Friday, February 27, 2015

How to Keep Your Skin Moisturized and Glowing All Fall and Winter!

If you have dry skin, normal skin that gets dry due to seasonal changes, or even combo skin you know the struggle far too well. It is very hard to keep your skin from getting dry in the fall- winter season, but i have a few suggestions that may just help you. Please feel free to comment any questions or any other suggestions you would like to share! :)









1. Spot Treat:
Keep a moisturizer on hand for spot treating dry spots throughout the day- NEVER skip moisturizing.  If you experience cracking of the lips, consider using a lip moisturizer such as Vaseline for Lips.

2.  Choose Your Makeup Wisely:
BB cream is a moisturizing form of makeup that contains SPF, which is crucial for healthy and happy skin and as well, promotes anti- aging. Apply BB cream as your foundation daily to reduce the risk of drying. NEVER use a mattifying foundation- it will cling to your dry patches and over dry your skin. This will not look good- trust me! Also be careful not to use powder all over the face. ONLY IF NECESSARY, set under eyes with talc free powder and/or if you have combo skin and get an oily T- zone, apply a thin layer of powder to this area and carry around some blotting sheets. Your skin will thank you in the long run!

3. Consider Facial Oils:
Oils like Vitamin E, Coconut, and Argan are amazing for treating dry skin. Vitamin E oil has many benefits such as: moisturizing, lightening, and reducing wrinkles by blocking out free radicals*. However, it is not to be over used. (I have experienced some small blemishes from using this oil more than once a day.) Coconut oil is also beneficial not only for your body and hair but also, for your skin. I use coconut oil to remove my makeup during the dry season, as I feel that it moisturizes my skin, very effectively removes my makeup, and compared to basic makeup remover, leaves my skin feeling clean but not dried out. Lastly, argan oil is my favorite of these, as it moisturizes my skin without clogging my pores, makes an amazing primer, and when mixed with foundation, creates a dewy and youthful complexion. For this, I highly recommend Josie Maran Argan Oil Light. Whatever you choose these all rejuvenate the skin and keep it looking young, healthy, and glowing.

4. Try Hyaluronic Acid Products:
Try to use a moisturizing/ non- stripping cleanser with hyaluronic acid (a key ingredient for plump and moisturized skin) such as CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. As well, following up with a matching hyaluronic moisturizer can be useful as well. I recommend Neutrogena HydroBoost.

5. Use a Face Mask:
Every now and then, using a face mask can be helpful for treating dry skin. Sheet masks are especially helpful as they help lock in your skin's moisture during the treatment. The best part- they make hyaluronic treatment masks! One that I recommend is the Karuna Brightening + sheet mask. If you do not like to purchase face masks, there are some great DIY options you can find online.

*Credits Due To: Huffington Post for their article- "Vitamin E Oil: Why You Should Use On Your Body With Caution" By: Dana Oliver. Thank You! 

As always...
I am not a professional. My advice is only based off of personal experience, other's experiences, and research. Whenever I use information found from other websites, articles, or videos I will give the source credit. Whenever trying a new product, conduct a spot test on your wrist before applying to large areas of the body, sensitive skin areas, and especially the face! If you know you are allergic to a product or one or more of it's ingredients, DO NOT USE IT
None of the products/brands mentioned in this article are sponsoring me, nor am I getting any form of compensation for them being mentioned and/or recommended here. I genuinely enjoy these products and have tested them all, after purchasing them with my own money by my own accord. If at any time I am being sponsored by a product/brand you will always be informed below, and even then, my opinion will be the truth and my own. 

Thursday, September 4, 2014

All About Treating Your Acne

Consider this to be your little black book to all things acne treatment related: how to find whats best for you, how to go about it/ how to test it, the side effects and and warnings of it, and what all the treatment options are and what they do. Choosing the right type of acne treatment is hella important. If you do it wrong a number of things could go wrong-(excessive dryness, redness, bad peeling, sunburn, making your acne worse, making your skin oily, and having an allergic reaction). Now, when I started getting acne I didn't know it was acne and I didn't really use the internet. Once I found out what I had was acne I did something about it but I approached it the wrong way. Luckily you have me and others to help (but mostly me) ! I wish someone helped me so I wouldn't have scarred my face and suffered excessive redness! :/

Your questions answered!! (SUBMIT OTHER QUESTIONS BY HASHTAGING "#QsforBritK" on twitter or instagram or email me :) )

What product is best for you?:

I have used ALL of the natural and over the counter medical treatments for acne (even some prescription ones as well). I will get into what is what in another section below.

Sensitive/Dry Skin-
If you have sensitive or dry skin naturally try a more subtle, light treatment such as:
-Salicylic Acid or SA for a medical treatment.
-100% Tea Tree Oil for sort of a homeopathic, natural treatment.

Oily/Normal Skin-
For oily and normal skin treatment is the same. Normal skin is balanced so you can add dryness and oily skin is ultra moisturized so drying won't do too much damage*.
-Benzoyl Peroxide or BP for a medical treatment
-Witch Hazel for an easy partially naturally derived treatment (use as toner AM and PM- followed by moisturizer for best results)

How to try each product/ How to use:

- Try one or two products at a time.
-Try using one per each side of face if trying two
-Use a small amount at first or as directions indicate
- Try to stick to chart above. Ex. Tea Tree Oil for dry/normal skin
-MAKE SURE YOU ARE NOT ALLERGIC TO THE PRODUCT OR ANY PRODUCT IN TREATMENT.
- ALWAYS use moisturizer with treatment and sunscreen*.
-ALWAYS have clean skin before applying it.
-Check with your dermatologist or esthetician first.

WARNINGS and SIDE EFFECTS!!

-Benzoyl Peroxide bleaches. It can bleach skin, clothes and possibly hair so, keep your hair back, product away from your eyebrows and clothing. It can also cause sunburn by making skin sensitive to the UV rays, so use sunscreen if you are in the sun*. It also dries skin and can cause itchiness, dryness, peeling, and redness.
- Salicylic Acid is also drying. It does not bleach. It can cause minor discomfort including peeling and itchiness.
-ANY product can make skin dry or cause acne to become worse.
-DO NOT consume these products or get in eyes or on mouth including lips!
- Call 911 or Poison Control if any consumption occurs. (use discretion)

What these treatments are and what they do:

Benzoyl Peroxide- this is in the peroxide family which basically means it bleaches. You can only get 10% at most over the counter. This kills 99% of acne bacteria and shrinks the pimple. It ultimately decreases redness. Best treatment option for most! Sold at drug stores.

Salicylic Acid- this is a type of acid which obviously dries up something, this something is your acne. You can only get 2.5% or less over the counter. It is the second best treatment option. Sold at drug stores.

Tea Tree Oil- Tea Tree is a plant that's oils have multiple purposes, it works wonders for your skin! It is drying so its great for zits. It can also multi task as a toner. Commonly found at food stores like Whole Foods (used for cleaning).

Witch Hazel- sold at drug stores among Hydrogen Peroxide and Rubbing Alcohol. It kills the acne bacteria and is very effective with drying. Can be used as a toner as well.

Prescriptions-
-Salicylic Acid over 2.5% and Benzoyl Peroxide over 10%.  Adapalene is also an option as well as Clindamycin. Visit a dermatologist or physician for more info and consultations.

I Recommend -
#1- Acne Free Terminator 10 plus redness control treatment AMAZING
-Fight and Fade Salicylic Acid Treatment by Neutrogena
-On The Spot Acne Slept in Full Face Prevent and Treat Salicylic Acid treatment by Dermatologica's teen line.

HOPE THIS WAS HELPFUL!!
XOXO,
BRIT

As always...
I am not a professional. My advice is only based off of personal experience, other's experiences, and research. Whenever I use information found from other websites, articles, or videos I will give the source credit. Whenever trying a new product, conduct a spot test on your wrist before applying to large areas of the body, sensitive skin areas, and especially the face! If you know you are allergic to a product or one or more of it's ingredients, DO NOT USE IT
None of the products/brands mentioned in this article are sponsoring me, nor am I getting any form of compensation for them being mentioned and/or recommended here. I genuinely enjoy these products and have tested them all, after purchasing them with my own money by my own accord. If at any time I am being sponsored by a product/brand you will always be informed below, and even then, my opinion will be the truth and my own. 



Friday, July 11, 2014

Summer Makeup and Skin Care Routine

Decoding summer makeup shouldn't be that hard but it has been a struggle for many. However, I think I cracked the code! I have been thinking about ways to make this as easy as possible and thought to myself "why not just modify your already easy and comfy look to make it fit your environment?" Easy right? Just like magic I will help you turn your fall and spring (winter should be different as well as your skin care routine) look into a smoldering, sensational, sassy summer look!

Take Aways:

-Thick, full coverage, dewey finish, foundations and concealers
- Eye Liner (you can use waterproof instead if you need to- you are super brave if you try this!)
- Dark eye makeup (it runs but its okay for cooler nights)
- Dark blush or rouge
-Lip Liner

Change it in for:

- BB or CC cream with SPF 15 + (try oil free since your skin usually produces more oil in the summer time and/or heat) or maybe just tinted powder
- Try "Water Proof Your Makeup" gel (usually sold by the glitter pigments) mixed with your favorite medium shade powder shadow. Try to apply it only on the top lid with a liner brush or packing brush for precision and to prevent smudging - and poof! you got yourself a long- wearing cream eyeshadow
- Try neutral shades that will leave a more natural, lighter pigment
- Try lighter colored blush or cream blush at most (your cheeks should be pretty flushed naturally from the heat and the sun shine- super cute)
- Stay away from dark lip sticks and waxy lip liners- remember wax melts!!!- instead, try lip stains in shades that POP or light to neutral lip glosses

Add Ons:
- darker bronzers
-hilighters (powders are best)
- water proof mascara (Buxom is the best)
- if not already using...setting/finished powder (make sure it won't clog your pores)
- brighter lip pigments (in the form of stain is best)

Skin Care:

*Oil Free Skin Routine*

Night-
- Oil free facial cleanser (Dermatalogica Cleansing Wash)
- Oil free fruit scrub such as grapefruit (St. Ives Pink Lemon and Mandarin Scrub)
- Oil free moisturizer (Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizer)
((Eye creams, Acne treatments, fillers, serums, etc. ))
-Lip Balm

Morning-
- Mattifying cleanser
- Oil Free SPF moisturizer (Neutragina Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 15)
** no acne medication it can make your skin sensitive to sun**
- SPF lip balm (Palmer's Coconut Oil Lip Balm SPF 15)

As always...
I am not a professional. My advice is only based off of personal experience, other's experiences, and research. Whenever I use information found from other websites, articles, or videos I will give the source credit. Whenever trying a new product, conduct a spot test on your wrist before applying to large areas of the body, sensitive skin areas, and especially the face! If you know you are allergic to a product or one or more of it's ingredients, DO NOT USE IT
None of the products/brands mentioned in this article are sponsoring me, nor am I getting any form of compensation for them being mentioned and/or recommended here. I genuinely enjoy these products and have tested them all, after purchasing them with my own money by my own accord. If at any time I am being sponsored by a product/brand you will always be informed below, and even then, my opinion will be the truth and my own. 

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

"Airbrush Eyebrow"- The Ongoing Trend

The "airbrush" eyebrow has been a popular trend for a couple months now and has made its way around the world. The photo above is from Germany where this runway model represents with dark, cool toned brows (much darker than her hair). The airbrush brow is less defined in shape and structure and more natural, whispee- less brushed and more disarrayed. Think of it as cute bed head for your brows.

Please excuse the bad drawing but I wanted to graph where everything would go. The yellow color represents where the lighter color or less color would be placed and the black line represents the arch of the brow.

To achieve this look:
Anastasia Beverly Hills eyebrow pencil
Anastasia Beverly Hills eyebrow powder compact
Spooly (also attached to brow pencil)
Water or setting spray
Angled eyeliner brush (or brow brush)
Small flat eyeshadow brush
Highlighter pencil like Sephora eyeliner pen in "Blonde" or cream highlighter

Steps:

1. Begin by brushing your brows up in the inner part (yellow) and out. The motion should be fluid and should move outward. Don't focus on the ends.
2. Line the bottom of your inner brow or what I like to call "the shape" with the brow pencil. Just the bottom. Line the under arch and draw hairs at the ends to create a bit of a more defined tail.
3. Take the lighter color from your brow powder compact and, using your angled brush, brush the light color to the tips of the "shape" hairs (mid section of brows) BUT focus on the yellow area above. Now using the same color and eyeshadow brush lightly brush your arch hairs.
4. Taking your highlighter, highlight your eyebrow bone or arch and under the shape of your brow. No top shaping!- keep this messy
5. Give your brows a quick brush to "mess them up" them up a bit and your done!

Enjoy your fabulously pampered brows! Make sure to clean your brows with makeup remover and gentle face wash at the end of the day as always. Oil and dirt can build up here too. There's nothing worse than browcne!


*Ask me to make this a video?*

As always...
I am not a professional. My advice is only based off of personal experience, other's experiences, and research. Whenever I use information found from other websites, articles, or videos I will give the source credit. Whenever trying a new product, conduct a spot test on your wrist before applying to large areas of the body, sensitive skin areas, and especially the face! If you know you are allergic to a product or one or more of it's ingredients, DO NOT USE IT
None of the products/brands mentioned in this article are sponsoring me, nor am I getting any form of compensation for them being mentioned and/or recommended here. I genuinely enjoy these products and have tested them all, after purchasing them with my own money by my own accord. If at any time I am being sponsored by a product/brand you will always be informed below, and even then, my opinion will be the truth and my own. 

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Welcome To My Blog!

Hello all. If you don't already know me from YouTube where I'm known as Brit K then today you will get to know me. I'm a self acclaimed "beauty insider" and know tips and tricks for a healthier and more radiant facial appearance. I have a YouTube account where I post an assortment of things like makeup and hair tutorials and  product reviews and HAULs. I also have a couple other blogs such as Granola Girls, Style Binge, The Things That Girls Do, and Little Hand Prints. I also specialize in health, fitness, fashion, and the arts. My aim is towards tweens, teens, and young adults, as I am these things (teen). I want all my Britters to know how special and beautiful they are not only on the outside but on the inside too. Luckily, thanks to the gift of cosmetics, every girl (etc.) can feel even more beautiful and confident! In this blog and in my videos I will show you ways to utilize these tools in a positive way. So make sure you pop in once and a while to my blogs, my YouTube channel and my Twitter to see what's new! ILLY !!
-Brit

YouTube: Brit K
Blogs: *
Twitter: @luvclothes_BRIT or GeekChicBrit