Saturday, December 28, 2013

All About Face

  When it comes to skin care, nothing is more tedious than caring for the delicate skin on one's face. I have really sensitive skin and suffer from allergies, so it takes a team of really good products to keep my skin well balanced and healthy. I'm sure we have all gone through the trials and errors of trying cosmetics that just didn't work. I'll never forget the time I tried a facial wash by Noxema that nearly burned my face due to the harsh chemicals! However, once we find the right match for our skin, whether it is a new face cream, a soap, an exfoliant, a serum, or a face mask, the results can be quite amazing.
   Today I would like to share some of the products that I use religiously. Some of them are household names that we have all heard of, yet some might be new to you. So if I introduce you to a new and interesting product that you want to try, that is wonderful, and I am glad to help! 
  The first product that has truly made a difference in my skin care routine is a soap called NUNA Moisturizing Black Soap. It is an organic soap made of pure shea butter and cocoa butter. The soap is hand made in Ghana. I first started using NUNA about two years ago, and I haven't used another soap on my face since. It truly is a miracle worker. After about a week of use, I noticed my skin tone was more even, brighter, clearer, and my pores were smaller. With continued use my skin is smoother and healthier looking. I absolutely recommend NUNA to everyone! It's perfect for sensitive skin, as it is all natural. The best part is that the soap only costs about $3.95 for a large bar. One bar will last for several months, so it really is worth the buy! You can find NUNA soap bars, and all other NUNA products on the Coastal Scents website (www.coastalscents.com). 
 Bûche De Noël facial scrub by LUSH is probably one of the best and most luxurious exfoliants ever! I was introduced to it by my dear friend Crystal who gave it a stellar review. I just had to try it. LUSH is known for their high quality, all natural, great smelling, moderately priced, products. The small jar is $12 and is a seasonal limited edition scrub, so it isn't always easy to find. It is made with almond oil, and is wrapped in seaweed. Bûche De Noël feels and smells incredible. I've been tempted to taste it.... Okay well maybe I tried just a tiny bit! It really does smell edible. I only use about a quarter size on my face. A little bit of the scrub goes a long way. Just mix with warm water and happy scrubbing! 
   My absolute beauty weapon is my electric face brush (By Rite Aid). I purchased it at RITE AID a while back, and it is amazing. It's a great and affordable alternative to the Clarisonic. The brush is operated by two AA batteries, includes several brush and exfoliating attachments , along with a facial wash. The price?... Only $21.99. Using a facial brush is the absolute best way to fully clean your face, removing makeup and dirt. You can use your favorite face soap/wash with it. I highly recommend this brush kit.
   I've tried many facial astringents, but none have made my skin feel as refreshed as AVON'S CLEARSKIN PORE PENETRATING COOLING TONER. It's great to use right after you shower because it cools your face and helps to close your pores. It smells good and is really gentle. It's about $4.99. Contact your local AVON representative or visit www.avon.com for more information.
   Finally I want to share my favorite moisturizers that I use daily. I use BORGHESE Advanced Age-Defying Wrinkle Defense Serum, which is both light and non-greasy. It's made with anti-oxidants and plant extracts. You can find it at Costco, or wherever Borghese products are sold. I found mine at a discount store for $9.99!  I mix that with NUANCE By Salma Hayak Anti-Aging Super Cream which is botanical based. You can find this Nuance face cream and other Nuance By Salma Hayak products at CVS.  Both of these facial moisturizers have improved my skin immensely over the last year, and I couldn't be happier. I don't have a balanced sleep schedule, and I stress a lot! So these products really help keep my skin hydrated, and looking less tired. I always add about a dime sized amount of hydrocortisone with aloe to my face creams because if my sensitive skin. Hydrocortisone is great for getting rid of redness, or any impurities. It definitely is my best friend! 
   I hope this has been both helpful and enjoyable to read. I would like to hear feedback from new readers and hopeful followers. I would love to know what other girls out there are using on their faces. So if you are interested, please share with me below. I look forward to hearing from you! 
  Stay Glam 
XOXO

Christina 
  

Friday, December 27, 2013

Hello And Welcome To My Page!

    My name is Christina Marie, and I would like to welcome you to my very first blog! I have a very strong passion for all things beauty: clothing, jewelry, accessories, purses, cosmetics, beauty supplies, and especially MAKEUP! Therefore, I would like to dedicate this blog to my love and knowledge of these things.
   Here's a little insight to who I am. I am a self-taught Makeup artist, nail artist, and amateur  hairstylist. I am also a self-proclaimed fashionista. I am addicted to gorgeous clothing and accessories. From time to time I even like to design costumes/looks. Although I am obsessed with shopping, I do not believe in spending a lot of money on any one particular item. I am proud to say I'm a bargain shopper! Why pay a million dollars for s
omething, when you can shop for something less expensive, and just as fabulous! That's one of the mottos I like to live by. I am not perfect at either of my talents, but I aspire to improve and perfect my skills. I love what I do, and I hope you will like what I share with you on this blog. 
   The inspiration to create this page began on my Instagram (www.instagram.com/christinamarie1023). I post a lot about fashion and beauty. I share a lot of my makeup looks, and to my surprise it has garnered much attention over the last year and a half. My friends, family, and amazing followers have been urging me to create a blog for quite some time. However, I was so insecure and worried that no one would care to look at it. I was afraid of failure. Finally, I decided to just go for it. I really have nothing to lose. Even if I only gain a small following; if I can help just one person with anything I have to say, then I have succeeded beyond my wildest dreams. I look forward to sharing my world with you, so please join me on this journey! If you have any suggestions as to what you would like to see on my blog, feel free to let me know. If there are any particular looks you would like me to create/re-create, please also let me know. I will be posting blogs as often as possible, so follow me, and visit often! Download the BLOGGER App to your mobile device so you can keep up with me. In the meantime, check out my Instagram page. See you soon loves!

XOXO

Christina, 
The Glamonista