Livia Pure Skin Care

Hi everyone!

     I hope all is well, and you had a wonderful weekend. Last month I was sent some amazing organic skin care products by a company called Livia Pure Skin Care. Livia uses organic, raw, and the purest ingredients in their products. I contacted the company to see if I could try some samples of their products, when I was sent a request on LinkedIn by the CEO of Livia Pure Skin Care. They responded very quickly to my request, and a few days later I received a nice package at my door. The 5 products that were sent to me were all based on my combination and problematic skin type. I couldn't believe the sizes of the travel size products. I was very impressed! Thank you Livia!

The products that I received were:

1.) Fresh Peppermint Cleanser: "hydrating & renewing for most skin types"

 

"Wake up your freshest complexion by stimulating blood flow and renewing skin layers. Nourishing oils then soften, hydrate and melt away excess facial oil, without stripping." Retails at $31.00

Review: This cleanser smells amazing. I would only use this every few days at night to get a deep exfoliation. It did remove my makeup, but had to cleanse 2-3 times using this product. It makes your skin feel refreshed and clean after using. The beads in the product were not too large. You don't need a lot of pressure when using circular motions to work this into the skin. Your skin will have a beautiful glow after using!

 

2.) Pumpkin Pro-Enzyme Masque: "10% glycolic & enzymatic resurfacing for most skin types"

 

"Get that ‘Spa Facial Tingle’ at home with this 10% glycolic resurfacing masque. Pumpkin enzymes & circulation enhancing spices nourish deep layers and fight environmental free radicals with rich antioxidants & vitamins vital to complexion health." Retails at $72.00

Review: This masque smells just like pumpkin, and really does have a nice tingling feeling when put on the skin. After cleansing my face in the shower, I would apply this immediately after.  I would leave it on for the duration of my shower (around 5 minutes). My skin would be just ever so slightly pink afterwards, as it is a 10% glycolic peel. I found this very hydrating, and helped even out my skin tone. My skin felt very smooth afterwards as well. I could tell it made a difference with my acne, as acne needs circulation to remove it. I loved the fact that it not only helped my acne, but also hydrated my face at the same time.

 

3.) Green Tea Complex Toner: "for oily, combination & blemished skin 

 "Enliven your complexion with free radical fighting phytonutrients and antibacterial essentials and acids. Encourage shrinking pores and a natural pH." Retails: $30.00

 

Review: This is a wonderful toner. I like to apply this toner before bed. I feel as though his helps prevent the spread of bacteria on my face to my pillows. This toner is very refreshing, and helps put the moisture back into the skin after cleansing, as well as kill bacteria from acne.

 

 

 

4.) Apriocot Enzyme Moisture:"enzymatic nutrient support for most skin types —16 SPF" 

 "Apricots, rich in Vitamin A are essential for skin resiliency. Folic Acid, involved in the duplication of cells. supports the turnover of your complexion. Enzymes assist in dead skin removal, uncovering beautiful skin. Give your skin the antioxidants it craves with this delicious moisture, leaving a luscious, dewy finish."

 

Review: This moisturizer is amazing. I LOVE the smell, and it really makes my skin feel hydrated all day long. My skin has been feeling very smooth, and also has such a great glow to the skin after using this product. This is a great moisturizer to use under a liquid foundation! It seems to help my foundation glide across my skin, and look flawless.

 

 

 

 

5.) Super C Serum: "refining prevention & age reversal for most skin types"

 "Phenomenal antioxidant protection, 96% reduction of sunburn cells, and prevention of the formation of free radicals in sun exposed skin. Fades sun spots and discoloration, refines skin texture and reduces wrinkle formation as well as minimizing existing wrinkles. Pure vegan hyaluronic acid delivery system to plump skin cells, protect and restore. Concentrated for the highest form of active, bio-available Vitamin C, causing beautiful skin!" Retails for $40.00

 

Review: This product is AMAZING! I have been having so much redness in my face from my recent hormonal acne I couldn't take it anymore. I use this product twice a day, both times under my moisturizer. It has helped with even out my skin tone, as well as helped with inflammation from breakouts. It feels so great on the skin, and leaves your skin feeling like silk. I recommend using only two little drops of this serum. It is very concentrated, and this way it will last you a long time!

 

 

 

Over-all review:

 

    I am extremely happy with Livia Pure Skin Care. My skin has been loving these products for the last month, and my breakouts have really clamed down. My face feels more hydrated, and my makeup has been looking better due to my skin feeling and also looking better. Their customer service is wonderful, and be more happy with my experience with them. With this product line, less it more. It is made from the purest ingredients, and is very concentrated. The price is competitive with other organic skincare lines as well. I will be using these products for many years to come. Thank you Stephanie for finding me on LinkedIn! ;)  Please check out Livia Pure Skin Care today!

Fav Products-Fall 2013

Hi everyone!

     I hope everyone is having an amazing weekend, and enjoying the chilly weather. I wanted to post an update about my current skin situation. Since July I have been suffering from hormonal acne, but finally as of the last 2 weeks seem to FINALLY have it under control. My secret......AdovCare 24 Day Challenge. This is a cleanse system to flush out all toxins out of the entire body. I am on Day 12 today, and feel awesome. Although I cheated this weekend, but skin is doing awesome! I am going to list all of my current favorite skin and makeup products below that are contributing to my awesome skin. If you are interested in finding out more about AdvoCare please visit my blog at kahley24daychallenge.blogspot.com.


Skincare Products:

Cleanser:

A.M. Algenist Cleanser

P.M. Cerave Oily to Normal Cleanser

Toner: Michael Todd Organics Blue Green Algae Antibacterial Toner

Exfoliation: Eminence Organics of Hungary Strawberry Dermifoliant

Masque: Eminence Organics Hungarian Herbal Mud Treatment

Spot Treatment for Acne: Differin Gel

Moisturizer: Eminence Organics of Hungary Stone Crop Moisturizer

Eye Cream: Eminence Organics of Hungary Wild Plum Eye Cream


Makeup:

Face: I have three foundations I switch on and off daily.
Nars Sheer Glow Foundation
Dior Airflash Foundation (new one and I LOVE it)
Bare Minerals Original Foundation

Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me

Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

Highligher and powder: Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Blush: Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush, Illamasqua Blush (all time fav), and Nars

Bronzer: Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Princess Ave

As for the eyes I have been loving completing a natural eye look with a pop of color for liner, such as a beautiful teal color. It spices up a natural look!

Hormonal Acne Control

Hi everyone! It's been quite awhile since I posted last. Life has been crazy as usual, but I really wanted to share what has been going on with my skin recently. Since the late summer, I have been suffering from some hormonal acne. The last month has been some of the worst acne breakouts I have ever experienced. As an Esthetician it stinks when your skin feels and looks not too good, especially when my skin is part of my marketing technique. Over the last three weeks I have been on a mission to clear my skin. I tried everything from Michael Todd's Organic Skincare to Philosophy's Acne Line. Nothing touched my ance. It's been quite discourging. I also think the Philosophy made my skin so much worse. I do not recommend the brand!

Last week I finally decided to purchase  the Cerave Normal to Oily Cleanser. I always recommend this to people with all different skin types. I finally purchased a new bottle, along with Cetaphil's Acne Oil-free Moisturizer. In four days I was seeing a huge difference, but still needed something to dry up my acne. My cousin decided to let me try a sample of her Differin Gel. I used this gel as a spot treatment, and let's just say it made a HUGE difference. I also wanted to give myself a stimulating, but hydrating facial treatment. For the last few days I have been using Eminence Organics Lime Stimulating Masque. This masque is specifically made for acne, problematic, and dehydrated skin. This peel or treatment is made for acne and dehydrated skin types. You only leave this on for 3-7 minutes depending on how sensitive your skin is. It doesn't really burn, but your face will get hot and red. The redness clams down after an hour. But this masque is amazing!!!! My face felt smoother, the tone was more even, redness calmed down, and my skin feels so hydrated! I highly recommend this masque! I have been doing this masque 3 times a week. It really stimulates the skin to get the blood flowing, and release any toxins. 

I wanted to share my skin update, and share the products that have been working for me, as they may help you!! ;) 

How to clean your Beauty Blender Sponge or Dupe Beauty Blender Sponge

I cannot believe it took me this long to have this amazing, "light bulb gone off" moment tonight. 

I absolutely LOVE my Beauty Blender sponge. It is amazing, and applies/blends foundation, concealer, and cream blush flawlessly. I've tried a couple of dupes for this before, but until you get your hands on the real version you don't know what you are missing! 

I have been trying to figure out different ways of cleaning my sponge. Nothing seemed to get the stains out, until I purchased the best soap ever..."Dr. Bronner's Magic Soap." You can find this soap on the natural or organic soap isle at your grocery store. I purchased this soap because I heard so many great things about it, and I was out of body wash. I have been suffering from some terrible acne lately on my face and back. I have used this soap for four days now, and already see a difference on my back! Tonight I decided to try using this soap on my Beauty Blender sponge. Well let me say it did the trick!!! 

I first ran my sponge under lukewarm water. Then applied the soap all over the sponge. I rubbed it together, and squeezed the remaining water out, and I could not believe how much makeup came out of it! The stains were almost gone as well. I cleansed it twice just to give a very deep clean. Best part is that the soap only cost me $6.99. Oh yeah! The Beauty Blender cleanser costs anywhere from $15-$20. I refuse to pay that when I can use my $6 soap! Score! :) 

Sorry I didn't take a before picture. I was so excited to remove the stains I forgot! This is what my sponge looked like after the cleanse, almost brand new! 

Immaculate Makeup!

Hi everyone!

    I hope everyone had a great weekend, and I wish you a great week ahead! This weekend I was extremely busy with bridal makeup and spa work. Fortunately this gave me a great chance to test out a new foundation! This foundation is called

Immaculate Liquid Foundation (Oil-Free) by Hourglass. 

This foundation is wonderful for oily skin types. The technology of this foundation is amazing. It goes on the skin so smoothly, and actually drys as a powder. It looks flawless on the skin, and blends beautifully. The only downfall is the price at $55.00. I had a Sephora gift card to spend, and I have been wanting to try it for the longest time. 

This foundation leaves a matte finish on the skin, and covers most redness and blemishes. I would say this is a medium coverage, but very build-able. I have been having a lot of breakouts lately, and I learned this foundation helps clear acne. This is what made me what to try it out, and I love it! I would say this foundation lasts around 6-8 hours before needing to be touched up with powder. It looks beautiful in pictures. 

In the pictures below I am wearing this beautiful foundation. It makes my skin look flawless! I have listed the step by step eye look below. Enjoy! 

1.) Prime the eyes. I used Mac's Bare Study Paint Pot across the lid, and Tarte's Amazonian Clay Eye Primer on the brow bone. 

2.) Using Bronze eyeshadow from Mac, I placed it all over my lid, and on the bottom lash line. Taking a fluffy brush, I blended Naked eyeshadow by Urban Decay in the crease. 

3.) I placed Shroom by Mac as my highlight under my brow. 

4.) Using a black eyeshadow, I placed some color in the outer v, and blended inward toward the middle of the lid. 

5.) For liner I used a matte black shadow to make a nice flick in the corner. I only placed the liner half way on the eye. This is a great trick for hooded eye lids to help make them look bigger. 

6.) Top with some mascara! 

7.) On my lips I combined Mac's Angel Lipstick, and Bare Minerals Rebel gloss. Gorgeous! 

It's Bridal Season!

Hi everyone!

    I am so sorry I have been gone so long. I have been quite busy the last two months with work and vacations! Now that bridal season is really kicking off, I wanted to share my favorite products for my brides and brides-to-be. I have weddings on my mind 24/7 now because my best friend of 22 years just got engaged! Shout out to my BFF! 

The first thing you want to always remember is to prep the skin far in advance for your big day. As an Esthetician, I always recommend getting a facial two weeks to a week and a half before your wedding day. This will give the skin a deep exfoliation, circulation to give it a healthy glow, and if there is any bacteria under the skin, it will be able to come out before the special day. This will also help prep the skin for your wedding day makeup application. Also, consider waxing one week prior to your wedding day. Just to avoid any mishaps and to make sure the inflammation has fully decreased. 

Taking care of your skin at home will also make sure your makeup application goes on smoothly to achieve that flawless finish. Remember to always:

1.) Cleanse 2x's a day (morning and night)

2.) Tone the skin after cleansing 

3.) Exfoliate 2x's a week 

4.) Masque 2x's a week (I recommend after exfoliating leave on for 15-20 minutes)

5.) Always moisturize after cleansing. Even if you have oily skin, you need to balance the skin. Look for an oil-free moisturizer.   

6.) Always use an eye cream morning and night. Apply using your ring finger. Do not rub hard in this area. We don't want to stretch the skin! I suggest using an eye cream at the age of 18. We want to prevent those dark circles and fine lines. 

If you planned on purchasing your own makeup for your wedding day, I have listed my favorite products below! 

*Make sure to test out foundations a few months in advance to see how it wears on your skin. Don't forget to get your free 3 samples from Sephora every time you stop in. This is a great way to test different foundations out, and to make sure you get the correct color.*

1.) Foundation: 

Airbrush: Dinair Airbrush 

Liquid: 

Revlon Colorstay (Comes in a formula for oily and dry skin)

MAKE UP FOR EVER: HD Foundation (All skin types) or MUFE Matte Velvet Plus for oily skin 

Hourglass: Immaculate Oil-free Foundation (oily skin type)

NARS: Sheer Glow Foundation (dry/combo skin types) 

Concealer:

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer  

Mac Pro Long Wear Concealer 

Powder: You can use these powders to set your face and under eye area! 

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder 

Ben Nye Powders 

*Translucent for light/fair skin tones

*Banana for medium to dark skin tones 

 Bronzer and Blush: I swear by Tarte Cosmetics blushes and bronzers! They stay on all day!

Eye Primer: 

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Mac Paint Pots

Maybelline Color Tattoos

Eyeliner:

Mac Gel Liners

Urban Decay Kohl Pencils 

NYX Kohl Pencils 

Eyeshadow: 

Urban Decay Naked Palettes or Naked Basics Palette (worth the $)

NYX Shadows 

Lashes: 

L'Oreal Voluminous Building Mascara in Carbon Black (waterproof) 

Ardell False Lashes 

Duo Lash Glue 

Lash curler 

Lips Products:

Mac Lipsticks

NYX Lipsticks 

*Tarte Lipsurgence 

*Revlon Just Bitten 

*Are a lipstick, lip blam, and stain all in one. They last forever, and fade beautifully! I suggest having one of these in your clutch on your wedding day!

Liner: 

NYX Lip Liners 

Mac Lip Liners

Wet N' Wild

Brushes:

Real Techniques 

Sigma 

Mac

Beauty Blender* My favorite way of applying foundation, concealer, and cream blush!  

Below I have attached some of my most recent bridal work! Feel free to ask any questions about skincare or makeup products or comment below! Thanks a bunch!

Dermorganic

Hi everyone!

Lately I have been on the search for some great (not-so-toxic) hair products. Last year I attended the Hair and Esthetics Show or IBS show of NYC. At the show I was introduced to a product line called Dermorganic.
Dermorganic was made for the Cosmetologist in mind. These products are made safe for everyday use. Dermorganic knows that every time you use facial or hair products your skin absorbs everything in the product. This product line was created without toxic chemicals, and rates a 3 on Skin Deep website. This website shows how to six a product is, as well as what hidden chemicals are in it. All of Dermorganics products are made with Argan oil!
Over the last month I have been testing out all of their products! From shampoo and conditioner, to their hair masque, volume moose, and Argan oil. All of the products I have tested are amazing! First off the shampoo, conditioner, and masque are awesome. I go through a large bottle of S/C in at least 3 weeks. I already have had these products a 3 weeks, and I've only used the very top of the bottle. Not even half way through yet! My hair feels as looks amazing, especially when curly. My hair is less frizzy, smells great all day, has a beautiful shine to it, and is even growing faster! Below I have listed all of the products tried from Dermorganics.

Shampoo and Conditioner: Awesome!
Hair Masque: Amazing!
Volume Moose: Gives great lift at the roots!
Argan Oil Treatment: Smells so yummy!
Fast Dry Shaping Spray: Smells awesome and the hold is great as well.
Defining Whip: Nice, but a little goes a log way. Smells great too.
Spray Therapy: Adds great shine, and decreases frizz.

Everything in this product line is great, and lasts a long time! For $75 you can get the backbar set, which goes with two HUGE bottles of the shampoo and masque, as well as a bottle of the Argan oil. Love this brand! Their customer service is great as well.


Check out Dermorganic:
http://www.dermorganic.com/shop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=15