My Skin Care Regimen

My Skin Care Regimen

Everyone has a different skincare routine that depends on their skin type, lifestyle and specific needs...well...at least they should... : )

Here's mine:

BACKGROUND
First let me explain my skin type, lifestyle and specific needs.

My skin is combination/oily meaning I get oily during the day but after washing my face I do have some dry spots. My skin is pretty resilient and can take quite a beating.

I am also a mutt...ethnically I'm a mix of Indian and Black. So I don't get sunburns but I do have freckles on my nose...yep..check the photos : ). I do not tan (by choice) or stay in the sun for long periods. I'm 27 and do not have signs of aging yet.

I live in NY so we go through the four seasons. My skin gets oily in the summer but stays relatively the same throughout the entire year.I do darken in the summer months just from moderate sun exposure.

I am not acne prone (anymore...I had moderate acne in my teen years) because I use...dare I say it??!!...birth control pills (TMI??). These definitely help to keep acne away.

I don't drink water as much as I should. I barely get 4 glasses in per week much less per day. I drink a lot of coca-cola...I do mean A LOT.

Summary...after all that personal info...we arrive at...oily/combo skin, not acne prone, not sensitive, no need for anti aging products (I would like to think), rarely uses SPF.

No skin is really 100% comparable to another so this post covers what works for me based on my needs:

CLEANSING
I wash my face twice a day, in the morning and at night, usually at the same time I shower (yep...I shower twice a day even if my skin doesn't like it!). I wash in the morning to prep my skin for makeup (or just to wash the sleep off) and at night to remove all my makeup (or just to wash the day off).

I use Shiseido Skincare (click link for review) as the base of my skincare. I use Shiseido Pureness Foaming Cleansing Fluid each time I wash my face. I use circular motions all over my face and eyes for about 30 seconds and then rinse clean.

MAKEUP REMOVAL
I use a plethora of makeup removers...but my go-to are MAC Makeup Remover Wipes. These are good for removing stubborn, waterproof makeup or just general makeup removal. I only use these to remove traces of makeup left behind after washing my face or for cleaning up eyeshadow fallout.

EXFOLIATION
I exfoliate up to 3 times a week depending on how my skin is behaving.

If I notice dry spots or dullness, I will do a quick exfoliation. For this I use Philosophy's The Microdelivery Exfoliating Wash. This is a cleanser with tiny exfoliating particles. It's quick, about 30 seconds, and leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth.


At least once a week I use Petrika Sonic Dermabrasion Facial Brush (from QVC) for deep exfoliation. This is a cheap alternative to the Clarisonic System. I use this brush in circular upward motions for about 1 minute with my usual facial cleanser. I must warn though, the brushes are not the softest but I don't have super sensitive skin so it works just fine for me.

MOISTURIZER
In the mornings, after cleansing I use Shiseido Pureness Balancing Softener Alcohol-Free (toner) on a cotton pad. I follow up with Make Up For Ever HD Elixir to moisturize and prep my skin for makeup (or not). Just two drops of this serum massaged into my skin and left to dry for a couple of minutes.

 
At night, when I need it the most, I use Shiseido The Skincare Hydro Nourishing Softener (toner) on a cotton pad, right after cleansing. Followed Shiseido The Skincare Multi-Energizing Cream (click link for review). Just a dime sized amount massaged over my entire face including around my eyes.

That's it. That's what I do to keep my skin refreshed and looking like it does now...if curious minds ever wanted to know.

'Cotton Candy' Look

'Cotton Candy' Look

Eyes:

PRIME:
I started off with Urban Decay Primer Potion all over my lid up to the brow bone. Then I applied MAC Perky Paintpot as a base all over my lid up into the crease.
 
COLOR:
On the inner lid, I applied MAC Nanogold Eyeshadow (shimmery pink/gold).
On the rest of the lid I applied Sugarpill Dollipop Eyeshadow (matte bright pink).
Next I used MAC Haunting Eyeshadow (light robin blue) in the crease and on browbone.
I used MAC Violet Trance Eyeshadow (bright blue purple) on the outer V and up into the crease.
For highlight I used MAC Blanc Type Eyeshadow (matte ivory). 
On the lower lashline I used MUFE #72 Eyeshadow (matte vibrant turquoise).

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Stud.

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with Inglot Gel Eyeliner in black. I used MAC Plushlash Mascara for my lashes and applied Beautee Sense Erotica Eyelashes.

Face:

LIPS:
MAC Lipglass in Lavender Wind.

FINISH:
I used NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Tahoe with MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC45 under my eyes. I set with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium/Dark. For blush I used MAC Gingerly Powder Blush on the cheeks.

Wildfire Nails

Wildfire Nails

For this nail design I used:

China Glaze Lemon Fizz Nailpolish applied at an angle on the tips.
Followed by OPI Chop-Sticking To My Story Nailpolish applied at the opposite angle on the tips.
For each edge of the nail color I applied OPI You Don't Know Jaques Suede Nailpolish.
I then applied a heart design from Konad #73 Stamping Plate (this smudged a bit when applying top coat but oh well).

'Au Naturel' Look

'Au Naturel' Look

This is my version of 'Au Naturel' using minimal makeup but still creating a polished look. It was quick and easy and can be worn everyday.

EYES:

I filled in my brows with MAC Stud Eyebrow Pencil. I then applied Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden all over my lid up to my browbone. I applied Smashbox Nude Eyeshadow to set and then I used MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow very lightly for a brow highlight.

I lined my upper lashline with Wet 'n' Wild Creme Eyeliner in Black and my lower waterline with Loreal HIP Creme Eyeliner in Black. I applied MAC Plushlash Mascara to my lashes and then Beautee Senses Vibrant Eyelashes.

FACE:

I used NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Tahoe with MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC45 under my eyes. I set with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium/Dark. I used a light sweep of MAC Gingerly Blush on my cheeks to finish. I added some Blistex Original on the lips for moisture.

'Soft Smokey' Look with a Pop of Blue

'Soft Smokey' Look with a Pop of Blue

The name says it all for this look. It's a soft smokey eye with a pop of blue on the lower lashline.

Eyes:

PRIME:
I started off with Urban Decay Primer Potion all over my lid up to the brow bone. Then I applied MAC Layin Low Paintpot as a base all over my lid up to my brow bone.
 
COLOR:
On the inner lid, up into crease and to blend I applied MUFE #3 Eyeshadow (matte ivory).
On the middle of the lid I applied MUFE #170 Eyeshadow (iridescent pearl grey).
Next I used MUFE #169 Eyeshadow (iridescent anthracite) on the outer lid.
I used MUFE #4 Eyeshadow (matte black) on the out V and up into the crease.
For highlight I used MAC Mylar Eyeshadow (shimmery white). 
On the lower lashline I used MUFE #72 Eyeshadow (matte vibrant turquoise).

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Stud.

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with Wet 'n' Wild black creme eyeliner in black. I used MAC Plushlash Mascara for my lashes and applied Beautee Sense Erotica Eyelashes.

Face:

LIPS:
MAC Lipglass in Lavender Wind.

FINISH:
I used NARS Sheer Glow Foundation in Tahoe with MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC45 under my eyes. I set with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium/Dark. No blush.

'Purple and Teal' Look

'Purple and Teal' Look

This look is just using simple purples with a pop of teal along the lashline.

Eyes:

PRIME:
I started off with Urban Decay Primer Potion all over my lid up to the brow bone. Then I applied MAC MAC Layin Low Paintpot as a base all over my lid up to my brow bone.
 
COLOR:
On the lid I applied Inglot #369 Eyeshadow (matte blue/purple).
On the outer V I applied MAC Rich Purple Pigment.
Next I used Illamasqua Creep Eyeshadow in the crease and to blend.
For highlight I used MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow (shimmery champagne). 

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Stud.

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with Inglot Gel eyeliner in #82 (teal). I then lined my waterline and upper lashline just below the teal liner with Wet 'n' Wild black creme eyeliner in black. On the lower lashline I used Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner Pencil in Lust. I used MAC Plushlash Mascara for my lashes.

Face:

LIPS:
Nada!

FINISH:
I used NARS Sheer Matte Foundation in Tahoe with MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC45 under my eyes. I set with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium/Dark. For blush I used MAC Blush Ombre in Azalea Blossom.

'Flaming Lava' Look

'Flaming Lava' Look

This look was inspired by molten lava and my Burning Heart Quad from Sugarpill Cosmetics (review here). Here goes...

Eyes:

PRIME:
I started off with Urban Decay Primer Potion all over my lid up to the brow bone. Then I applied MAC MAC Layin Low Paintpot as a base all over my lid up to my brow bone.
 
COLOR:
On the inner lid and to blend I applied Sugarpill Tako Eyeshadow (matte white).
On the middle of the lid and lower lashline I applied Sugarpill Flamepoint Eyeshadow (matte orange).
Next I used MAC Black Black Pigment (matte black) on the outer lid at a sharp angle.
In the crease and to blend I applied Sugarpill Love + Eyeshadow (matte red).
For highlight I used MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow (shimmery champagne). 

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Stud.

DEFINE:
I lined my waterline and upper lashline with Wet 'n' Wild black creme eyeliner in Black.

Face:

LIPS:
On the lips I have MAC Up The Amp Lipstick. 

FINISH:
I used MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NC45 with MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC45 under my eyes. I set with MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium/Dark. For blush I used MAC Blush Ombre in Azalea Blossom.

'Teal and Gold' Look

'Teal and Gold' Look

So I liked the way the 'Sea Moss' look turned out so I decided to do a remix of it. I used pretty much the same style but with a more subtle shape and a different liner...oh and the products are different too. Funny how you find that you have the same color in different forms (pigment, eyeshadow, etc.) and brands.


And...look out for the grey contacts....

Eyes:

PRIME:
I started off with Urban Decay Primer Potion all over my lid up to the brow bone. Then I applied MAC MAC Layin Low Paintpot as a base all over my lid up to my brow bone.
 
COLOR:
On the inner lid I applied Smashbox Bisque Halo Eyeshadow.
On the middle of the lid I applied MUFE Pure Pigment No. 18 (emerald green).
Next I used MAC Black Black Pigment (matte black) on the outer lid at a sharp angle.
In the crease and to blend I applied Smashbox Almond Halo Eyeshadow.
For highlight I used MAC Ricepaper Eyeshadow (shimmery champagne). 

BROWS:
My brows are filled in with MAC Eyebrow Pencil in Stud.

DEFINE:
I lined my upper lashline with MAC Liquidlast Eyeliner in Molten Sol. I also lined my waterline and upper lashline just below the lavender with Wet 'n' Wild black creme eyeliner. I used Covergirl Lashblast in Very Black for my lashes and Beautee Senses Lashes in Vibrant. On the lower lashline I used Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Honey.

Face:

LIPS:
On the lips I have Clé de Peau Beauté Extra Silky Lipstick in #109. 

FINISH:
I used MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NC45 with MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC45 under my eyes. I set with MAC Loose Blot Powder in Dark. For blush I used MAC Blush Ombre in Ripe Peach.