Winter Beauty Secrets

Now that I'm back in New York, I have to use different skincare products because of the harsh, dry, cold air. I tried using the L'Oreal RevitaLift cleanser that worked really well for me in L.A. but it dried out my skin too much here. =(  So, now, I'm using Olay Daily Facials Hydrating Cleansing Cloths to keep my skin soft and hydrated.

To get rid of the dead skin cells that make my skin look rough and splotchy, I give myself an exfoliating treatment with Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel System. I apply the thick, gooey scrub with an electric toothbrush and run it over my face in small circles (a trick I learned from a Michelle Phan video a long time ago). I don't usually use the Activator afterwards, because my skin is sensitive to Lactic Acid... but if your skin does well on AHAs then I would definitely recommend trying it. The mini crystals in this kit are the BEST- nothing makes my skin smoother or more radiant!



Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion & Peel Kit

After scrubbing my skin, always use a pampering face mask so that my skin won't get irritated. I use Kinerase Pro + Therapy Ultra Hydrating Repair Mask, which plumps my skin with moisture and makes it as soft as a baby's butt. It's a little pricey but it's the most luxuriously rich moisturizing mask and there's nothing else like it! The morning after I use it, my skin looks so healthy and glows. It's well worth the money and you only need a tiny bit each time. It also comes in a hygenic airless pump jar.

Kinerase Pro + Therapy Ultra Hydrating Repair Mask

My lips also need extra moisture because they're always extremely dry, especially in the winter, so I've been using a thick lanolin ointment (ok, it's a nipple balm for breastfeeding mothers) and it works WONDERS! I use Lansinoh Lanolin ointment, which I found on Amazon for $7. You can buy Lansinoh at Walmart, too, for under $10. It seems pricey for a lip balm but each tube contains 1.41 oz (which is a TON of product) and you won't find a better healing ointment for dry, cracked lips. The consistency is very thick at first but it melts right into your lips and stays put, even while eating or drinking. You can even dab it on minor cuts to help heal and protect them.

Lansinoh 100% Natural HPA Lanolin Ointment

Would You Put Nipple Balm on Your Lips?

Apparently, temporary lip tattoos aren't the only weird thing people are putting on their lips these days. Women are putting nipple balms, meant soothe the area during pregnancy, on their lips as a moisturizing treatment.

Women in the UK swear by Dr. Lipp Nipple Balm for Lips. In Japan, they're using Pretty Pink Cream for Lips and Nipples. Americans came up with the Nipple Nibblers Lip Balm Stick and Sugar Lips Nipple Gloss in "Whip Me Cream", which (surprise, surprise) weren't really designed for pregnant women so much as erotic experimentation.

Would you try any of these products???

Dr. Lipp Nipple Balm for Lips, $40

Nipple Nibblers Lip Balm Stick, $4 (different flavors)

Sugar Lips Nipple Gloss in "Whip Me Cream", $7

Pretty Pink Cream for Lips and Nipples, $40   (Gotta love the happy, smiling nipple and the well-endowed cat.)

If This Clay Mask Were a Man, I'd Marry it

I couldn't sleep the other night, so I ended up window-shopping the skincare goods on Amazon. Somehow, I stumbled upon a product called Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay. I was immediately attracted to the mystical sounding name- I envisioned witch-doctors using the clay to heal their patients' wounds... (It was 3 AM, okay- I was delirious.)

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay, $7-9, Whole Foods or Amazon.com

Then, I noticed that this product had great reviews from over a hundred people who all swore that this stuff could get rid of everything from acne to poison ivy to spider bites. I was definitely intrigued and, after Googling it a bit more, I found out that this calcium bentonite clay has tons of uses and rave reviews all over the internet.

DIY Skin-Softening Oatmeal and Honey Milk Bath

This DIY milk bath is perfect for fall and winter because the pampering ingredients soften and hydrate your skin:

You'll need:
1 cup of whole milk
2 tbs. of honey
1 cup of liquid strained from cooked oatmeal (you can use whole oats but it can be a nightmare to clean them out of the drain)

Give yourself the royal treatment by adding flower petals or candles to get the full Cleopatra experience

Pour these ingredients into your bath water and let your skin soak for at least 15 minutes. The lactic acid in the milk helps slough off dry skin while the honey and oatmeal comfort and moisturize your skin.

The Cure for Dull, Dry Winter Complexions

Lots of companies are coming out with products that promise to help get rid of dark spots but they can take a huge chunk out of your wallet or take weeks to see any results. The lightening ingredients in those products can also be allergenic (i.e. soy proteins and extracts) or drying (i.e. hydroquinone).

Lumene Vitamin C+ Energy Cocktail

Me, I just rely on good ol' vitamin C, a natural skin brightener, which can be found in Vitamin C + Energy Cocktail Intensive Care ($22, Dermstore.com). apply just a few drops of this anti-aging serum to your face and neck before bedtime and you'll wake up with a brighter, glowing complexion! and at under twenty bucks, you can't beat the price :)

Tip: At night, cleanse face, then apply serum and allow to sink in for a few minutes before applying your usual moisturizer.