How to Touch Your Face

I know the title of this post might seem strange but hear me out. Think about how many times in your life you will remove makeup or do your skincare routine...A LOT right? We read post after post about different products people recommend but have you really ever learned how to use your hands differently depending on what step you're on? If you have, great! I'm proud! ...But if you don't, this post is for you. I'll be sharing my tips on how to correctly touch your face. 

When removing makeup:

This depends on how you remove your makeup. My main concern is with your eyes. When removing eye makeup, always use your ring and middle fingers to follow the shape of your eyelashes and move down and outward away from your tear ducts. Don't EVER move in circular motions rubbing your eyes. You can get product in your eyes that causes unnecessary irritation. If you need to clean up under the lower lash line, always use your ring fingers, as they are the weakest of your fingers and will do the least amount of damage. Instead of rubbing harder, find a good makeup remover that will dissolve makeup easily so you don't have to apply as much pressure to your face. 

When cleansing:

Cleansing is a really important step that you do often so it's important to understand how to do it correctly. You always want to make sure that you are massaging your cleanser in with your ring and middle fingers. You will have plenty of control, but you won't apply as much pressure as you would with your index fingers. Another key part is that you are massaging in small circles in an upward and outward motion. Imagine you were to draw a line down the front of your face. Move in circles, away from this line in an outward and upward direction. When you are cleansing your face, you should not be scrubbing your eyes either. Depending on your cleanser (i.e. if it has AHA's, BHA's, etc) it might not belong anywhere near your eyes. So be sure to remove your eye makeup and rinse your eye area before hand.  

When applying toners:

Toning is a vital step in skincare routines and can be done in a few different ways, and ultimately depends on what step you're on and what type of toner you are using. If you are hydrating your skin with a rose toner for example, I recommend spray toning. Cover your eyes and mist the toner all over your face a couple times. If your toner cannot be sprayed, apply a little to a cotton pad and gently swipe it from the center of your face in a…you guessed it…upward and outward motion! Make sure not to press too firmly or tug at your skin.

When applying serums & moisturizers:

Depending on the product, the texture can vary, but you should use the same method of application unless specified by the product. Put a few drops or one pump in the upper 2/3 of your fingers of one hand. Using your other hand, gently swirl the product around and using your fingers, press into the your facial skin. Do not pull on or rub the skin, but continue the pressing motion all over the face.

Remember:

Don’t forget that drying off your face when cleansing is equally important. Make sure you are always using a separate towel, different from the hand towel for drying your hands. Bacteria can harbor in hand towels so it’s important to keep the face and hand towels separate. Of course make sure you change them at 1-2 times a week, or more if you are dealing with acne.

Let me know if you found this topic helpful! If you have any tips on how to touch your face when applying products and doing your skincare routine.

Have a beautiful day,

Andrea

Dre Does a Pool/Beach Routine

With the 4th of July this week, I know a lot of us will be spending time outside either by the pool or on a beach! I know a lot of bloggers and YouTubers do what's in my pool bag videos, but since I've never really seen much about Pre and Post sun activities, here I am with my version of this popular topic! I've included what I like to do before I enter the sun, what I like to have with me for during, and then what I follow up with immediately after getting out of the sun.

PRE
Before I go out into the sun I ALWAYS make sure to do my skincare routine. I do my normal routine except there is one thing I change up because of the sun. I have oily skin so I like to make sure that I use a moisturizer that's a bit heavier than I would typically use on a day to day basis. The sun can dry you out so I like to combat this by using a moisturizer that's not only hydrating but also moisturizing. (In case you didn't know, hydrating means it helps restore the water balance of your skin and moisturizing means it helps restore the oil balance in your skin; two VERY different things that you need to know about before buying products). I like to make sure that I also moisturize my body with a great body butter before heading out to make sure that I stay hydrated. While everyone's skin type is different, I find that I am less likely to burn if my skin stays moisturized, so I do my best to stay on top of it. After moisturizing is when I add my SPF. I like to do it at home, before I put my bikini on so I know I've gotten every spot even if my bikini moves around! I also like to make sure my hair is moisturized beforehand so I like to add a leave in conditioner to my ends that are typically dryer than my roots. Lastly, I always add an SPF that is different than the SPF for my body because it's different skin and generally more sensitive to products. I really like applying my La Bella Donna Loose Minerals because they not only reduce redness and even out my skin tone, but one of only four ingredients is a mineral sunscreen, so I know I'm protected!

DURING
While I'm at the pool/beach I keep your typical beach bag items; towel, headphones, water bottle, SPF, physical copy of a book haha (I'm too accident prone to try my luck with my iPad near water), sunglasses, and more. However, there are some key things I like to make sure I always have. First, a lip balm with SPF to make sure my lips don't get too dried out or sunburned. Then, I always make sure to have a mini can of facial spray with me. Essentially it's just water in a fine mist (sometimes with extra minerals and antioxidants) which sounds super unnecessary and fancy, but I like to make sure my face stays nice and moist and doesn't burn. This is honestly one of the easiest ways for me to make sure I'm doing it. It's really easy to lose track of hydration in the sun so I really like making sure I have my facial spray. I always make sure I have some sort of snack with me as well. I like to have almonds or cashews a lot of the time because they won't melt and provide protein which is important. Hungry and dehydrated is a bad combo for when you're in the sun. One key item I never leave the house without, especially in the summer is a yummy and refreshing smelling body splash! With the heat and humidity of summer, the last thing you want is to be smelling kind of funky and not have access to a quick shower (the same goes for deodorant but we're probably all normal adults here and have that covered I think). Lastly, I always make sure I have a notebook and pen with me because I never know when inspiration will hit for my blog or anything else in life. I typically think of things at the most random times, so I like to have something I can jot notes down on with me at all times.

AFTER
I like to make sure that I wash my face as soon as I can after being in the sun to get any chlorine or other impurities off of the surface. If I can't make it to a sink right away, I like to keep a good small pack of cleansing towelettes in my purse to just refresh my skin and help remove anything that's lingering. If you visit the travel section of your grocery store or Target, you can generally find packs of 5 to 10 towelettes to keep in your purse for this reason! I also make sure to use a moisturizing body butter all over my body and that same good hydrating and moisturizing facial moisturizer on my face. If I've spent a significant amount of time in the sun, I try to stay away from any form of heat styling on my hair for a few days to give it a chance to rehydrate. A good deep conditioning mask is always a must for me as well after I've spent time outdoors. Look for a post in the next few weeks on my favorite masks!

So that is my pool/beach routine! If you have any recommendations of must haves of your own, please feel free to share them for everyone else to enjoy! Remember, being outside and soaking up some rays is always a good time, but we have to make sure we are protected and taking care of ourselves (End the esthetician's PSA...haha)!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does May Favorites

Favorites posts are some of the most fun to write because I love sharing all of the things I love with you! Coincidentally May is my favorite month because of my birthday and the weather finally deciding to warm up, so I like this post even more! Here we go :)

(Top row L to R)

1. Sam Smith: If you don't know Sam Smith by now you're probably living under a rock. He's been featured in a bunch of new songs lately like Latch and La La La, so chances are even if you don't think you know of him, you've heard him. His voice is unreal and you need to listen if you haven't. He's the perfect blend of R&B and pop and I can't get enough. His song Stay With Me is my ultimate fave but others are slowly creeping up to that honor too.

2. The Body Shop Body Butter in Coconut: I bought the small version of this body butter when I was in Chicago for Memorial Day. I'm kicking myself now for not buying the massive jumbo sized tub because the smell and feeling are so luxiourous and wonderful. The scent is perfect for summer and the dry skin that the sun leaves us!

3. Victoria's Secret Forever Sexy Twist Bandeau Top: I finally broke down and bought this bikini top in black after much consideration. The fact of the matter is that if you have a larger bust you need to invest in a good bikini top with underwire that fits and feels secure. I'm just trying to get a tan, not give everyone a free show! I highly recommend this bikini if you have bigger boobs and have a hard time finding bikinis!

4. MAC Cosmetics Fix +: This setting spray is my favorite because you can also use it before your makeup. If you want to make your eyeshadow pop, spray your brush with it beforehand and then go into your eyeshadow. This will intensify the shadow so much and help it stay put! I love setting my makeup with it though because I feel like it just melts everything together to give me a blended and seamless look! 

(Bottom row L to R)

5. Havaianas in as many colors as possible: I challenge you to find a Brazilian that doesn't own at least a few pairs of Havaianas. They are the only flip flops I wear and I have at least 10 pairs... They are the most comfortable to me and I'll stop wearing them when I stop being Brazilian...so NEVER! I think I own one other pair of flip flops that aren't Havaianas but even at that they are still a Brazilian brand haha

6. Proenza Schouler for MAC Cosmetics Lipstick in Mangrove: When I was at the MAC counter a few weeks ago, I spotted this packaging and I said a little prayer silently that there was a shade that would justify me spending that much money on a lipstick. Luckily I found Mangrove! A beautiful vibrant coral that screams summer and tan skin. I've worn it a few times and every time I get compliments. The packaging is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen and I will cherish this lipstick for a long time! (That sounds super dramatic but if you're reading this you probably have had a similar love affair with a lip product before...right...? Haha)

7. Kettle bell: I recently picked up a kettle bell from my local Target because it was on sale and I was dying to own one. I'd been using one at the gym I'd been going to but since I moved I have been working out at home. I'm obsessed with it! It's so much fun and I'm seeing huge results, especially in my arms. They're the most toned and muscular that they've ever been and I owe it to this little friend! If you YouTube kettle bell workouts there are plenty of ideas on how to get started. I also love how it doesn't take up much space to store or to use.

8. MAC Cosmetics Pro Longwear Concealer: Behold my favorite undereye concealer of all time. It covers so well and doesn't crease at all. I make sure to set it with a finely milled translucent powder after applied but I do this will all concealer to prolong the wear. The difference when applying to undereye darkness and circles is insane and I don't think I'll ever go without it. I had heard so many good things about it so I finally picked it up and I couldn't be happier that I did! I will probably be doing a review on it soon if you'd like to see that!

There they are...my favorites of May! Let me know in a comment below what you were loving! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does a Nighttime Skincare Routine

I'm back with my nighttime skincare routine. I know it looks like a lot, but I don't use all of these products every night as you'll see shortly. Once again let me reiterate that this is just a guide for the types of products and steps that could be useful in a routine for you. This is what I personally like and as an almost licensed esthetician... (less than a month till I take boards!!) this is what works for me! If you missed my morning skincare routine or want to know what my skin type is, click here. 

Step 1: Cleansing is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. If you're going to do the bare minimum, please at least do this. I use the Aveda Enbrightenment Brightening Cleanser. Refer back to my morning skincare routine for more on it.

Step 2: Exfoliating is key for managing many different skin types. I do this step just at night because I find it's often enough for my skin. I use the Aveda Liquid Exfoliant because it is a chemical exfoliant which basically means it dissolves and breaks down the dead skin cells instead of your traditional mechanical exfoliant that scrubs and sloughs them off. Chemical exfoliants are great for areas of acne because there is no scrubbing involved so they are gentler on sensitive areas. I feel like adding this product in has helped my skin tremendously. For my post on why exfoliating is important click here. 

Step 3: Once again toning is in my routine because it's important to balance the pH of your skin. For more on this refer back to my morning skincare routine.

Step 4: Treatment! This is the main focus of my nighttime routine. I have three products listed but I don't use them all every night. This is where I really try to listen to what my skin needs and use products accordingly. First off I have my Aveda Enbrightenment Brightening Correcting Serum. If I'm working on fading any hyperpigmentation or discoloration (which I usually am...haha) I press the smallest amount of this serum into those areas of unevenness. Next, is the tarte Pure Maracuja Oil. I've been trying out a sample of this from Sephora for awhile and I'm loving it. Just 3 drops all over my skin and it feels so much softer when I wake up in the morning. It's supposed to help with fine lines and evening out skin tone, so I'll keep you updated on that. So far my skin seems to be loving it. Lastly, if I notice my Ezcema flaring up on my cheeks, I'll use a little bit of my Aveda Beautifying Composition oil on it. It's amazing at dealing with Ezcema and I just skip the moisturizing in that area since it's enough of a moisturizer. 

Step 5: Lastly, just like any skincare routine, we have moisturizing. I use the tiniest amount of the Enbrightenment Brighting Correcting Creme even though I have oily skin because I'm just going to sleep and especially with this winter weather, I feel like it gives my skin the hydration it needs. As it starts to warm up and my skin returns to its more oily state, I'll probably switch back to the Embrightenment Brightening Correcting Lotion I mentioned in my morning routine. 

Prevention is key is skincare. These may seem like a lot of products but as an esthetician with skin cancer in her family history, I want to take care of the only skin I'm going to get. The skin is the largest organ in the body and it can tell you a lot about your health so it shouldn't be skipped when living a healthy lifestyle. As usual, if you have any questions please let me know. A lot of you have been reaching out to me recently with questions and I love helping answer them! 

Have a beautiful day,

Dre

Dre Does a Morning Skincare Routine

Having a skincare routine for both the morning and evening is the most important part of having healthy and beautiful skin. What products you specifically use will be completely unique to your skin type and liking, but I thought it could be helpful for me to share my routines for those of you who may have similar skin types to mine. You'll notice this says morning skincare routine. Depending on your skin type you may have the same routine both day and night, but I personally like to apply more products at night. As a natural born multi-tasker, you can bet I'm going to put my skin to work while I'm sleeping...haha

So here's the morning routine that I've been using that I love:

While the actual products will be specific to your needs, the basic steps of cleansing, toning, eye cream, and moisturizing are a good quick route to go for the mornings. As far as skin type goes, I have combination skin. I get oily in my T-zone but I have more dry and red skin on my cheeks due to Ezcema. If you're confused on what type of skin you have, click here to read about the different skin types and how to figure out what you are. As a Mediterranean and South American skin type I also tan extremely easily and never burn. While that is great for getting a summer time glow, when it comes to acne and blemishes, I joke that just looking at a blemish will make it scar. Normally scarring comes from picking or popping blemishes, but mine scar regardless. Therefore I am obsessed with Aveda's Enbrightenment Skincare System. It is targeted for hyperpigmentation, scarring, and discoloration. Using Salicylic Acid and a brightening blend of skullcap, mulberry, and grape, Enbrightenment focuses on increasing cell turnover in order to get rid of old discolored skin cells which will in turn reduce the appearance of discoloration. It also helps improve skin clarity. 

Step 1: Cleansing is crucial, even in the morning. It's important to start your day with clean and fresh skin before applying anything else to it, whether makeup, SPF or other products. Ridding your skin of any excess oils and dirt from sleeping is the best way to begin. I use the Enbrightenment Brightening Cleanser. I actually keep it in the shower to speed my mornings up by a few minutes. One key thing to remember with cleansers is that no matter what cleanser you use, only keep it on your skin for 3 minutes maximum. Cleansers are designed to strip your skin so after 3 minutes you can start doing  harm to your skin. If you missed my post on the right cleanser for you, click here! 

Step 2: A key step that many people don't know much about is toning. Since cleansing strips your skin of oils and debris, you have to balance the pH of your skin. Your skin has a barrier that has a natural healthy pH that must be maintained in order to protect you from factors such as environment irritants, the sun, pollution, free radicals, etc...Toning your skin will help restore your skin's barrier and therefore protect you from day to day factors. Toners also help bring moisture into the skin and allow for a better product penetration of whatever products you apply afterwards. I use the Enbrightenment Brightening Treatment Toner. 

Step 3: I love the Origins Ginzing Refeshing Eye Cream. As an extremely busy person, I have chronic puffiness and dark circles around my eyes. This eye cream is really light, which I love since a lot of eye creams can be pretty heavy. Now I know what you may be thinking! You're only 23! Why do you use an eye cream already? But the truth is using an eye cream is going to not only make my eyes look more awake and even toned, but it's going to keep that area nice and hydrated. Hydration is key in preventing wrinkles, so if I can do something that's going to help me in the long run, I'm going to want to do it! Haha 

Step 4: Moisturizing is also key in a basic skin care routine. It's important to give your skin the hydration it needs for the day. My favorite part about the Enbrightenment line is that they make a lotion for those of us with more oily skin and a creme for those that are drier. In the mornings I use the Enbrightenment Brightening Lotion so that I'm not putting anything on that's too heavy and creating too many oils for the makeup I normally apply after. 

Additional important step: Another huge step in morning skincare is SPF. Luckily, my foundation has one in it so I don't have to add the additional step, but if yours doesn't or you don't wear makeup, be sure to apply one for sun protection!

I hope this helped! Remember it's just a guideline. I know it may sound like an Aveda Enbrightenment ad but it's the line that works best for my skin right now, and you can interchange any of the steps with the products that work best for you! Just be sure to get a routine down and stick to it because it's important to start your day with clean and healthy skin if you want it to appear that way. Makeup applications will always be easier if you take care of your skin first! Leave me a comment if you have any questions!

Have a beautiful day,

Dre