Tea Tree Oil - Miracle Cure

I have plenty of spot treatments for my stubborn acne and I rotate through them pretty often.  I love sulfur in my products and the standby salicylic acid, however when I add Tea Tree Oil to the mix is when I see fantastic results.  Plus, I use it for more than one thing!

Some people experience redness, irritation and dryness when using straight Tea Tree Oil on blemishes, however I have never had such problems.  I actually get much less dryness than using Salicylic acid.  When I feel a blemish popping up I will put a Q-Tip dipped in TTO right on it, and continue to do so morning and night until healed.   I also have a patch of flaky skin on my scalp right at my hairline and will also swipe some TTO on that area once in awhile, since doing so I haven't had any irritation or flaking in that area!   

TTO also works great on small cuts or small infections - I get small infected areas on my chest from my Lupus medication and TTO helps heal them better than Neosporin I feel. 

Part of my acne problems since starting Methotrexate is constant breakouts on my back and shoulders, since those are impossible for me to reach I have to use a spray to get on my back.  Right now I have a acne toner that contains Salicylic acid and I added TTO to it and I spray that morning and night to help keep my back as clear as possible.  In addition, I also get irritation and bumps under my arms from shaving and deodorant - spraying under my arms prior to deodorant this mixture really helps keep the irritation down. 

Tea Tree Oil lasts for ever, a little goes a long way and has so many uses head to toe.  It does have a very noticeable scent, and you need to be very careful when applying it near your eye area (actually, just don't apply it near your eye area! ha) and it has fumes that stay in the air for awhile and can make some people cough.  However, the scent goes away after awhile on your skin and no one will know you were using it.  

Plus, when you use it as a spot treatment at night, or day, it won't affect your makeup and leaves no ugly white residue or dry cakey-ness that others can see.  

Dermalogica mediBac Skin Clearing Wash

As I have mentioned, I developed adult acne suddenly when I was around 28.  I have sensitive, combination skin that flakes easily and I get everything from small whiteheads, black heads to a occasional cyst and ones that NEVER heal due to a auto-immune disorder.    
I have tried many products on the market, but hadn't really done a full kit by one brand. I decided maybe a full kit that is meant to go together might help.  
So I purchased the Dermalogica mediBac trial kit for around $40.  The kit is easy to find at Ulta and online.  This review is about the Skin Clearing Wash itself, because it deserves its own spotlight.


This may be my favorite acne wash ever.  The cleanser takes off makeup, lathers well, a little bit goes a long way and doesn't dry out my skin. 
The ingredients are also pretty impressive - 
Active Ingredient: Salicylic Acid 0.5%. Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Cocamidpropyl Betaine, PEG-3 Glyceryl Cocoate, Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Extract, Arctium Majus Root Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf


OK, maybe I should have just bolded the entire ingredient list.    Look at all of those great extracts !   We have Salicylic Acid which is clearly a top anti-acne ingredient because of it's ability to help clear the skin by increasing cell turnover and shedding, clearing pores and preventing pores from re-clogging.  But everything has Salicylic acid in it, that is no surprise.  So seeing Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract** - which not only adds a fresh natural scent to the product, but it is also a antibacterial agent, Echinacea Purpurea which is considered to be a Immunol-stimulant, Arnica Montana Flower Extract that is a amazing ingredient that not only restores suppleness in skin, but it helps reduce inflammation and is top notch on bruises, Arctium Majus Root Extract (or Burdock) is a  ant-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.  Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract is used so many ways, whether it is for skincare, treating varicose veins, a balm on burns and more. It also helps regulate oily skin, prevents free radical formation and is a anti-inflammatory. Together all of these ingredients combat every symptom and issue associated with adult acne without stressing the skin.







**Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract  - please note, when looking up this ingredient I noticed that Wikipedia mentioned that this extract "should be avoided by those on thyroid medication (such as thyroxine), as it is believed the herb inhibits the absorption of this medicine".   Now, I don't know if this applies to the amount found in a face wash, or when used topically.  I am on thyroxine myself, so this was a interesting find!

Fresh - Umbrian Clay Face Treatment

I like products that have multiple uses  (except those weird cheek, lip and eye color sticks - no thank you) so the Umbrian Clay Face Treatment by Fresh is right up my alley.

It is a Cleanser, Masque and Spot treatment. It can seriously be used as all three too, not just one and fails at all others.  I most use it as a Masque before a shower because it can be pretty messy, but have used it for all advertised purposes.

According to Sephora.com

  

What it is:
A multi-functional treatment that can be used as an instant detoxifying face mask, a daily purifying face cleanser, or a spot treatment for blemishes and irritations.

What it is formulated to do:
A high concentration of Umbrian Clay, a proprietary ingredient to Fresh, imparts the formula with supreme anti-inflammatory and absorbent properties. Thanks to its high mineral content, Umbrian Clay removes toxins, soothes irritations, reduces breakouts, and aids in the regeneration of healthy skin cells. Umbrian Clay Face Treatment is further enhanced with anti-inflammatory nettle, gentle chamomile flower, and purifying olive leaf extract. Regular use of Umbrian Clay Face Treatment will detoxify, tone, and improve the overall condition of the skin.

I have sensitive, combination acne prone skin.  I am also now 30, so harsh acne products dry my skin out and cause irritation. This Umbrian Clay treatment helps my skin, without being too harsh.  The Umbrian Clay helps detoxify, soothe irritation and promote cell turnover, and it also has a mild physical exfoliant to it.  The white nettle also helps aid with acne with its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.  In addition there is Olive leaf extract, chamomile, and lavender water all to soothe the skin.

I mainly use this as a masque before a shower, because it is very difficult to get off the skin.  The first few times I used it, the next time I washed my face there was greenish/grey residue STILL on my skin. So I stopped using it as a cleanser due to that, and the horrible mess it would make around my sink.  But in the shower, it is great!

Packaging -The product needs to be shaken before use as it will separate in the container and cause oozing when unscrewing the top. I'd repackage if I had my way  3/5
Value -I find the price very expensive, if I hadn't gotten it for free from a trade, I never would have purchased it. - 3/5
Repurchase - Not unless it went down by about $20.  3.5/5
Does it work as advertised?  - Yes  5/5

Phytomist Instant Hydrating Conditioner - Color-Treated Hair

Back when I was working in Sephora, Ulta and Nordstroms as a Brand Rep, I was able to sample all the products during slow times.  Every time I was in store I always found myself at the Phyto section and spraying the Phytomist Instant Hydrating Conditioner for Colored Hair on my hair.
According to the description it is a Leave-In conditioner to use on wet/damp hair prior to styling.  However, I fell in love with it as a refresher on past styled hair. It would hydrate dried ends,  give a great smell and cover any nasty smells, and add volume and just overall makes hair look better.

I have dry ends, that even with regular trims get crunchy and this spray would always soften them up and make my hair feel great!  I was addicted to this stuff!  But the price tag ($26) always seemed so high to me!  So I never purchased it, but since I was in a store every weekend, I never felt necessary to purchase it.  When I stopped working in the stores, I knew I had to buy the Phyto-Mist to use at home.

I have used it as both a Leave-In on my ends and as a refresher and still love it.  The Hydrolyzed Keratin makes my hair stronger, while the Red Algae acts as a great volumizer and Sunflower Extract is a great color protector and UV protector.


Packaging -Phyto Products are packed in strong metal containers with everything printed on it. I love them 5/5
Value -I find the price very expensive, and if I could find a product that works as such a great refresher that was cheaper I'd be a happy camper  - 3/5
Repurchase -I am not sure, I don't use it as much at home as I thought I would.  Part of the reason is I don't want to run out and have to repurchase.  3.5/5
Does it work as advertised?  - Yes, plus it is a great spray to use between washes (not a dry shampoo) which  is not a advertised use  5/5

Loma Pearatin Treatments - Serum and Oil

It makes me sad that Loma Pearatin Treatments are not on every shelf and in every magazine.  I love them with all my heart.

Lets preface this with I have had them for over a year and I do switch up products pretty often as I am addicted to trying new things. But I have used about 1/5 of each bottle in this time, using them very often.

First there is the Nourishing Oil Treatment -

This amazing smelling Thermal and Color protector contains - Jojoba, Olive, Pumpkin, Acai, Pomegranate and Cranberry oils and antioxidants. Can you imagine the amount of antioxidants and great moisture with all those amazing natural oils?
It is great on damp hair, dry hair, natural hair and extensions - oh AND skin.

I will use it prior to blow drying to keep my frizz in control and protect from heat, I will use it after styling to add polish and shine and I always make sure to massage into my hands, nails and elbows after use for great moisture.
I have used it on hair before bed, then wrapped up in a silk scarf or cap to keep the moisture in so when I wash my hair the next morning it is super soft.  I have added it to hand moisturizers and hair treatments.

Basically, I use it for everything and I love it!

Next is the Fortifying Repairative Serum -

This one isn't AS versatile, but is still a great product.  I often mix the two together to get super results!  Two drops of each gives you everything you need.

The Fortifying Serum is a re-constructor, color protector, creatine and keratin protein based product that also is a color catalyst! I use a few drops in every color process I do on myself, whether it is color or bleach to propel the color deeper in the the hair shaft and give me deeper richer reds - plus it cuts down processing time.  Not to mention, I feel my hair ends up feeling softer and stronger after using compared to not using it. 

I have tried BioSilk and a few others, and this product blows them out of the water. 

I know this isn't a hyped up brand that everyone talks about, but it should be! 

Packaging - They don't leak, don't spill and the product always comes out without making a mess 5/5
Value - I believe so, they cost less than other similar products and with their versatility and variety of uses it makes for a great value  - 5/5 
Repurchase - I can't even imagine when I would even run out, considering how little you need to use. But I would repurchase in the far, far future.  - 5/5
Does it work as advertised?  - Yes, and more!

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara and Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara Plumping Mascara Review

I have read so many poor reviews of Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara that I was kind of shocked.
I have been using this since it FIRST came out in Las Vegas and haven't stopped yet.  Prior to using Grow Luscious I was using CoverGirl's Lash Blast and while I loved how it looked on, I did not like how it was starting to affect my lashes long term.  They started falling out, and not being a thick and abundant as normal.


Yes, I am one of those girls you hate, with naturally very long and naturally curled lashes that are black, even though I have very pale skin and light eyes.  But I still need mascara!   I have never curled my lashes, but I some mascaras will actually straighten out my natural curl if they are too heavy.


I have used many mascaras from Sephora including DiorShow, Tarte Light's Camera Lashes, Too Faced Lash Injection, Givenchy Phenom'eyes, Fresh, and who knows how many more.  Plus countless drugstore brands.  


Fresh SuperNova and Tarte's were two of my favorites from Sephora, along witth Givenchy.   But I just couldn't justify the prices when i stopped getting them for free. So I went to drugstore brands and once LashBlast started affecting my lashes I went to Revlon's Grow Luscious. 


Now, have my lashes grown like I applied fertilizer every night?  No. Are they a thick as wearing fake lashes,  no.  When wearing the mascara I don't have the BEST eyelashes I have ever had, but when I take it off, they feel healthy and not dried out like I just put asphalt on them.


This mascara doesn't flake, it doesn't run, it doesn't smear and it lasts all day!  My lashes look great, my contacts don't itch any my lashes are back to normal.  I can't ask for anything better.


When I saw there was a 'Plumping' Version on the market I obviously bought it right away.  I recommend you don't.  The wand is different than the original, and it straightens my natural curl and feel heavy on.  I even cleaned off a old wand from the original that I had used up and tried using it that way, and I still don't like it.  It was not a improvement, that is sure and surely did no plumping.  


I have a few other Drug Store mascaras I want to try, but right now this is my go-to.   PLUS at CVS they have been bundling it with ColorBurst Gloss, so you get the gloss for free! I have gotten Strawberry and Gold Dust and have loved them both.


Packaging - Solid wand, not too long, not too thick, and I like the Green color  - 5/5
Value - I have always gotten it in a packed duo with either a gloss or a eyeliner, which makes it a great deal.  5/5
Repurchase - I've already bought this three or four times, so I assume so  5/5
Does it work as advertised?  - Yes, but don't expect miracles.

Living Proof Styling System - Fine to Medium Hair

I know this brand and this system came out years ago, and I am a little late to jump on the bandwagon - but better late than never, right?
I first saw this when I was working in Sephora as a Brand Representative and was intrigued.  I mean, it had all these cool buzz words like "PolyfluoroEster" and they say it was 30 years in the making. Researchers and Scientists at MIT created this line. Which I always found fascinating.
But the price always kept me at bay.  I am a bit thrifty, plus, I have a professional license that allows me to purchase most hair care brands at wholesale prices at my local professional store.  So paying retail is often out of the question for me when it comes to hair.

A few months ago my supply store got Living Proof in stock (way after other states did, but we finally got it here in Vegas) and I was up to my nose in other brands so I didn't purchase.  The other day I noticed the whole line was on 50% off, which means it is being taken out of the store.  -sigh-  So I purchased the 4-piece system for $9.99.  It contained the Shampoo, Conditioner,  No Frizz Wave, Curl Styling Spray and No Frizz Straight Styling Spray. 


First thing I noticed was the smell, not overly pleasant.  I don't buy products based on scent, but I like a nice smell in my hair! I just didn't care for the scent, but after a few hours it fades away and you no longer notice it.  


Shampoo  - Decent lather, but didn't leave my hair as 'clean' feeling as I'd like.  I often have to wash my hair twice due to the fact I go several days between washes, and this shampoo was no different. It rinsed well and didn't make my hair feel straw like after use.


Conditioner - Because the Shampoo and Conditioner doesn't come in different formulations based on hair type, I was hesitant to try it because while I have oily roots, I have dry ends.  I was afraid it wouldn't condition my hair enough.  The first time I used it I did add a treatment conditioner to my ends and used Living Proof on the rest. The second time I used Living Proof all over and a leave -in on my ends after getting out of the shower.  It was a night light weight conditioner that did a great job softening and smoothing my hair without weighing it down.


No Frizz Straight Styling Spray - I have used so many of these and I really did like this one.  Because it isn't full of Dimethicone and other heavy oils, you don't need to be super careful when using it because you are afraid it will grease up and weigh down your hair.  I used plenty of pumps and had issues!  My hair was so smooth and silky after using and did dry faster than without.  Yay!


No Frizz Wave, Curl Styling Spray  - Like I said in my last post, I am trying to embrace my naturally curly hair.  Plus, I am lazy and don't always straighten my hair.  Normally I would use a Mousse and a Texturizing Paste when wearing my hair curly.  The last time I just used this spray and a little hair spray and my hair had a nice curl, and no frizz.  No crunchy gross pieces either!  I do need to use this one a few more time, but I don't wear my hair curly as often as I should.


-


Overall, I am impressed and I wish I had bought this system earlier.  I am also dissapointed my store will no longer be carrying this line soon. I don't have the money right now to buy the full size line, nor do I really need it right now (heck, I have no room for it either!) but I know I won't pay full price for it either when the store is out of it. I might purchase the straightening spray full price, but most likely not the full line.   If I continue to see it at my normal hair care prices, I will purchase though.  Does that make sense?


I would recommend giving it a try if  you haven't already!  It IS worth the price, I am just not used to paying it.


Packaging - Cute and unique little bottles (I got the travel size kit) with solid flip top lids on the shampoo conditioner and solid tops on the sprays - 5/5
Value - Again, I find the price a bit hefty when purchasing on retail prices, but it works.   4.5/5
Repurchase - If I could find it on sale, or at a professional price, yes. - 4.5/5

Kenra - Platinum Blow Dry Spray

I actually had a coupon for a free travel size bottle of this spray.  I had been looking at Kenra while in Cosmoprof for years and for some reason never made the leap to buy it.  But I had this great coupon and was excited to try it.  

The sales girl was a cheerleader for this product. I was waiting for her to whip out the pom-poms and cheer GIVE ME A K, GIVE ME A A, GIVE ME A N.... but it never happened.

She had went on about the scent, about how great it works, how you can spray and spray and you won't get greasy hair, how your hair looks great for a few days after...etc.  I was sold!  Well, I was sold anyways since it was free.  But I digress.

According to Kenra.com this product - 

• Dramatically decreases blow-dry time
• Provides intense heat protection from damage and breakage
• Lightweight formulation detangles, smoothes, and softens
• Eliminates frizz and resists humidity
• Provides long-lasting, healthy looking results

Their website also lists the Key Ingredients as -

• Evaporative Silicones: help the hair dry faster 
• Heat Protectants: give intense thermal defense
• Argan Oil: known to help soften, strengthen, and protect hair
• Jojoba Oil: provides conditioning and softening properties

Alright.  It did smell heavenly, as in I wanted to bathe in it and with those ingredients, I most likely could. 

I have used it sprayed sparingly, sprayed it all over and everywhere between.  Now, the Cosmoprof cheerleader was exaggerating a bit when she said you can spray however you want without being weighed down. But for me, the first day it looked great and didn't feel greasy, but the second day I got some heaviness and the third day I felt so greasy (normally day 4 is the nasty greasy day for me).  But when I sprayed a normal amount, I didn't have any issues.  

I wish the amazing scent stayed on my hair longer, as in forever, but you can't get everything you want.

I have no idea what I will be purchasing for my next Shampoo/Conditioner, but I want to try the Platinum Shampoo for Thin/Fine hair and the matching Conditioner. I am wary of shampoos and conditioners that promise thickening and volumizing as they always dry out and make my hair straw-like. But if the shampoo/conditioner is anything like the Blow Dry Spray, I will be a cheerleader myself! 

The Kenra line is HUGE, and there are so many products I want to try it is overwhelming.  Anyone tried any of them?


Packaging - Sleek, classy and looks great on the counter  - 5/5
Value - Considering I pay wholesale, it is great for me!  But normal retail is a bit higher than I'd be comfortable paying   - 4/5
Re-Purchase - Despite the price, I'd get it again  - 5/5

Scunci Pillow Rollers Review

I have naturally curly and thin hair.  I have been trying to embrace my natural curls, since that is the new thing, right?   But my natural curls are not all the same, some are tight curls, some are barely curled at all, some are just frizzy pieces and are just bleh by themselves. If I go over my whole head with a curling iron they look great, but I wanted to get away from heat every once in awhile.

Since I love reading reviews before purchasing, I stood in front of these in CVS and read some great reviews.  I washed my hair, prepped it with Living Proof's Curl Spray and put in these comfy little rollers. Since this was my first time doing anything like this, it took me way too long and my arms were aching by the end.  I wrapped my ends too tight around the spongy pad and then continued down the length of my hair. Twisted the ends and was ready for bed.  I put a satin cap on and went to sleep.   

When I woke up (which was a long time after putting the curlers in, I totally overslept) and took the curlers out, I was horrified.  I didn't have any knotting issues or tangles like other reviews, but what I did have was a throwback to when I was a small child with a curl-fro my family couldn't control.   My normally past my shoulders length hair was now an inch long.

ONE INCH LONG.

I tried pulling out the curls and expanding them with my fingers with no difference. So then a tried a wide tooth comb, and now my hair was about two inches long and just as frizzy and clown like.  Considering I am a redhead, I totally looked like Bozo.  At that point, my boyfriend was laughing uncontrollably so I decided to go with it and just brush out my hair and embrace the 'fro.  It was spectacular and I wish it was still 1982, because I can rock a 'fro.    

Alright, I lied.  It looked horrible and I was afraid I wasn't going to get it to wash out without a tangled mess.    

It washed out and my hair is back to normal;  straightened with a flat iron.  These pillow rollers have now been returned to CVS.   

Packaging -  You can see what you get easily, and you can keep everything contained in there, but it was nothing special -  4/5

Value - Well, it was only $12 and if it had worked for my hair, it would have been a good value -  4/5

Re-Purchase - Not for my fine, naturally curly hair - 1/5

Nexxus Heat Effexx Sleek N Style Brush

Let me preface this with - I hate 'N' in names and titles.

So I should have seen the 'Sleek N Style' and put this brush down. I also should have taken my time and waited because when I looked from my phone while in CVS to see if there were any reviews on this brush and saw none, I should have waited until I saw some feedback before I spent $16 on a brush when I can go to the Professional store and get a non gimmicky one for $6.

But I did it anyways.

According to Nexxus -

This fusion of tourmaline, negative ions, ceramics and nano silver was professionally engineered and customized to meet all of your hairstyling needs. Nexxus Heat Effexx was created to provide you with the right brushes for optimal thermal styling. These are the ideal styling tools for achieving your perfect style using heat. Our brushes use the latest technologies to heat up faster and stay hot longer for the best thermal styling results. Tourmaline eliminates frizz and seals the cuticle, locking in moisture. Ions tighten cuticle layer and seal in natural oils. Ceramics evenly distribute and hold heat longer so hair dries faster, minimizing damage. Nano silver helps eliminate hair pollutants that makes hair dry, brittle, frizzy, and eventually break.

• Use to blow dry hair straight
• Dryer warms thermal plates on inside of brush, allowing for faster drying time
• Boar bristles grip hair, smooth cuticle and distribute hair's natural oils for vibrant shine

It is basically two boar bristle paddle brushes set up so you can put the hair between them like a flat iron and then use the blow dryer on the outside to heat the plates up. I have been wanting a Hot Air Brush and the one at CVS was $50 and I thought maybe this might work just as well for a lot cheaper.

I have thin, fine, curly hair that gets very 'poofy' when blow drying and I have only had a few of stylists ever be able to straighten my hair without a flat iron. I just have tough hair to straighten, so I wasn't expecting perfection. I was however expecting a decrease in drying time. To be fair, I have only used this once, so perhaps it has a learning curve. I felt my hair didn't look as good as when using a round brush, but once I went over it with a flat iron it looks great.

But it just took forever, and ever to do my whole head. I will use this a few more times, and will update if I have much better results. But for now....meh.

Packaging - Nothing Special  3/5
Value - Gimmicky, just get a round brush 2/5
Repurchase - Already Returned! 1/5

Since I was last here...

A lot has changed in my life and my skin. Back when I started this blog, I was working for several high-end skin care lines and cosmetic lines being sold at retailers like Sephora, Ulta, Nordstroms and many Medi-Spas. Since then I have gotten out of the industry for a few reasons and been a house girlfriend, equine photographer and worked for a magazine. I miss the cosmetic and skin care world, but for some reason I keep getting railroaded here in Las Vegas. I think if I moved to another state, I might start back up.....until then, I will just love cosmetics, beautiful colors and skin care from a consumer standpoint.

As for my skin...What a nightmare!

I have always had the driest skin; I would use my Grandmother's night creams in High School because I needed the extra moisture! I would only break out here or there, but nothing major. When I was in Aesthetics school I was one of the few who didn't break out from the constant facials we got in class and the experiments we all did on our skin. My teachers exclaimed how extraordinary it was considering I have health problems and am on many medications. I learned how most chronic patients have poor skin tone and clarity due to the chemicals being put in their body from medications, not to mention break outs. But not me!

Two years ago, I switched some of my medications and was put on Methotrexate, which is a cancer medication, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus (SLE) medication and it works for Lupus (which is what I have) by lowering the immune system. The side effects of this medication are insane and it is one of the most dangerous out there, and pages and pages long - ranging from hair loss and red eyes to liver damage and lung damage. It also causes acne. Nasty acne. Life altering acne. Ok...maybe not life altering, but I am pretty self conscious.

I now have acne on my chest, my back, neck and my face. Gross icky acne. What is different about Methotrexate acne is I will get a 'spot' and even if I don't pick at it, it will become almost a boil in some cases. It will also cause scabbing and flaking around it once it has started to heal. My Doctors say that Methotrexate doesn't cause acne, but it is even on the drug information the pharmacy gives me that it does. I now also have very oily skin at age 30, which is never fun.

So now that I am no longer affiliated with any skin care companies I will be posting my reviews of the many many products I have been trying over the past two years to deal with my never ending internal acne. I have been on the search for the Holy Grail of products for years now and have had many hits and misses!

Two Years!

The other night I was unable to sleep and I remembered this blog and how I started it and never really got off the ground and then I forgot about it!

I hope to start it up again, and this time - actually keep going with it!