The Ugly Side of Retin-A And How To Survive It!

Retinoids, a double edged sword. They are AMAZING at treating acne, smoothing skin texture, and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. However, in order to get to all that goodness you might have to endure the redness and flaky skin that occurs meanwhile your skin builds up its tolerance to the medication, a.k.a retinization. The good news is that not everyone goes through retinization; but if you are thinking about starting treatment, or even more-so if you are smack dab in the middle of the ugly phase, you need this post in your life. 

How To Grow Your Hair Long And Health: My Updated Hair Routine

Once of the most frequently asked questions I get is how I keep my long hair looking so shiny and healthy, so today's post is dedicated to all the hair things. 

Favorite YSL Beauty Products: Shop The Fall Sale!

      I am so excited to share with you my favorite Yves Saint Laurent beauty products, just in time for their Fierce Fall Sale where everything is 20% off! If you've been following me for a while, you know I am obsessed with their balms as well as their lipsticks. They are by far my favorite luxury beauty line when it comes to lip products. 

       Lately I have been all about that newborn mom life and often don't have time to apply liner and lipstick so I have been gravitating towards the YSL balms like the ROUGE VOLUPTÉ SHINE OIL-IN-STICK or the Voluptè Liquid Balm. These are so easy to apply I don't need a mirror or liner, major bonus when you have a million balls to juggle and have very little to no time for yourself. 

       I've put together a couple of my favorite lippies as well as some items I will be adding to my cart and thought you might like to take a peek:     

       Have you tried  YSL Beauty Products? Which is your fave?

                                                 

How To Get Long Voluminous Lashes From A $5 Dollar Mascara!

I am so excited to be sharing one of my latest beauty obsessions with y'all! The icing on the cake is that it retails for $4.99, you're welcome.  


I truly believe that you can have the most amazing mascara formula but if your application technique isn't right, then you can easily end up with clumpy and spidery looking lashes. Technique is what takes this $5 tube of mascara and makes it preform! I'm listing the step-by-step instructions as well as a video of the application process and everything I am using. 

Step 1: Wipe Off Excess 

Wipe ALLLLLLL excess mascara off of the wand. That means going completely around the entire wand (including the tip) and scraping the excess along the top of the tube. 

Step 2: Wiggle At Base Of Lash Line To Create Volume

Wiggle, wiggle, wiggle. The secret in creating full and voluminous lashes is in wiggling the wand at the base of the lash line. This also doubles in creating the illusion of liner. Win, win. 

Step 3: Move Wand From Mid Shaft Through Tips Of Lashes In Straight Upward Motions

It also helps to "fluff" the individual lashes by tilting the brush at a 90 degree angle and running it through the lashes in an upward motion. 

NOTE: if you find that you've created any clumps or lashes that have stuck together, simply clear the wand again without adding any additional product and use it as a spool to brush/comb through the lashes from the base through the tips.  

Video Of Mascara Application: 

Products Used or Shown: 

Mascara ($4.99 !)

Under Eye Color Corrector 

Concealer

Foundation 

Setting Powder

Bronzer

Blush in Luminoso

Highlight in Opal

Gloss

Mascara ($4.99 !): http://shopstyle.it/l/N6cp

What Else Is On My Face:

Under Eye Color Corrector: http://shopstyle.it/l/N58W

Concealer: http://shopstyle.it/l/N6cx

Foundation: http://shopstyle.it/l/N6cC

Setting Powder: http://shopstyle.it/l/N6cH

Bronzer: http://shopstyle.it/l/N581

Blush: http://shopstyle.it/l/N6cSin Luminoso

Highlight: http://shopstyle.it/l/N6cVin Opal

Gloss: http://shopstyle.it/l/N6cX

People Mentioned:

@NicoleShaye

As always, don't forget to subscribe!

                                                                           

How To Prevent Stretch Marks In 5 Steps!

       I've stumbled upon gold! The subject of stretch mark prevention has been reiterated time and time again. HOWEVER, I have yet to find a comprehensive article on how to actually prevent stretch marks.  As someone who is genetically predisposed to acquire these "tiger marks," I endlessly scoured the interweb to no avail. My only hope was to throw the proverbial kitchen sink at my stomach and pray that I would come out unscathed. IT WORKED!

     I am 7 months in to my second pregnancy and I have zero, zilch, nada, none, no stretch marks on my stomach.  I know you might be saying to yourself, "Oh, she is just one of the lucky ones" but this is not the case. My results are a direct result of the actions I took in preventing stretch marks. I know this to be true because I failed to apply the same care to other bits of my body, and these bits suffered a different fate :/.  

      First things first. In order to combat stretch marks, I needed to find out what caused them. Aside from genetics, the major contributing factors were the following: dehydrated skin (directly related to elasticity of skin), accumulation of dead skin cells, scratching/tearing of the skin, rapid increase or decrease in weight gain (directly related to degree of stress placed on the skin), and cortisone levels in the body. 

      Armed with knowledge, I was ready to take my best shot at preventing stretch marks.  The following is a breakdown of what I did every single day: 

STEP 1:

        EXFOLIATE. While in the shower I used an exfoliating towel ($8.00). This removed the dead skin cells from my abdomen and allowed the new skin cells to regenerate without having to overcome the old.  

STEP 2:

      MOISTURIZE. I then used an in shower moisturizer. I alternated between the Nivea In Shower Lotion ($7.99) and the Lush King of Skin Butter Bar ($14). The Lush website states the King of Skin is a 'solid body lotion to make your dry skin softer, smoother, and more flexible.'  The bar is made of bananas, avocados, oat milk, and lavender. The bar provided more moisture but I often alternated with the Nivea moisturizer and still managed to receive the results I wanted. 

STEP 3: 

         LOCK IN MOISTURE.  Once I was out of the shower I would lock in the moisture by applying a body oil. I used a couple but my favorites were Palmers Skin Therapy ($9.99) and natural liquid coconut oil. 

STEP 4: 

        MOISTURIZE SOME MORE. Before the body oil had dried, I followed up with a heavy body butter laden with vitamin E, and later on in the pregnancy I used a heavy duty eczema cream to help with the itchiness of my stretching skin. I then let all that goodness soak in before putting on clothes or more often than not wore a moisture wicking top that aided in sealing in all that moisture. 

STEP 24/7: 

          In order to keep my skin hydrated I drank water ALL. THE. TIME. I also watched what I ate in order to gain pregnancy weight at a steady interval rather than in rapid spurts. Don't get me wrong, I still indulged in ice cream and all sorts of yummy things like churros... mmmmm... churros... I just ate in moderation. Just remember, even though you are eating for two, your little bean is very small and only needs an additional 300 to 500 calories a day. 

       VIOLA! This is how I prevented stretch marks. Towards the end of my pregnancy (the last month or so) I applied steps 3 and 4 twice a day, not just after my shower. This helped soothe my itchy skin and it prevented me from scratching and tearing up my skin. 

           I am so excited to share this information with all of you. I hope this helps you on your pregnancy journey. Lord knows there is so much more to worry about, hopefully stretch marks is no longer on your list. 

                                                                                        xoxo, 

                                                                                                                                                                                                            Maria Elena 

SHOP THE POST

How To Get Professional Looking Nails At Home

This week's beauty post is the highly requested nail routine. I mentioned the builder gel I was using in one of my previous posts and received a ton of questions on how I apply it and how I obtain the finished result. I feel the best way to show this is a video so I've filmed and uploaded the whole process and listed the steps and products I used down below. 

PRODUCTS USED: 

Nail Drill: 

http://bit.ly/2GeHNYu

LED Nail Curing Lamp ($13)

http://bit.ly/2IF96ke

Nail Dehydrator: 

http://bit.ly/2rG5YKq

Builder Gels:

https://www.thegelbottle.com/

Color Gel – Gelish: 

https://amzn.to/2jVVsLE

Stick On Glitter Polish: 

https://www.facebook.com/DaniLularoe/

Clear Top Coat – Kiss: 

http://bit.ly/2IBFMel

Cuticle Oil: 

http://shopstyle.it/l/Jzbm

Professional Nail Techs I Follow: 

Talia's Nail Tales

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2gl-8IeW5lFoaiatB-41FA

Sarah R - Nail Art Designs

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbEVgLgqWlCzziswCB2Zc9Q

Please feel free to let me know if you have any questions or what type of posts you would like to see in the future. Maybe an updated hair routine? 

                                                                           

3 Must Have Face Masks For Dehydrate, Acne Prone or Dull Skin!

Chances are you've battled dehydrated, dull or acne ridden skin at some point in your life... and if you haven't, please don't tell me. I will cry. Literally.

In any event, today's post is for those of us who have battled with less than optimal skin situations. Im writing all about what masks I use to combat my main three skin issues: dehydrated, dull or acne ridden skin. 

DEHYDRATED SKIN

I have acne prone skin with no shortage of oil, however, this does not preclude me from having dehydrated skin. Oh no, this momma gets the best of both worlds and my skin can be dehydrated and oily all at the same time. 

In order to make my skin look healthy and plump I turn to Clinique's Moisture Surge Overnight mask. This mask is light weight and goes on after my normal skincare routine and it doesn't interrupt any of the other products since it doesn't have to be removed. 

I really noticed how valuable it was when I stopped using it. My skin wasn't as plump and healthy looking as before and the only thing I had stopped using was this mask. Needless to say I will never be caught without it again! (I double up on it since it tends to sell out often)

IRRITATED ACNE PRONE SKIN 

As I mentioned before, I have been blessed with acne prone skin. I fight my irritated and angry breakouts with Mario Badescu's Drying Mask. This is another holy grail mask that I don't see myself going without. 

This mask calms my breakouts down within one use. I notice that my skin is less irritated and much more manageable. Disclaimer: it does smell like rotten eggs. It is a sulfur based mask and even though it doesn't smell the best, it really works. That is enough for me to keep on using it and sing it high praise. 

MUST TRY MASK FOR DULL SKIN

My last major skin issue is dealing with dull and lack luster skin. I love to use this vibrancy boosting mask by Fresh, ten to twenty minutes before applying my makeup for the day. I've noticed that it improves my radiance and acts like a mood boosting aromatherapy session to boot (it smells very citrusy!) It's definitely a must-have in my book. 

      Let me know if you have tried any of these masks or if you have any holy grail go to masks of your own! 

                                                                           

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WATCH THE VIDEO VERSION OF THIS POST: 

        

Must Try Beauty And Skincare: Current Favorites

The current weather has been extremely harsh on my skin. Between the constant change in climate and my pregnancy hormones, my poor face and hands have been in need of some extra TLC. It is no wonder that this month's favorites are geared towards skin care and making my skin look its best. But let's be real, there's still some makeup in this post because I am a beauty junkie. 

SKINCARE

Frankincense Essential Oil 

                      

Frankincense Essential Oil and the Clinique Moisturizer have been my skin care MVPs. I've had aggravated cystic acne and the only thing that will help soothe and heal my skin is this magic duo. I mainly attribute the healing properties to the Frankincense Essential Oil because it is antibacterial, reduces swelling and helps with fading skin discoloration or scars. It truly is a miracle in a bottle and I am so thankful that I am still able to use it during pregnancy. 

After I finish cleansing my skin I apply the Frankincense Essential Oil to any affected area and let it sink in before applying the  Clinique Moisturizer. I LOVE this moisturizer because it is 100% fragrance free, uncomplicated and keeps things simple but effective. The last thing my disgruntled face needs is more drama!

If you are struggling with inflamed and irritated skin, I cannot recommend this combo enough. 

Mario Badescu Glycolic Gel 

This stuff is liquid gold. I seriously have to hide it from my husband or just go out and get him his own bottle. I use this three to four times a week. It essentially 'resurfaces' your skin, acting like a gentle peel. It is amazing for oily skin, evens my complexion, and helps bring out any painful cystic acne that needs to come to a head. It has also helped blackheads stay at bay and I honestly don't see myself living without this product. It is one of the newest additions to my skincare routine but it provides almost instant results. An absolute favorite!

HANDS

In order to make my hands look their best I have switched to using The Gel Bottle Inc. Gel Nails, Sally Hansen's Cuticle Oil, and Jergens Hand Lotion. I use to use the nail dipping system for my nails: 

Red Carpet Nail Dipping Powder

Gel Bottle Inc. Builder Gel In A Bottle

But have totally switched it up to using brush on gel. The process saves me so much time and i really like the look and feel. I learned about the whole process through Courtelizz1 on YouTube. 

I finish up each nail session with Sally Hansen's Cuticle Oil, and Jergens Hand Lotion to keep my hands looking supple and polished. The Jergens Hand Lotion is especially hydrating and is the best hand lotion I've found thus far. 

           

MAKEUP

Sephora Gel Gloss In Perfect Nude

This was sent to me in one of my monthly subscription boxes and I can totally see why it is currently sold out online. At only $12, this gloss provides a sheer nude high gloss that leaves your lips looking juicier and pretty. The applicator makes it super easy to apply and the formula isn't sticky or overly fragrant. An absolute favorite, so much so I am going to have to make a special trip to the mall just for a repurchase. 

L'Oreal Voluminous X Mascara

This mascara has replaced my previous favorite. It is a fiber mascara where the primer isn't the typical white itchy liquid. The primer is black and the fibers are actually located in the second part of the application. It creates beautiful lashes that can definitely be built up to create a natural false lash effect. Needless to say, this mascara has been on constant repeat and repurchase. 

Morphe Makeup Sponge and BECCA highlighter- Moonstone 

        

For the days when my hormones get the best of me, the Morphe Makeup Sponge and BECCA highlighter in Moonstone have been my go to duo. This combo lets me fake it 'till I make it, giving the illusion of flawless healthy skin. 

I have used A LOT of beauty sponges but I have to say that the Morphe sponge has to be my favorite. I never purchased it form Morphe directly but seeing it at Ulta made me take the $7 dollar plunge and I haven't looked back. I use its flat side to apply my foundation and it leaves the most natural finish while still giving me the full coverage I need. I then take the dampened pointed end and use it to apply the BECCA highlighter in Moonstone to my cheekbones and the bridge of my nose. The highlighter gives me a faux glow because my real pregnancy glow is nowhere to be seen. If you have never used a beauty sponge to apply your highlight, please give it a try. Total game changer!

Estee Lauder Double Wear mixed with iT Cosmetics CC Cream

           

I have to admit that mixing my two favorite foundations together was not my original idea. I got the idea from watching a fashion vlogger from Vancouver and decided to give it a go. Holy Moly! The result is sheer perfection. You get the amazing hydration, skin benefits, and SPF 50 from the CC Cream with the added coverage and satin finish of the Double Wear. The cross-mix creates a slightly glowier satin finish that helps give me a faux pregnancy glow and is absolutely amazing. 

So there you have it, my current beauty and skincare favorites! Let me know if there is anything you have been loving. 

                                                                           

     

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Must Try Beauty Products - October Favorites

       It's that time of the month where I share all of my current beauty faves! This month I have a bit of a hodgepodge mix, from skincare to eyeshadow palates, all of which I have been obsessing over. As a side note, I am loving your feedback and am so happy to know you are loving my recommendations. Please let me know if you've tried any of the products I mention below or if you have any recommendations of your own. 

Clean & Clear Persa Gel - 10% Benzoyl Peroxide

     Okay, so I recently saw a YouTuber talking about the Kate Sommerville Anti Bac daily moisturizer and raving about how it helped keep her skin clear because of the benzoyl peroxide. The issue, I am obsessed with my Clinique Moisture Surge and am not willing to part with it even if it doesn't have acne fighting ingredients.  Solution, I take a pea-sized amount of the Persa Gel and mix it with my favorite moisturizer. It works like a charm! My skin has been amazing since incorporating this fantastic duo into myskincaree routine and I honestly don't see myself turning back. 

    

Hidden Treasures Bare Minerals Palate

    I seriously haven't heard anyone talking about this palate and to me it is up there with the best of them. I'm talking, "this might be my new holy grail palate" good. I love neutrals and if you are like me then you will appreciate a beautifully thought out palate that allows you to experiment with multiple day to evening looks, all while remaining in the neutrals zone.  The formula is rich and buttery with a great amount of pigmentation. Such a beautiful palate. If you have an Ulta near you, I highly recommend swatching it. 

Morphe 35O Palate 

      I know, I know... I am super late to the bandwagon. I just do not like purchasing things without seeing them in person first and now that Morphe is being sold inside of Ulta, I had no excuse to give this infamous palate a go. Ummmmm, obsessed. You get an essentials palate that is very blendable and pigmented for the price. Don't get me wrong, it's no Natasha Denona in terms of packaging and consistency, but you still get a pretty awesome palate that can help you create beautiful looks on the daily. 

Tom Ford Highlight Pen

I keep coming back to this illuminating pen. My favorite way to apply it is with a damp beauty blender on top of my finished makeup look (::gasp:: Yes, on top of powder!) It does not look cakey and though it is an illuminating pen, it does not accentuate fine lines. Magic! 

Thayers Rose Toner 

I have been a lover of Thayers toners for a very long time. However, I've recently made the switch from the lavender to the rose and am OBSESSED. If you love all things rose scented, then you definitely need to incorporate this toner into your skin routine. I've recently updated my skincare routine to try and combat some hormonal acne but Thayers brand toner is one thing I refuse to give up. A definite must-try. 

    Excited to see if you have tried any of my new favorites or if you have any recommendations of your own. As always, don't forget to subscribe!

                                                                           

Shop My Favorites: 

Watch The Video Version Of My Favorites: