NeoStrata + My Current Skincare Routine

I wanted to share with you the skincare routine I've been using for the last month and a half or so.

First off, let me introduce you to "my skin" prior to the start of the new "routine." I have eczema which of course results in my skin being extra dry -dryer than "regular" dry skin. I don't often get acne -maybe a small pimple every 2 weeks or so. Usually once a month, probably because of my "friend's" monthly visit, I'll get 1-2 huge, painful cyst type of pimples filled with nasty pus -I know.. probably a little over share. The only thing I used to use was CeraVe Lotion, Cetaphil Cleanser, and my Essence of Beauty Makeup Remover to remover my makeup.

Earlier in June, I was contacted by the lovely Caitlin from NeoStrata. She sent me 2 projects to try -the Facial Cleanser ($28.00 for 6 oz) and the Daytime Protection Cream SPF 15 ($38.00 for 1.4 oz.) I've added both to my new routine.

Daytime Protection Cream Ingredients

Facial Cleanser Ingredients

 Here's the "new" routine:

1. Every morning, I start off washing my face with just plain ol' water and Cetaphil Cleanser (I ran out of the "facial" kind which seems to feel better on my face but there's no difference in the results.)

2. After that, I either apply CeraVe Lotion or Cetaphil Lotion or both (CeraVe first, Cetaphil on top.)

3. I then apply the NeoStrata Daytime Protection Cream SPF 15. If I'm going to be in the sun for more than an hour, I'll alternate between Clarins UV Plus Day Screen High Protection SPF 40, Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 45 Untinted, and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 70.

4. Apply Jack Black Intense Therapy Balm.

5. When the day's over, I use my Essence of Beauty Makeup Remover to wipe away all of my makeup.

6. I then wash my face again with the NeoStrata Facial Cleanser.

7. Then, I moisturize my face with CeraVe Lotion or Cetaphil Lotion or both and apply Jack Black Intense Therapy Balm again.


So has my skin improved??

YES!! After following this routine for a month and a half, I haven't gotten any cysts or pimples with pus in them. I also haven't gotten as many tiny pimples -only 1 so far and it's more like a bump on my forehead that just hasn't gone away (I've just had that same "pimple" since forever and it never seems to fully go away.) Other than that, everything's been pretty great!


So, have the NeoStrata products been effective?

1. NeoStrata Daytime Protection Cream SPF 15- I love this stuff. I'm used to most sunscreen products being thick, heavy, greasy, and smelly and this is the total opposite. It's light and feels like my regular lotion -I don't even feel like I'm wearing sunscreen. Products that contain SPF usually dry out my skin and I'm to report that this actually feels moisturizing. I also love that there is no smelly sunscreen scent or any scent at all for that matter -I hate scented skincare products. Oh and another plus? This doesn't make my face look white in pictures! Most products containing SPF will do that to you. The only downside is that it only contains SPF 15 -I'd like it be higher.

2. NeoStrata Facial Cleanser- I've been using this religiously every night so I have this to thank for my nearly pimple-less last month and a half. After cleaning my face with this, my skin is very soft, smooth, and supple. I've also noticed that my skin is a little brighter and not as red as before. I love that this cleanser is so gentle and cleans my sensitive skin without irritating it (no scent either.) I find absolutely no flaw in the cleanser and am in love with it.

Result Photo!

Nearly clear skin! This is me with no foundation or tinted moisturizer -just my lotion and the NeoStrata Cream on top. I have that pesky pimple on my forehead though. The reason my forehead looks so dry is because the night before (taking this pic), I applied some acne medicine on top. The medicine really dries out my skin.

Overall, I'm very happy with my experience of the 2 NeoStrata products I tried. The Daytime Protection Cream SPF 15 is a wonderful product -but I'm not sure if I'd shell out $38.00 for such a small tube that only contains 1.4 oz. I'm also looking for something with a higher SPF. The Facial Cleanser on the other hand is an absolute gem. While my Cetaphil Cleanser works OK for cleaning my face, this really gets rid of the dirt so that I get practically no acne, my skin is brighter and not as red, and my face is as soft and smooth as a baby's bottom. This will definitely be a repurchase.

Disclaimer: The 2 NeoStrata products were sent to me for consideration by the company. The review is based fully on my own opinion and thoughts of the products. I do not get paid to do reviews -my focus is bringing all readers honest, helpful reviews. Please feel free to email me if you have any questions or concerns. =)

June 2010 Favorites, New Hello Kitty Ring, & Twilight?!

Here's the lowdown on my favorite products for June! These products are either new, rediscovered, or longtime faves that I've been using non-stop.

1. Prestige Skin Loving Minerals Sun Baked Mineral Bronzing Powder- I’ve been loving this bronzer since I first tried it about 2 weeks ago. It gives me a shimmery (but not overdone) summer glow that lasts for hours and hours. An extra bonus? It’s only $11.99!

2. NeoStrata Facial Cleanser- I received this cleanser earlier this month and have been using it for over 2 weeks now. It is incredibly gentle to my sensitive, dry skin and keeps my face clean and moisturized. Since using this stuff, my skin has been feeling softer and smoother –this sounds corny but I can’t resist touching my face! It’s softer than it’s been in months. (I’ll be reviewing this soon along with another NeoStrata lotion very soon. Unlike other beauty products such as lipsticks and eyeshadows, I need to test skincare products for weeks before reviewing them to check for results, irritations, allergic reactions, etc. that occur over time.)

3. Fresh Twilight Freshface Glow- I’ve had a deluxe sample of this for awhile now but never really used it. I’ve since rediscovered it and have been using it every time I apply my makep for about 3 weeks now. This cream can be worn alone as an illuminator or mixed with your foundation or tinted moisturizer. I like applying it above my cheekbones and adding a powder highlighter on top. It makes my skin look dewy and glowy while acting as a base for the powder highlighter.

4. NARS Lip Gloss in "Harlow"- This gloss is one of my favorite NARS lip glosses and I don’t own anything like it. The color is a silvery pinky mauve that’s very frosty and perfect for bronzed summer skin. If you’re not familiar with NARS glosses, the texture is very tacky and semi-sticky. I wouldn’t say they’re overly sticky but sticky enough to bind to the lips and stay on. Also, they smell sort of like crayons –which I know many people hate. To me, the scent’s not to strong and disappears after applying the gloss.

5. Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Lipstick in "PK 343"- I’ve been wearing this lipstick all month long. The shade is a perfect pale bubblegum that really satisfies any cravings for sweet, pink lips. It gives you the perfect splash of color while not being overdone and too dramatic. (I think this, along with the rest of their Pink Collection, just got discontinued because it's no longer on the site!)

6. Physicians Formula Gel CreamLiner in "Blue" from the Blue Eyes Set- I’ve been loving the blue shade from my “Blue Eyes” set. I wear it with very natural eye makeup and it adds a great pop of color to my look.

The Twilight Sage: Eclipse

So I went with my boyfriend yesterday to watch the new Twilight (YES.. on opening day! LOL..) and it was actually sort of disappointing. I'm a Twilight fan and have read the first 3 books so far. To me, the 3rd book was the best so I was really looking forward to the movie but like the previous 2 movies, the film didn't live up to the book. My boyfriend kept saying it was "too mushy" and I actually agree with him! I'm all for mushiness but this was just ridiculous, way too corny mushiness. I don't want to spoil the movie but I'd give it about a C- grade. This isn't something that I could watch again anytime soon. If you're a Twilight fan, watch it because like me, you'll probably be curious about it. If you're not, skip it because you'll only come out thinking you wasted 20-something bucks.

My New Hello Kitty Ring!

Yesterday, we also went shopping and I picked up a few things in Sanrio for the upcoming giveaway. While I was in there, my boyfriend bought me this uber cute ring I was eyeing. I'm a fanatic for Hello Kitty or other Sanrio related jewelry and sort of collect their little rings and bobbles. This was my fave of the 5 or so designs because I loved the tiara that the newly blonde Hello Kitty is rocking. Oh and.. my boyfriend thinks I like the ring only because it's the "shape" of Bella's engagement ring. It looks nothing like it! (For all you Twilight fans, click that link to buy "Bella's ring." They have a cheaper "fashion version", "fine version", and then the "genuine version" which is the real deal.) Such craziness, I wouldn't want anyone to drop $2,000 on me just so I can have Bella's ring since I really don't think it's that gorgeous.

*Twilight pic is from Wikipedia.