It's winter for my skin.

Nov 27, 2015

Kaitlyn C.

Hello all, Happy Turkey Day! So it's the time of year where my face becomes very very dry. I'm looking for the perfect high end foundation and primer.
I do like the smash box hydrating primer but if anybody can point me in a better direction, I'm all ears!!
I want a medium coverage, with a bit of a dewy look to block out my dryness lol! I also need a very fair cool toned shade. (So hard to find) I do not want matte, because it seems to cling to my dryness no matter how much I exfoliate.
Thanks! 💕💄

Nov 27, 2015

Kaitlyn C.

Omg I forgot to mention, I'm also looking for the perfect "ginger" eyebrow product. I currently use Anastasia Dipbrow in Auburn, but it can be little dark so I set it with a burnt orange eyeshadow.

Nov 27, 2015

Roz X.

How often are you exfoliating and with what product?
I run dry and find Embryolisse Lait-creme Concentrate my HG Primer, but MAC Strobe Cream also makes an excellent primer as it both illuminates and moisturizes.
My current fav foundation is MUFE Face and Body, which is buildable to medium, slightly luminous and ever so light on my skin.

Nov 27, 2015

Kaitlyn C.

Thank you ladies soo much! I can't even wear my foundations that I have because they leave a shredded skin look. All of them are matte because in the summer I get vey oily. And Rozberry, I exfoliate with either clean and clear 3 in 1 scrub. Or a cucumber bead cleanser from control corrective. I usually use the clean and clear every morning, and the CC twice a week. How often should I be doing so? And could these products be drying my skin even more?

Nov 27, 2015

Roz X.

Let us begin with your "Clean and Clear 3 in 1". I believe it is not the foaming wash, but the 3 in 1 exfoliating cleanser in a silver tube you are referring to?
If so, a look at the ingredients shows that formula contains not only drying ingredients, but several irritants...which are counteractive to soothing acne. This doesn't apply to all of their products, but between the unnecessary fragrance and petroleum, it is no wonder your skin is reacting. Additionally, in my view, you are exfoliating far too often. This will throw you in a cycle where your dryness signals the skin to produce more sebum (oil) which you counter with such scrubs...and you end up with patchy skin and can lead to irritation and inflammation.
I'd toss that particular scrub...if it is the one I have specified.
If that is indeed the one you are using, it has a high Benzoyl Peroxide percentage. While that ingredient is effective in treating acne (also drying), it is not as effective used in a wash, nut instead works in a lotion or spot treatment...but only with certain types of acne. What type of acne were you addressing? Spots? Blackheads? Whiteheads? Cystic? Hormonal?

The Control Collective is indeed a microbead cleanser. Often those who suffer from chronic acne turn to these, but you would benefit much be better from a chemical exfoliant, rather than a physical one.

Have you considered a BHA cleanser, such as a salicylic acid wash for your exfoliation & acne needs?

Also, what moisturizers are you using? I apologize for so many questions, but I'd like to give an informed response.

Nov 28, 2015

Angela J.

Rozberry is one hundred percent right about the clean and clear cleanser. I bought it in the summer when my skin was misbehaving and it dried my skin out soooo severely:(

Nov 28, 2015

Kaitlyn C.

It's definitely the scrub you had mentioned. I'll be sure to leave that one alone. I use Neutrogena Oil free mouisterizer. But I feel like it doesn't do much. I'm a beginner when it comes to skincare but I'd love to be on your level! Can you recommend a wash and moisturizer? My acne is mostly hormonal along my chin and mouth area but lately I've noticed little "invisible bumps" in my forehead which is very new to me. I 100% appreciate your time spent towards replying to me! I couldn't have asked for a better response. And how do you feel about Control Collective products? I got a few items from my Cosmo school kit, but wasn't certain if they had any sort of reputation.

Nov 28, 2015

Roz X.

I'm glad to be of help...if I may.
If you suffer from hormonal acne, it might be time to consider birth control that targets such matters. This can make a huge difference, which is why I asked. My first step would be to see my doctor.

Aside from that, I'd seek out a Salicylic Acid wash, such as this one from Clinique.
http://m.sephora.com/product/P188309 You can try leaving the cleanser on for a minute before rinsing with cooler water...then lightly pat dry with a cotton washcloth.
I'd alternate such a wash with either Cetaphil cleanser or CeraVe cleanser in the mornings.
I'd use the Salicylic Wash at night and follow up with Thayers aloe-based toner and then..after a few minutes...apply Sweet Almond Oil and sleep in that. You can apply it to your lips and lashes for softness as well.

For moisturizer, I'd try CeraVe AM. It is hydrating and unscented..contains Niacinamide, to ease redness and is very gentle with a bonus of SPF. On days you need more moisture, Cerave Cream is a thicker formula, equally gentle and has Hyaluronic Acid to seal in moisture.
Ulta and most drugstores have it. You can find a $2.00 off coupon on their website.
http://www.cerave.com/
I normally recommend Embryolisse for dry members, but with acne, you may be mineral oil sensitive. I'm going to go against the grain and say for now, skip the primer and use your moisturizer instead..allowing it to set in before applying foundation. I'd still use lid primer, of course.

I do think MUFE Face and Body is a fantastic option for addressing your dryness. (both have buildable coverage) I apply mine with a damp 'Beauty Blender'. (damp sponge) Swinging by the Clinique counter for a few samples may also prove beneficial for you.
I'd also take a look at my diet..cutting back a bit on dairy to see if it provides a bit of relief for your hormonal acne.... and being sure to get enough Zinc, Iron, D, Omega 3 and C in my diet through food choices as well as amping up my hydrating foods.
http://www.beautylish.com/a/vzrpv/power-packing-nutrient-rich-foods-to-improve-your-beauty-game

http://www.health.com/health/m/gallery/0,,20709014,00.html

A cup of green tea a day may also help, as it is naturally loaded with antioxidants..is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. So drinking it, as well as making a cool rinse with it should prove beneficial. Boil a cup of water and steep 2 teabags. After it cools, splash your face and use an all cotton washcloth to soak up the rest and let it rest to soothe your skin. The teabags are great for a spa treatment for your eyes.

You may want to test using only cotton on my face, including your pillowcase, being sure to change it every 3rd day. This regimen address both acne and dryness as well as hormonal issues. Of course, a derm and facial is always the best place to start, and so I do urge you to make a derm appt. as it can make a world of difference in your skin health. I have heard of Control Collective, but never used them myself. I think if you exfoliate with your wash from them once a,week, you will be fine if you are using a wash like Clinique...which chemically exfoliates. You may find you do not need to physically exfoliate at all. Just pat your face gently with a cotton washcloth after showering.

Hit up Sephora and ask for a sample of Smashbox's Salicylic Primer. Always test patch...please.
Hope that is of help! (forgive any typos...I'm on the app)

Nov 28, 2015

Kaitlyn C.

Thank you x a million! I actually have birth control (nexplanon implant in my arm) it's good for 3 years, I've had mine a little over two, and feel like it may have started to have side effects. (I never really had any breakouts until recently) I've heard of women getting them replaced at two years rather than three. I'll have to schedule an appt with my primary doctor about that, I also believe that I have to get a referral from the primary Doctor for a dermatologist. And I definitely need to make an Ulta & Sephora trip, I've always loved Smashbox primer's, I've yet to try that one tho :)
Thanks again, best answers I could've ever asked for! Your the best 😊

Nov 29, 2015

Roz X.

The Arden Cream is largely petroleum based and contains mineral oil as well as vegetable oil and corn oil. These oils are not beneficial for acne, and strangely, this pricey formula is free of peptides, ceramides and nicatinamide which are truly fantastic for skin. I love Arden, but this one is essential expensive Vaseline with E and salicylic acid (in a tiny quantity) added. I'm glad it works for you and mean no disrespect. Just sharing info as acne is an issue for Kaitlyn.