I’ve noticed a difference in my ends since I started getting regular trims. In normal circumstances, I try to go every 4-6 or so. For now, I’ve had one trim since January and am super overdue for a new one.

(When salons re-opened, I masked up for some highlights and a trim just to feel like myself again. This was a couple of months ago.) -Don’t wash it a lot. I wash it 2x a week max. If I need to take a shower because I got a sweaty workout or hit up the pool, I’ll rinse my hair with water and just put conditioner or a mask on the ends. I think shampoo can be really abrasive and drying, and if you shampoo every day, it can make things crispy fast.

While I don’t wash my hair a ton, thankfully my hair doesn’t get too greasy – it will get a little dandruff snow if it��s been a while – but dry shampoo comes to the rescue. I’ve tried SO MANY, but this one and this one top the list.

Favorite hair products:

-Moroccan oil: I’ve been using this for years, and it’s the best ever. I’ve tried the light and really like it but prefer the heavier oil. We’ve also been using it on the girls since they were toddlers.

We never have to use detangler on their super long hair because Moroccan oil does the trick.

-Hair mask. This is my #1 favorite hair product. It makes SUCH a huge difference in the texture of my hair! My stylist in San Diego first recommended the Kerastase mask to me (the one in the pink jar), and I couldn’t believe how smooth and silky it made my hair. It was pricey but well worth it. Since then, I’ve tried a few different ones and really like the Loreal silicone-free. The only bummer about good hair masks is that you have to get them from a licensed salon for the most part. I’d hop into one (especially if you have a local salon with Kerastase products) and see what they recommend for your hair.

-Heat protectant. This is another huge one. I love the Drybar Hot Toddy and the Kerastase Discipline.

-Hairdryer, styling wand, and Revlon styler. I use the Revlon styler after my hair is about 80% dry if I want straight smooth hair. I’ll finish it off with the Drybar round brush and my regular hairdryer. When I want waves, I’ll let it air dry and fix the crazy pieces with this styling wand.

So, tell me friends: what’s your hair routine like? What are some of your fave products? A friend of mine swears by using apple cider vinegar instead of shampoo, but I’m scared to try it.

Any crazy hair stories?

I have two:

-When I was little, I would cut off chunks of my hair and hide them in my toy box. My mom quickly noticed what I was doing.

-My friend wanted me to dye her hair blonde in high school. I didn’t know you had to bleach it first, so I just covered her hair in blonde dye. The roots were the only thing that took the color, so she looked like she was wearing a bald cap with hair sticking out. She cried, and I felt like the worst friend ever. Thankfully, madre fixed it.

Have a great day and I’ll see ya soon!

The post Hair routine + fave products for healthy hair appeared first on The Fitnessista.

Hair routine + fave products for healthy hair published first on https://olimpsportnutritionde.tumblr.com/

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sblanton2012 · 4 years

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Let’s Catch up: All the Free Stuff

Hello internet world!

Long time, no see…or write. Over the time that I have been absent, or more like, over the time that I can remember posting last, I have: moved to Lubbock TX (from College Station, TX), gotten my dream job as an autopsy technician, and I have met the love of my life, my boyfriend, Nick Travis.

It has been a year since I’ve been here, and everything is going great. I started my lease at the apartment May 10, 2019, Nick and I met on September 26, 2019 (on Tinder…another story for later), we were Facebook official on September 28, 2019, and we started living together in my apartment. The month of April 2020, during quarantine (another story to tell later), I moved our small stuff (Nick moved the big stuff) into the house we are living in now. It’s nice, technically a 3 bedroom 1 bath, out in the county. The best part? Its rent and utility free. ABSOLUTELY FREE. The worst part? Probably all the dirt that’s out there or maybe my commute (I went less than 5 minutes to work to about 20 minutes). I mean, we’re in between cotton fields, so…

Anyway, I have recently gained a new obsession! I have read (about to finish the 2nd) 2 books about living plastic free! Crazy to even think about doing, I know. However, a lot of people are doing it. Before I get too far ahead of myself, the books are called Life without Plastic and Plastic Free. They are actually pretty good and not just science-y facts. It really got me thinking that it’s possible to do! I mean, I know I’m looking at just the easy stuff, but I feel like I can do it. Nick is on board too, so we will be doing it together. My biggest problem will be personal care products and food items. I’m not sure I can give up my bottled shampoo, mostly the conditioner. I have curly hair for Pete’s sake! I have no idea if using bar shampoo and conditioner (which I just found out is a thing) will damage my hair or not. I guess we shall see because I just ordered bar shampoo and bar conditioner off of amazon. I will update how I feel about it when it arrives.

I also bought cloth napkins, a cloth table cloth (for the boys [included in the Tinder story]), stainless steel plates, stainless steel cups, stainless steel bowls, a stainless steel to go spork (it’s foldable!), a 2 pack of bamboo to go utensils, a 10 pack of reusable sandwich bags, and a soap saver for the shampoo and conditioner bars. After my reward points, it was a total of $205 and some change. It’s going to a good cause, right? I plan on trying to sell the plastic stuff on a Facebook garage sale page to hopefully make back some of the money….maybe $30. Anyway, I searched to buy all of this stuff off of amazon and made sure of its qualifications and all that, but I could’ve gotten it from these many sites: life without plastic, ECO-bags, Chicobag, ReUseIt, planet box, and lunch bots. These are just a few of the places that are referenced to in the books I’ve been reading.

I just bought a Plant Box lunchbox! It’s a stainless steel lunch box with compartments that open like a laptop. It’s pretty cool. Check it out here.

So everyone says to start out going plastic free slowly. So, I have set a few goals for me to reach within the next few weeks: stainless steel/glass plates and drinkware (have/ordered), stainless steel pots and pans (expensive so I’ll get them eventually, but I LOVE my nonstick Pioneer Woman set), stainless steel water bottle (I literally just bought a 73 oz plastic bottle [SMH]), use my own to go containers (no Styrofoam) (next round of purchasing) , compost, recycle, shampoo and conditioner bars (bought), downsize plastic personal products (probs not happening). I’m going to clean out my kitchen cabinets this weekend and maybe I will get the other stuff in soon too. We shall see.

Something that I tried to start a while back was going zero waste. I’m going to try for it again. I would do pretty well besides to go food containers. However, I’m not drinking sodas much anymore, so that is cut down a lot. Here are my ideas for going zero waste: reusable napkins, reusable tablecloth, buy bulk, reusable water bottles, use towels instead of paper towels, no plastic utensils, paper plates, etc. All of these ideas correlate with Beth Terry’s actions in her Plastic Free book. She went down to like 1 point something pounds of garbage per year. PER YEAR. Some people even fit their yearly garbage in a mason jar! When the boys are at our house, we take out the garbage like 2x a week. When I lived alone, I took it out once every 2 weeks. We can work on it though.

Currently, we burn our garbage, since we live in the middle of nowhere. Which isn’t good for the environment either. The ashes leech into the ground and could contaminate groundwater. We have a well! There are so many environmental problems that we all contribute to that it makes me paranoid. In fact, paranoia runs my obsession with this, I think. Oh well, at least it’s working.

I recently tried doing the keto diet, before the quarantine. I felt great the first week, then I got bored while eating the same healthy foods over and over. I read the Dirty, Lazy, Keto books and it got me going. I even joined a group on Facebook to keep me accountable. Then quarantine happened and we couldn’t get many meats or vegetables with all of the shortages, so we just bought what we could to survive on. Nick made the comment that I was happier eating normal food versus keto… well duh. But we don’t want to see each other miserable so since quarantine has been over here (May 1) we’ve just been eating normal. HOWEVER. There is another way of eating I want to try. Sugar free. My mom did sugar free after she got food poisoning when I was in junior high and she lost a crap ton of weight. I figure if I cut out my sweets, the sprite and sweet tea, and try for fewer carbs (not stopping them), I might lose some weight. I gained 6 lbs over quarantine so I want to lose even more than I originally wanted.

My last goal is to set up a stable skin routine. Here’s the deal, I shower every other day (once again, I have curly hair), so I wash my face every other day. I know, gross. Get over it. I get really dry skin when I use my acne wash often. So yeah. I do have the Olay daily facials and I haven’t used many of them yet. My goal is to alternate between my Panoxyl face wash and my olay daily facials. And then continue using my toner and moisturizer as normal, which I do use after showers and it changed my skin when I started using it.

Well, I just wanted to catch up and write down my current goals. I want to blog more too because I’m bored at work, but every time I think about it, I get busy. I have more ideas to write about, so I will be here more often, Toodle-oo

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forever-learning-witch · 5 years

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My Current Daily Skincare Ritual 10/31/2019

Greetings everyone so you’re probably wondering why I am posting a skin care routine I use.... Well.... it goes hand in hand with Glamour Magic. I practice glamour magic for quite a bit. Also I love testing out products because I have the sensitive skin from hell. I cannot use the common American skincare products since it makes my skin BURN. So I stepped into K-beauty or Korean Beauty skin care products. I will link everything below and what I use it for in my craft. So it’s going to be a doozy.

DAILY ROUTINE: Morning:

1. ElishaCoy Vita Capsule Cleanser: This is used to start my day clean and basically wipe away anything energy wise that may seeped in over night. I usually dampen my face with warm water to open up my pores. I dampen my hands and use smaller than a dime size dallop and lather it up in my fingers first and then gently wash my face. Then I rinse with warm water.

2. ElishaCoy Moist Up Hyalurone Ampoule Toner: This is used after I lightly dry my face after cleansing. This is used to bring some balance into my day and to balance my face out. I use a cotton round and do gentle wiping motions along the face and then I lightly tap it into my skin with my fingers.

3. TonyMoly Mini Fruit Lip Balm Peach: I like using this cause it smells like peaches. I use it to encourage love and wisdom to be brought into my day. I just swipe it on my lips. 4.ElishaCoy Moist Up Super Hyalurone Ampoule Serum: This usually to used to shield my face from negative drying comments and also to keep my skin moist. I just put some on my hands and I start from my nose and swipe out towards my hairline and down my neck. Evening:

1. Repeat steps 1-3 from the morning however you’re washing away the grime of the day and bringing balance back into the day.

2. ElishaCoy Moist Up Super Hyalurone Cream: I LOVE this stuff and it is cooling and I use it to help calm myself after the day is done and bring you to a calming state. Just put a small amount on your hands and gently rub it on your face. This is just the daily. however there are things I do 2x a week, Once a week, 2x a month and once a month.... If you would like that as a post let me know.

#glamourwitch #glamor witchcraft #glamour magick #witch skincare #skincare routine

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risepepper9-blog · 5 years

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My Flat Iron Essentials For Relaxed Hair

A post shared by Sunshyne☀️ (@hairlicious) on Apr 20, 2018 at 6:28am PDT

I recently flat ironed my hair and posted a photo on my Instagram account. I got a ton of DM's regarding the products I used and how was I able to get my hair so smooth and straight! Not to worry, I will share all the details below.

First things first, I don't flat iron often! I flat iron typically 1-2x with every relaxer, which is every 10-12 weeks. I maintain my flat ironed style for approximately 5-7 days. I maintain my straight look by lightly moisturizing the very ends of my hair (no oil as it would weigh it down) and wrapping it every night with a satin scarf.

....now on to the products I use:

1. Small wide tooth comb - I use the small wide tooth comb AFTER I use the big wide tooth comb. This helps to remove any tangles that I may have missed with the big wide tooth comb. This comb also helps to ensure shed hair is removed. I use the tail part of the comb for parting and sectioning my hair.

2. Big wide tooth comb - After I wash, deep condition and air dry my hair, I thoroughly detangle with this seamless wide tooth comb to remove tangles. It works like a charm!

3. Sedu Flat Iron - I did an unboxing of this flat iron on my YouTube Channel. It is by far the BEST flat iron I've used on my relaxed hair. The 1 1/2" plates glide through my hair with ease and straighten my hair perfectly and quickly with just ONE pass. I love this flat iron because I'm able to set the temperature to whatever degree I desire. I typically leave the temp around 350-380 degrees. Because of the wide plates, I'm able to flat iron my MBL hair faster ending the entire process in approximately 40-45mins.

4. Hair Clips - These clips help to section off my hair so that I can focus on one section at a time. I use about 2-3 clips every time I flat iron. It's a must.

5. Tresemme Keratin Smooth Heat Protectant - This right here is the BUSINESS!! This heat protectant not only protects my strands from heat damage but it really smooths out my cuticles allowing them to lay flat after I'm done flat ironing! It doesn’t weigh my hair down AT ALL!! It actually leaves it light and fluffy. The scent is so light and refreshing - like a fruity/floral scent - making my hair smell so fresh and clean. It has made its mark in my straightening routine and it's not going anywhere!

6. ORS Olive Oil Edge Control - The last step! This edge control is perfect for laying down my edges. I get great hold for hours with no residue or flakes. I love it!

7. Joico Moisture Recovery Treatment Balm - This moisturizing treatment is the PERFECT treatment for bringing out smooth, moisturized yet strong hair for a bomb flat iron. No joke! This deep treatment smooths my hair like no other making the cuticle lay flat. The slip assists in detangling my strands in prep for flat ironing. First I shampoo with a sulfate free shampoo, then I follow up with this treatment for 5-10 minutes in the shower. I rinse and then move on to my leave-in conditioner and heat protectant (pictured above) - that's it. My flat ironed hair is moisturized, strengthened, smoothed and frizz-free as a result of this treatment balm! I can't see my straightening routine without it!!

Oh! You're probably wondering, "Don't you blow dry your hair ?" Well I don't blow dry my hair unless I'm several weeks post relaxer, otherwise I just air dry and then flat iron. The way I look at it is that my hair is already straight, why add more heat to it? Too, by skipping the blow drying step I get way more volume in my hair.

*Not pictured*: My One and Only Argan Oil! I use a small amount of product per section prior to flat ironing for extra smoothness and sheen. Not to mention, it's anti-frizz protection holds up very well. It works perfectly every time!

There you have it! What products/tools are essential in your straightening routine?

Source: http://www.hairliciousinc.com/2018/04/my-flat-iron-essentials.html

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dawnasiler · 5 years

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Peach & Lily Collection: Real Stories, From you

It’s been a little more than half-a-year since we launched our namesake Peach & Lily Collection, and it has been so incredibly exciting to see and hear all your stories about how our products have transformed your skin.

As you may know, we spent years iterating thousands of formulas and obsessing over every single final ingredient, determined to create the perfect formulas with one of the best labs in the world. We were shaking with nervousness, excitement, anticipation, and pride on launch day. You were finally going to meet our creations, and you were finally going to be able to take our carefully-perfected formulas (made with zero compromises) into your homes to care for your skin. That is a privilege that we will never take for granted.

It’s now been a little over half-a-year since our launch, and, since day one, we’ve been reading all the stories you’ve been sharing. It’s been a thrill to see so many of you describing your skin with words like "glass skin,” "luminous," "super healthy," "acne-free,” and "firm and line-free.”

Whenever a review comes in over Instagram, our website, blog, Facebook, email, we promise we see every single one. We take your comments very seriously, and it's fuel that keeps us passionate about meeting all your skincare needs.

Here are some of our favorite reviews from Instagram — thank you all for the love and for sharing your skincare journeys with us!

View this post on Instagram

There hasn't been a single product I've tried from the @peachandlily skincare line that I didn't absolutely love, and their newest addition is no exception. This is the new Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser, the first cleansing product introduced to the line. This cleanser claims to deeply cleanse without stripping the skin, leaving it properly clean and hydrated. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much as most cleansers tend to function the same, but upon application I immediately noticed a difference with this one. The texture of this is so silky and smooth, it lathers easily and rinses off with no fuss - plus it doesn't burn my eyes. What I feel makes it stand out the most however, is that post-wash it leaves my skin feeling so soft and not dehydrated whatsoever even though it's a cleanser. On top of all that, the ingredients list is fantastic and the packaging is aesthetically pleasing. This cleanser is such a gem, @peachandlily really knocked it out with this one.

A post shared by Saucy (@saucy.bread) on Mar 1, 2019 at 12:25pm PST

View this post on Instagram

Gotta give a shoutout to the @peachandlily Glass Skin Refining Serum ✨ // I’ve been using it for about two months now, and I can definitely see a difference in the overall quality of my skin. It’s a clear serum that’s watery, but still viscous enough that it won’t run down your hand the moment you pump it out. —— Please note that although it promises to brighten, this is not a targeted treatment that will lighten acne scars or hyperpigmentation — rather, my skin as a whole looks more luminous and translucent. The concept of glass skin always felt a little too gimmicky and aspirational to me, but with this serum, I can see how glass skin can be something achievable for everyone, flaws and all.

A post shared by Tori | 민선 (@toriminmakeup) on Nov 23, 2018 at 12:11pm PST

View this post on Instagram

Honestly friggin obsessed with this stuff!! I usually avoid any lotions or creams and only stick to serums and oils. This has changed my routine completely. It’s so smooth, softening, and hydrating, and feels and smells amazing. The fragrance is only the *tiniest* amount of essential oil (literally like .05% concentration or something) so you can hardly notice it. I keep mine in the fridge for extra happiness when I apply, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing. Obsessed with the entire @peachandlily line, truly. *gifted . . . . #abskincare #abskincarecommunity #skincare #skincarecommunity #beautybloggernyc #naturalskincareproducts

A post shared by Lily Chapin (@theblushedlily) on Sep 6, 2018 at 10:15am PDT

Here are a few of the reviews you’ve shared with us on our site!

Power Calm Hydrating Gel Cleanser

My new HG cleanser. I have never been one to spend a ton of money on a cleanser. That said, I have rosacea and acne-prone skin so I figured I would give this a try. It is actually the most gentle and calming cleanser I have ever used. Brings down my redness and is super gentle. LOVE! —Wynter D., Verified Buyer

I suffer from hormonal acne and this cleanser calms by bumps and reduces the redness associated with it. I also love the fact it does not have a strong scent, very subtle. —Christine, Verified Buyer

I really like this cleanser. It’s really gentle but cleans my skin without stripping it. My two teenagers also like using this product. A big plus is that it does not smelly overly perfume like. My son appreciates that . Another plus is the packaging. Since it’s a tube we can get every last drop of product out. We will be purchasing in the future. —Brein G., Verified Buyer

Good Acids Pore Toner

I really love this toner. I wasn't sure if it was going to be harsh or drying because of the acids but it totally isn't! It has really helped to keep my skin balanced and clear even during hormonal times of the month. Such a great toner for everyday use — day and night. —Jean K., Verified Buyer

After a few weeks of using this, my skin is noticeably clearer and pores are smaller. I have combination skin that tends to dry out in many places while also having blackheads and whiteheads in others. I use this toner once every day or two days, depending on how my skin feels. Paired with the glass skin serum, it has really made a difference. —Kristiene G., Verified Buyer

I love this product! I am currently using a retinoid so this is a really great way to incorporate an AHA in my routine. It's super gentle and really just gives you very mellow exfoliation. I just put it straight on my face — no cottons required! —Kate L., Verified Buyer

Wild Dew Treatment Essence

It’s hard to fight skepticism when we hear lots of promises about yet another product on a market. And yet we try... And I’m glad I did. This product did not disappoint and became a new addition to my skin routine. The skin does feel and look fresh and moist all day long either in conditioned indoors or during adventures outdoors. Highly recommend to all who would like to add a little boost to their appearance. —Ellada Z, Verified Buyer

I got a sample of the Wild Dew Treatment Essence. Since I got so much in that small sample and I didn’t want to waste it, I decided to just layer it on my skin. Wow!! It is sooo dewy!! It’s lightweight, NOT sticky, and very hydrating. I woke up the next morning and my face has a nice glow. I decided to purchase the bottle. I honestly love this product! I first I thought it was very pricey, but now that I’ve been using it, I honestly believe it’s worth every penny. —Peta, Verified Reviewer

The texture is really like the perfect consistency and it soaks into the skin really well, immediate hydration for sure. It leaves a slight tacky feel but you do know that it’s all the good stuff you are getting and none of those silicone and alcohol infused serums that make your skin smooth like silk, temporary. I have dehydrated, sensitive skin and this one works for me very well. —Lim C., Verified Buyer

Super Reboot Resurfacing Mask

My skin is very sensitive and acne prone and this mask is perfect! My face got brighter and smoother. My skin tone is becoming more even and my existing acne is fading away. I use it every 3 days. Usually exfoliation causes more irritation and breakouts for me, but not with this mask. I may have had a few tiny pimples after my first use but then everything calmed down before the second use. I love this product! Will definitely continue to purchase. —Suzanne E., Verified Buyer

Ever since using this mask 2x a week my skin has become noticeably more clear and refreshed. I moved to a humid climate roughly six months ago and have been struggling (to say the least) to rid myself of regular breakouts. This mask has helped do the trick. Yes, yes, yes. —Christine D., Verified Buyer

Originally tried this as part of a test group and loved my sample so much that I bought the full size. I love Korean beauty products and the resurfacing mask is no exception. It makes my skin feel smoother and tighter after every use. It tingles slightly and i don’t love the smell but the results are well worth it. —Jill D., Verified Buyer

Glass Skin Refining Serum

I have been using this serum for about 3 months and my skin has never looked better! For me, it's done a fantastic job of balancing my combination skin and keeping me hydrated. My skin looks bright and my complexion is clear – and it quickly healed breakouts from another product I had been using. I have very sensitive skin and this serum has worked wonders for me! —Maria V., Verified Buyer

I tried not to get my hopes up too high but there was so much buzz about this product. I naturally have good skin with occasional breakouts, but this product (along with the matcha moisturizer) has really taken my skin next level--nearly glass skin status in just a couple of weeks. Skin tone is very even (which I have struggled with my entire life) and texture has smoothed out as well, and that's not something I knew I struggled with. But the serum has added natural radiance and a "thickness" to my skin--like how little kids have that bounce and collagen heavy look. Being closer to 40 than my 30s now, I'll take it! —Roe M., Verified Buyer

I'm from Korea and have stuck to using K-beauty regimen my whole life. Up until high school, my skin was super clear. When I came to America for college, my skin went through a complete breakout and has been very slow to recover. I wanted my "glass skin" back and wanted to try this serum because the name stuck. I am always skeptical of how much a serum can impact a skin. In the end, it just feels like an additional product to help moisturize the skin. However, this serum was different. First of all, it's perfect for the summer because it is so lightweight and gets applied to the skin giving a supple hydration without leaving a heavy residue. I also love the very subtle scent because I hate it when a product feels too heavily scented (doesn't feel natural for me). The liquidy texture feels like the perfect touch before adding a moisturizer or a cream to finalize my skin regimen. Also, I have very sensitive, combination skin that is prone to acne with synthetic or chemical ingredients. This product did not break me out AT ALL and has been a wonderful aid to my slow recovery process. I would recommend the glass serum to someone who wants something to help balance out the moisture in their skin (a.k.a people with combination skin like me!). —Yeni C. Verified Buyer

Pure Beam Luxe Oil

Being combination skin I didn't think I'd like this oil and would only use it around my eyes and neckline as I'm also in my 60's. Wrong, I mix it into my moisturizer as well as directly on my eyes and neck. It isn't oily at all, just leaves my skin soft, glowing and feeling great with no oily shine at all. Love it. —Carol L., Verified Buyer

I've been using this oil day and night and I usually only use oils at night because they tend to be heavy for me, especially since I have oily skin in the summer. However, this oil is so light weight and absorbs quickly and I haven't had any breakouts from it. My skin is glowing and I've noticed my skin tone has started to even out and my hyper-pigmentation is slowly fading. I definitely would recommend this oil to anyone who may be afraid to add oil to their routine, especially those with oily skin. —Philicia, Verified Reviewer

This oil is the best oil I've used. It is lightweight and yet concentrated enough to soothe and hydrate my skin. I have oily skin but the oil does not add more oiliness onto it. The is the best oil I've purchased and will continue to use it in combination with the glass skin refining serum. —Christine H., Verified Buyer

Matcha Pudding Antioxidant Cream

No inflammation, perfect hydration, a little goes a long way! This is my new go-to. —Lauren B., Verified Buyer

I have a mild rosacea issue, so I’m always looking for products that won’t make the redness situation worse. To complicate things, I dislike the feeling of thick, heavy creams, which are probably the best texture for my aging skin. Matcha Pudding seems like it would fall into the thick and heavy camp, but it is deceiving. It goes on the skin like a silky dream and is quickly absorbed. Yet my skin feels plumped and hydrated all night (and day) long. Will remain faithful to this one! —Brian F., Verified Buyer

So far, I love this face cream! I have combination skin, where I have very dry spots and very oily spots (usually on my t zone) this cream is perfect for that, because it moisturizes my dry areas and doesn't over moisturize my oily areas. Its light, yet not too light that it's not moisturizing enough. It also makes my skin feel super soft and dewy. I highly recommend!! —Sarah G., Verified Buyer

Lazy Day All-in-One Moisture Pads

Sometimes I just don't want to do my whole routine. These pads cut out quite a bit of my nightly multi-step routine (which I'll still do 3-4 days of the week) and are great to use post-workout. They're an absolute must-have for me when I travel because I don't want to spend a lot of time on my normal routine, let alone have to deal with checking a bag for my other products. —Rachel C., Verified Buyer

This product is amazing. I have sensitive skin that is blemish prone and large pores. I have had no problems with this product causing breakouts. My skin looks so much better being hydrated. And it's great when your running late in the mornings. —Stacey T., Verified Buyer

True to its word! This product is great for my lazy days , but also really great for days when I'm breaking out a bit and my skin feels out of whack . When I don't want to overpower my skin with too many products, I think this really helps to re-balance my overall tone and texture. I will definitely put this in my holy grail, top 5, must have in my skincare arsenal. —Sara Y., Verified Reviewer

K-Beauty Rescue Balm

I love using this to treat my dry spots - from cuticles to my hairline, they need extra attention this time of year, either from the weather or the heater indoors. It absorbs quickly and easily and doesn't leave a gross, sticky residue you find with other moisturizers. Smell is fine. Be sure to squeeze the package to mix it up - it's pretty oily, so it can separate. —Cat D., Verified Buyer

This rescue balm is amazing. I have very sensitive skin and most lotions will make my eczema break out all along my hands; this product healed my hands. When I received this product my knuckles were dry and cracking, and from trying different lotions to help heal my hands, I had an eczema breakout. After only 1 day of use, my knuckles were almost healed and my eczema was starting to calm down. I keep this in my purse for emergencies, because this needs to be with me at all times. Specifics about the balm: it is thick and then melts into you skin. It doesn't leave your skin feeling oily all day. It does not have a strong scent. A little goes a long way. —Jenny, Verified Reviewer

I love this balm. I use it around my chin area, on my hands and arms when im feeling especially dry and rough. It is very heavy, almost a vaseline like texture, but so incredibly breathable- which was shocking to me! I have no concerns whatsoever about breaking out when i load it on! My favorite is to put a few layers and allow it to soak in overnight :) —Josephine, Verified Reviewer

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Thank you for your beautiful photos and thoughtful reviews; we love seeing them all so much. Please keep sharing them! Share photos of yourself with our products or of your shelfies with the tag #PeachAndMe, and we’ll find you on Instagram and connect with you there!

Cheers to radiance!

Peach & Lily

Peach & Lily Collection: Real Stories, From you published first on https://www.peachandlily.com/blogs/news/peach-lily-collection-real-stories-from-you

#Beauty #skincare #makeup

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happyprettypotatoes · 6 years

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The Potato Diaries: How did I Build my Current Skincare Routine?

Disclaimer: I am not a licensed esthetician or dermatologist, and as such, all thoughts disclosed on this blog are not prescriptive. Each person’s skin is different, so please patch test if you decide any of these are the right product for you.

This is also not a sponsored post, and what is written is my honest opinion.

Hello, readers!

I wanted to post my current skincare routine and how I built it. Of course, it is still a work in progress, but I’ve seen a lot of wonderful improvements after I switched to K-beauty products.

Just so you (and I) have a point of reference, I’m going to fill out the following form:

Current skin type: combination

Main skin concerns:

Dryness/redness localized at inner cheeks

Acne scarring (hyperpigmentation and indentation)

Acne (blackheads and inflammatory)

Large pores

What is my Current Skincare Routine?

For the morning, my routine is as follows:

Oil-based cleanser/make-up remover: N/A

Water-based cleanser: Dove White Beauty Bar

Exfoliator: I don’t exfoliate in the morning

Toner: Etude House SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner (applied 2x with hands)

Eye cream: Innisfree Orchid Eye Cream

Essence: N/A

Treatment: Innisfree Jeju Lava Seawater Essence (only applied to U-zone)*

Sheet mask: I don’t use sheet masks in the morning

Moisturizer: Etude House SoonJung 10 Free Moist Emulsion (only applied to U-zone), A’PIEU Madecassoside Cream (only applied to cheeks)

Sun Protection: AVON Anew Vitale Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 25

For the evening, my routine is pretty similar:

Oil-based cleanser/make-up remover: N/A

Water-based cleanser: Dove White Beauty Bar, then COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser | Review (EDIT: I don’t use the COSRX Gel Cleanser every evening anymore. I use it when my skin feels rough or is dull. This is probably only 1-2 times a week)

Exfoliator: COSRX One Step Moisture Up Pads (1-2 times a week) | Review

Toner: Etude House SoonJung pH 5.5 Relief Toner (applied 2x with hands, but if using the COSRX One Step Moisture Up Pads, I apply only once with hands)

Eye cream: Innisfree Orchid Eye Cream

Essence: N/A

Treatment: Innisfree Jeju Lava Seawater Essence*

Sheet mask: I don’t use sheet masks every night. Actually, I haven’t used any since I started building my routine!

Moisturizer: Etude House SoonJung 10 Free Moist Emulsion, A’PIEU Madecassoside Cream (only applied to cheeks)

Sun Protection: I don’t use sun protection at night

This is technically a treatment, but I apply at the end: Etude House SoonJung 5-Panthensoside Cica Balm (spot treatment for acne and hyperpigmentation)

*Yes, I know that the Innisfree Jeju Lava Seawater Essence seems like it belongs in the “Essence” step, but it is actually a serum! The Innisfree U.S.A. calls it the “Moisture-Volumizing Serum with Lava Seawater.”

How Did I Build My Skincare Routine?

As you can see above, I use quite a lot of products (at least ten!), and I did not list some of the other little things I do, such as my wash-off aloe mask after I shower. However, don’t let the amount of products overwhelm you! Here are my main tips on building a skincare routine:

Take your time. It’s easy to get excited about using a new product you’ve just received in the mail, especially when it could be a potential solution to your skin problems! I’m here to warn you that you should really take your time testing products before you jump into using a new product. When I began building my routine, I only added one product at a time to my existing routine, and I used it for at least a week before I added another one. This really gave me time to assess whether the product had any adverse effects for my skin or not. It also let me know if the product really helped my skin or if it did nothing at all.

Consider your skin goals; what concerns do you want to address? When you really narrow down what you want to improve, you immediately have direction on what type of products you should be searching for. As I listed in the beginning of the post, I have numerous skin concerns. However, when I set off researching skincare products, I kept in mind the main things I wanted to address as soon as possible - dry and dehydrated skin and acne. Knowing these were my concerns, I searched for products/ingredients that would hydrate/calm my skin and prevent acne.

Listen to your skin. You will know if the product just doesn’t work with your skin by seeing how your skin reacts. You will also know if a product is too heavy or too light if you listen to your skin. For example, When I began using the Etude House SoonJung line, I noticed my skin was not getting enough hydration because my skin felt dry in specific areas when I woke up in the morning. I learned that I needed to supplement these areas with an extra layer of moisturizer until I could get my hands on a different product that would offer more hydration.

Know your skin type. There are many products out there, but most of the time they are designed for a specific skin type. If you know what skin type you are, it can really help you figure out which products are best for you, and where you should concentrate certain products. Initially, I believed I had dry, sensitive skin, so I applied products over my entire face evenly. However, within a week, I began to get small comedones on my forehead and my T-zone was very shiny by the end of the day. After I stopped adding these extra hydrating steps to my T-zone in the morning, my acne cleared up within a few days. This just solidified the fact that I have combination skin.

I hope these tips are helpful for you! Please keep in mind that it really takes a lot of time to see results when you begin using new products. In fact, it can take at least a month or two to really see changes/improvements, so give your products a chance to work their magic.

Happy Potato-ing,

The Pretty Potato

#the potato diaries #skincare routine

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