At Home Glycolic Peels and Intense Exfoliation

It seems that the weather is finally finding its groove and spring has sprung for this week at least. For most of us this means that not only does our mood and wardrobe change, but also our skin texture changes as well. Long, dry winter conditions reek havoc on your face which can lead to dry, tight, rough and drab looking skin. Its time for serious but gentle exfoliation. There are two types of exfoliants, chemical and mechanical. I use both. Chemical exfoliation with glycolic or hydroxy acid tingles and can sting a bit until you build a tolerance to it and it does not aggravate the mild rosacea on my cheeks. Also, the glycolic acid penetrates deeper into my skin, whereas, the mechanical exfoliants slough off dead skin by essentially scratching at it with fine microbeads. Sometimes you just need to get in there and slough off that dead buildup by hand. Always keep in mind that makeup can cover almost any discolouration, however, it cannot mask bumps, depressed pockets and rough looking skin. We tend to put more makeup on top of this problem but it only makes it worse.

A consistent routine of gentle exfoliation is the key to healthy, glowing, smooth and younger looking skin. In using this approach we don't shock our skin, therefore, we decrease our chances of having acne breakouts. The benefits of keeping our skin exfoliated is that we need less products, such as face creams, serums and body creams because our skin absorbs it quicker and its more effective. Less is more rings true when dealing with face products and the key is to have smooth, fresh skin without any buildup so that the product is absorbed quickly and efficiently. In addition, our fine lines, blackheads, and blemishes are diminished and our overall appearance looks fresh and healthy because when we exfoliate we are promoting new skin growth and repair. I used the following items in conjunction with each other and not all at the same time. There is a bad side effect to over exfoliation such as breakouts, dry patches, and redness, please be aware of this. My top weapons are as follows:


Chemical Exfoliation/Peels (Glycolic Acid): Avon Anew Retexturizing Peel **Won Allure Magazine 2008 Best of Beauty Award**

I have been using this product for about five years now and I won't switch. For an at-home chemical peel this is a serious contender. Avon claims that the results from this peel are superior to a professional 35% glycolic acid peel. One saturated pad does your entire face, neck and chest. I use this every other week for 3-4 days in a row and then I let my skin rest and regenerate. This product makes your skin glow and it has actually lightened acne scars on my face. At $25.00 I think this is a steal, not including the fact that Avon often has special deals on their products. I'm not surprised that this product won an award.

Alyria Exfoliating Cream: Levels One and Two

I've blogged about this product before. Its available at medspas and its excellent. I apply it every night as a face, neck and chest cream and the next morning I can't stop touching my skin because its so smooth and soft. Its $40-$45.00 a jar but a tiny bit spread all over and it lasts quite a long time. I'm lost without this cream. I never have a rough nose or chin anymore since using this product. All the exfoliating is done at night while you are sleeping. Love it!!!

Dermalogica Daily Resurfacer (Hydroxy Acid): Both a mechanical and chemical exfoliant

This product is pricey, I paid $97.00 for the container which has 35 packets of abrasive finger mitts saturated in a chemical peel. This stays with me in my travel makeup bag or my gym back. Its very effective because you scrub away and chemically exfoliate at the same time. I don't use this product daily.

Manual Exfoliants: MAC Microfine Refinisher

This products is more well known to the masses and it retails for $26.00. Its superfine micro beads that do an amazing job at sloughing off dead skin. I keep this product handy in the shower because I use it on my whole body. No more butt zits for me ladies! lol Its also great for elbows, knees and any other rough spots you can find.

Bottom line is we need to exfoliate and the younger you start the better you skin will look its best. By exfoliating and doing chemical peels consistently and by wearing at least an spf 30 on a daily basis, especially if you are using glycolic acid or hydroxy acid peels, you won't have to take drastic measure later and dish out the big bucks that it will cost you. Your makeup will look amazing and your skin will thank you for it. Thanks for stopping by.

IPL 6 Weeks Post Laser Photos: Final Assessment

For those of you that are new to my blog you may or may not have noticed that I had IPL (Intense Pulse Light) or Photorejuvination Laser performed on my skin. I have had five IPL sessions with three microdermabrasion treatments in between laser appointments. I've documented the way my face looked right after treatments and I'm giving you my own honest and uncut version of the pros and cons of my journey. My initial reason for dishing out enough coin for these treatments was to remove the brown spots on my face which I got during both my pregnancies with my kids and to help reduce the redness and texture of the rosacea which afflicts my cheek area. So, here goes the final checkup six weeks after my fifth and final session of IPL.

This morning I had a detox facial done which I enjoyed very much until the very end when a disinfecting mask was applied onto my face and then it became a different story. I felt like my face was being held two inches away from a blazing fire and someone was spritzing alcohol on my skin at the same time! OMG!! In fact, its nine hours later and I'm still a little red from it. Nonetheless, I liked the results very much because my skin is smoooooth. That mask threw me for a loop. For a split second I had a vision of whipping the warm cozy blanket off of me, getting up off the bed smashing the speaker which chimed waterfalls and flutes and scream in the women's face, 'why the f-- didn't you warn me it would burn and sting this much?!'. Mind you, any warning still would not have prepared me for the stinging, burning sensation. I'm glad it was left on for only 3 minutes. I have a very high threshold for pain, but a little warning would have been nice.

In the same medical spa I went to see my dermatologist and we talked about the improvements to my skin and what needs to be done to the areas of my face where melasma or hyperpigmentation was still very apparent. I knew going into this that there was a possibility that some areas of my face would be resistant to IPL and other areas could get darker as a result of the laser treatments bringing them forth to the surface. Unfortunately, I've had both things happen. My first question to the Dr. was should I book for another laser session? and he responded, absolutely not. Apparently, an IPL session every 3-4 weeks over 5 months can be very rigorous on your skin and he wanted me to take a break. Truthfully, I was a little surprised and disappointed that he said to stop the laser. I'm a keener when it comes to doing what it takes to get the job done, especially when it comes to the skin on my face.

Instead, my dermatologist prescribed Hydroquinone which is a compound mixture of a bleaching agent and RetinA (prescription) which is why I cannot wear the cream during the day and you have to build a tolerance to it over 1-2 weeks or you become red like a pepper in those areas where applied. I'm hoping the cream will help lighten these spots until September rolls around and I can start IPL treatments again.

The two pics are of me today without any face makeup on except for eye makeup. Yes, if you are wondering I am aware of how spooky I look like without makeup and truthfully I am so proud of myself because six months ago you would not have caught me dead taking a picture of myself without makeup on. The benefits of maturing must be kicking in. The other picture is of me wearing makeup but, this time its not liquid foundation. Instead, its a mineral makeup from AfterGlow Cosmetics which is an organic mineral makeup and I am loving it very much. I am very new to wearing mineral makeup and I have always been hesitant to jump on the bandwagon because I have worn liquid foundation for as long as I an remember. When I did try mineral makeup I discovered that I have an immediate reaction to Bismuth which is a common ingredient and a common irritant in mineral makeup. Most mineral makeup brands include Bismuth. AfterGlow makeup is Bismuth free and stays put for a long time.

I will continue to keep you all posted on this journey of mine. Thanks for stopping by.

Soia & Kyo: Feeling Like Agent 99!

I've had a Soia and Kyo trench coat on my wish list for a while now. I am in love with this company because they take the classic english trench coats and give them a modern edge. Soia and Kyo make such unique outerwear that I cannot rave enough about this company. Also, the company is Canadian from British Columbia and in a short while have taken off and become global. The cut, the collar, the buttons, the fitted, capped and gathered shoulders the material they use are all different and fit you like nobody's business. On all of Soya and Kyo's sleeves they use a dotted symbol which represents their company. I love, love finishing touches like that.

I just got this yesterday, it was a gift from my beautiful sister and I haven't stop admiring it. My sister owns four Soia and Kyo works of perfection and I always gushed over them. Have you ever bought something that you've wanted for a while and when you finally get it you love it to death? I mean, if I could have slept with it on last night I would have.

I remember seeing re-runs when I was a child of an old TV series called, 'Get Smart' about two undercover spies.
Barbara Feldon's character who played a female spy was the brains behind the operation instead of her male counterpart, the clumsy Maxwell Smart. This 60's bombshell was a sharply dress mod beauty and her character was called 'Agent 99'. Barbara Feldon was my first influence that planted the seed of fashion curiousity. I loved everything she wore, her makeup, her hair styles....I have always wanted to be Agent 99. When all the little girls wanted to be a princess or Cat Woman or a witch for Halloween I wanted to be Agent 99. When I put on this jacket I feel very spy-ish (lol) and I immediately imagine myself as Agent 99.

If ever any of you get a chance to score a trench coat or winter or leather jacket from Soia and Kyo.......DO IT! They are stylish, unique, edgy and classic all at the same time. I'm so happy that I'm floating. My only challenge is not to get makeup on the collar. xx

Feeling Like Spring Again: FOTD

The weather these last few days has been down right weird. Last week you could go outside wearing just a sweater and scarf and 24hrs later we were hit with a 48hr snow/ice storm?!! I don't get. Today we are back to spring weather and warmer temperatures so I decided to take advantage and leave my heavy coat behind. I'm wearing my 7 jeans, patent leather wedges, a tailored black blazer which is one of my favourites cinched with a wide red faux reptile patterned belt. My husband snapped this quick photo of me while we were running errands. Actually, its right after we dropped off our children at preschool and were about to get a nice cup of java. Look at the happiness on my face, that's because I was free!!!!! My little ones were driving me nuts today and didn't want to get dressed, brush their teeth or go to preschool, forgive me people but I couldn't wait to drop them off. I'm hoping that spring weather has sprung where you live.

Have a good day.xx Nadia

St. Tropez Bronzer Haul

I've been noticing many reviews on YouTube for the St. Tropez Bronzer. Myself, I'm not a self-tanner kind of girl because I always felt like I looked blotchy and dirty with a hint of an orangy glow. When I see myself tanned I feel like my face looks older and I'm not very good at applying it. If you saw my ankles after I self tan you would think I lived in the woods and never bathed, not pretty. However I have been noticing on others that the St. Tropez Bronzer has a more natural brown shade to it, almost like Benefits Hoola Bronzer when its applied to the cheeks. In Canada I couldn't locate a tanning salon or beauty supplier to purchase this product in person so I turned to my trusty old friend www.essentialdayspa.com I love this site. Not only because they are a Canadian company from Vancouver but because they are damn good at dealing with customers and they have a long list of beauty products available for purchase. I only order a few times a year but when I do I order my share of products.....enough said.

My St Tropez haul Includes the body self tanners in different sizes which does about 4 full body applications, the bronzing mousse which dries in 60 seconds and the body polisher which is recommended before applying the bronzer. I also bought the body moisturizer and the stain remover specifically formulated to remove any stains on the palms of your hands or under your feet or wherever else you goofed. I ended up getting the stain remover in travel size towelettes and the travel size bronzing set in case I'm on vacation and need to fake it a little longer. I wear spf 60 and a big hat when I'm out in the sun so I'm going to need to fake it for sure. I'm fighting aging skin with all I've got!!! I've heard from others that wearing gloves is a good application tip. The products is a mud color so there is no guessing if you missed a spot during the application process.

Essential Day Spa ships worldwide and I know for a fact from their online beauty forums which has every review of every product you can think of that this site is popular with the ladies from the UK and Australia. Shipping is fast and they always include generous samples and they are in constant communication with you via email so, even if a product is on backorder you know about it right away. I am very please with this company and I would recommend Essential Day Spa to anyone.

For YouTube reviews on the St. Tropez Bronzer check out sweet Sarah's channel @ sardun1 and the talented Kandee and Lisasz09

I will be posting pictures on my blog and writing a personal review very soon of my adventures in self-tanning with the St. Tropez Bronzer.......stay tuned!

Feels Like Mellow Yellow Today: FOTD

Its bright and sunny today and the weather has inspired me to put on a cheery colored top. I kept my makeup light and didn't do anything to my hair other than curl the two front pieces and then shook it out. I'm wearing one of my vintage black necklaces. Did I ever mention I adore vintage jewellery, accessories, and clothing? Well, I do, I do, I do! I'm the type of person that treasures jewellery or handbags and clutches with a story behind it. I always think what good times this thing must of had and I'm sure a few tears were shed as well. Its one of those things that rocks my boat and makes me feel special.

I decided to paint my nails in pink and I used China Glaze Nail Polish in Soft Mink. While I was at it I also included a picture of my new bracelet that arrived in the mail a few days ago. Its another Links of London Bracelet with the red heart, its so delicate and pretty.

My face:
Laura Mercier Oil Free Tinted Moisturizer in Nude

Cheeks:
No 17 Bronzer from Boots in color Medium(thanks Amy-Louise) and Jane Mineral blush in Soft Mink (thanks Sarah).

Eyes:
Bourjois Eyeshadow in Beige Rose and Annabelle Kohl Liner in Brown, a touch of bronzer in my crease, and few coats of L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

Lips:
No 17 Lipliner from Boots in Buff, Cremesheen Glass from MAC in Creme Anglaise


By the way, if you notice that my backgrounds are a little run down its because our home is under major renos and wherever I photograph its being either sanded, demolished or we haven't gotten to it yet. I'm running out of places to take a picture with decent lighting. Bear with me and pray for me to keep my sanity throughout this process.

Your Nose Knows

When I spritz perfume on my body I have an instant reaction to its scent and for a split second it transports me back to a particular time and place in my life.  My favorite scents all evoke memories that are my happiest and most meaningful, whether it be the first date with my husband or having the most amazing roll on the floor and pee your pants laugh with my sister or when my young son hugs me tight and says that he likes the way my skin smells.

Come to think of it, I don't own any perfumes that give me even a subtle feeling of sadness or give me headaches or that I used to wear when I was with an ex-boyfriend who happen to break my heart.  Even if the bottle is full of product and looks so pretty on a vanity, I have no problems giving it away or throwing it out. If it doesn't make me feel like a million bucks its gone. This is not to say that I don't hold on to things that I shouldn't because trust me I do but, I'm definitely not a perfume hoarder.  I don't have many perfumes only about six or seven bottles but I keep going back to the same ones.  For me, its all about the scent and the memory that come with the initial spritz of nectar.

My favorite perfumes that I never get tired of are Agent Provocateur which stir feelings of sexual curiosity just like its lingerie ads do and give me the confidence of a rich older lady. Prada Milano reminds me of romatic moped rides with my husband and drinking Campari and soda in the piazzas of Italy, specifically near the Spanish Steps in beautiful and haunting city of Roma. Stella perfume and Stella in Two, both by Stella McCartney (the second one might be discontinued) remind me of playing in the park with my children and then having a picnic as we watched the swans float by on the pond. Lastly, is the perfume Island Living by India Hicks which reminds be of being in Barbados which is a place I most want to be and eat fly fish and have a beer or a rum punch with a pinch of cinnamon, sitting with the locals and feeling that caribbean heat on your shoulders.

For me its all about the scent which opens the treasure chest of all things beautiful in my past and my present.

What are your favorite perfumes and why? I've never tried a tag but this sounds like it would be fun so, tag you're it!

Dry Shampoo: Ojon Hair Rub-out Dry Cleanser & Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray

I don't wash my hair everyday because it would even further aggravate my hair texture which if you've been following my blog, you know is wavy, curly, frizzy and crazy. I wash my hair every third day. By doing this, I also help maintain my hair color between salon appointments. As a Flight Attendant, I've been on flight assignments that have lasted five days with 4am wake up calls or working night flights one after another with only 10 hours in between flights or I've traveled overseas where the water is way too harsh for my hair to wash and I need a hair lift between washings. Sometimes ladies sleep is more important than styling my hair especially if you've been peddling your ass on the road for almost a week and you have to stop and think about what city or time zone you are in.

To help me out I use dry shampoo. I cannot live without this. In the U.S there was a brand I used called Pssst! Dry Shampoo, it was excellent and cost under $5.00. Unfortunately, we don't get it in Canada. I have found an alternative which is Klorane Dry Shampoo and it is amazing. However, it too is hard to find and I am out...ugh!... story of my life. I did find the Ojon Hair Rub-Out Dry Cleanser and Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray which are both available at Sephora. These products aren't amazing like the Klorane or Pssst! brand but, they do the trick.

I'm not crazy about the scent of either the Ojon or the Oscar Blandi. In my opinion, out of the two brands the Ojon smells better. My 'do' has lasted 4-5 days with these shampoos but I've gone that long only a few times. To use I simply spray at my roots and don't point the nozzle to close or else you get too much product on your hair and end up with white blobs. Wait a few minutes for product to dry and absorb then brush out or flip you hair over and with your fingers fluff out your roots. Voila! you are ready to style again and go. I have 2 bottles in my work carry-on luggage and a couple in my bathroom. Can't do without it.

If by chance you know of any dry shampoos that you've tried and really liked please let me know

My First UK Swap Experience: Package Arrived Today!

Its always exciting to receive a box delivered to your home even when you know the package is going to arrive.  No matter how many times I receive a package in the mail I always do the same goofy little hand clapping and jumping dance when the postal service truck pulls up in front of my house and the mail carrier hands me the package.  I know that man is thinking to himself.....okay lady....cuckoo!.

I was asked to swap for the first time a few weeks ago by the sweet and lovely Amy-Louise, aka lipgloss86 who is also a fellow blogger.  We decided on a budget and revealed our general likes and dislikes and then we were off shopping for each other.  She included brands such ad Ruby and Millie, BarryM, No17, beauty uk, just to name a few.  This lovely box contained nail polish, liquid highlighters and bronzers, there was even a gift with purchase pouch filled with even more skin care surprises. We mostly stuck to drugstore purchases.  I'm really glad I did this because you get to discover other beauty brands that are not available in your area and you realize how much time someone spent in choosing makeup products that would make you happy.  In the process you also get to discover just a little more about that person through emails.  Does anyone remember pen pals?  Is sort of like that, don't you think?I'm always appreciative when someone takes the time to do something for me.  This is especially true for me since becoming a mother four years ago.

Apart from receiving the makeup and knowing that someone shopped specifically with you in mind, the personal note attached is just as touching and important.  I love getting personal notes in fact, I have a little collection of personal note cards that I'm growing because I use them often. There is nothing better that tops a gift off than a personal note. 

Overall my experience with swapping was positive and I'm very happy with the items that I received.  I'm doing this again with lizzclare who is another blogger.  I hope that Amy-Louise will be just as satisfied with her goodies as I am with mine.

I'm very aware of my lack of control for all things beauty. 

Thanks lipgloss86, it was fun!