Tag Archives: Skin

Masks, Masks, Masks….

Posted in Acne, Combination Skin, Dry Skin, Favorites, Masks, Normal Skin, Oily Skin, Skin Care by

Since I recently posted about my favorite facial scrubs it only seemed fair to post about my favorite masks.  I like to use a mask once or twice a week and the ones I am sharing with you are what I keep coming back to and have bought more than once. So, they are Lara tested and approved!  And again, I have oily, acne prone skin so most of these are targeted towards that skin type.

Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask     $3.79 for 8oz

This mask has a cult following and has been around for years.  I just discovered and started using this mask a little over a year ago.  At under $4 this is a steal for a mask that refreshes and tightens your skin.  Like all masks (or beauty products for that matter) it makes outrageous claims. The packaging says it “helps dry up acne pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores”.  I agree that it helps dry up pimples, but rinsing away blackheads?!  Don’t know about you but it would take more than a green clay mask to ‘rinse away’ my blackheads, I need full on extraction! But ridiculous claims on beauty products will be a post for another day (don’t get me started on BB, CC and DD creams!)

While this mask does make your skin feel clean and tight when it is drying; it does not get super tight so that you are unable to move  your face.  I bought mine on Amazon, but you can probably find this one in your local drugstore quite easily.

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Avon Clearskin Professional Clear Pore Thermal Mask     $12.00 for 2.5oz

According to the Avon website, this mask will open your pores and you will feel like it is melting away dirt and oil…. Again, it tightens and tones, but what I really like about this mask is that as you apply it the mixture heats up.  Avon is good about having fantastic sales and I am pretty sure I got this for about half price.

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Yes to Carrots Softening Facial Mask     $14.99 for 1.7oz

This mask is formulated for normal to dry skin; which if you have read my blog you know I am anything but dry, and normal is a setting on the washing machine.  BUT…. I love this mask! It really does soften your skin, it feels baby smooth after you rinse it off.  I found mine at Ross for around $7.  One of my dear friends who has excessively  dry skin says that she loves the Yes to Tomatoes Clearing Facial Mask which is for combination to oily skin. We joked that we should trade masks as we seem to be using one that was made for the other but we both have found great results in using masks not  made for our skin type. Just goes to show to give things a try, you never know if it will work for you!

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Mary Kay Classic Basic Clarifying Mask 3     $14.00 for 4oz

I recently rediscovered this mask and remembered within seconds of putting it on why I liked it so much.  A lot of masks for problem skin can be harsh but Mary Kays is fragrance free and while it tightens and helps absorb surface oil it does it very gently.  If you have oily skin that is sensitive, give this mask a try.

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Lush Fresh Face Mask in Catastrophe Cosmetic     $6.95 for 2.1oz

Anyone who reads this blog knows I love Lush so you should not be surprised to see a Lush mask on this list.  Catastrophe Cosmetic  is also made for sensitive skin and formulated for all skin types.  It is made with Blueberries and it is purple! This mask also has calamine powder which is great for oily skin types.  If you are a lush-oholic like me when you bring in five empty tubs you can get a fresh face mask for free.  You can only buy fresh face masks in store, so when I have five empty tubs I make the hour long trek to my nearest Lush to pick up a few needed items (and let’s be honest a few wants) and make sure to turn in my five tubs to get a mask.

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Have you tried any of the masks that I have shared as my favorites? What were your results?  Do you have a favorite you think I should try? Please share with me on twitter or in the comments below! 

Favorite Facial Scrubs

Posted in Acne, Review, Skin Care, Uncategorized by

I love a good exfoliating scrub.  My skin is oily and acne prone so I find that exfoliating my face several times a week is helpful in keeping my skin somewhat in check.  The scrubs that I share with you are geared towards oily skin, so if you are combo or dry, these may not be the best for you.

Swanson Ultra Tea Tree Oil Exfoliating Scrub $6.99 for 8.5oz

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I know some people claim that using walnut and apricots seeds for exfoliating is bad for you, but I have not had any problems. This scrub is free of parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate.  It does have a scent of Tea Tree oil which I like, but I know some people with sensitive skin may react to the oils in the scrub.

Lush Dark Angels $12.95 and $28.98 for either 3.5 or 8.8oz

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If you read my blog you know about my obsession with Lush.  This scrub is described as a “ velvety black sugar cleanser”. You can use it as a cleanser but I prefer to use it once or twice a week as a scrub.  Dark Angels features Rhassoul Mud, Avocado Oil, and Powdered Charcoal.  Absolutely love it, this scrub does contain sodium lauroyl Sarcosinate which is considered a safe synthetic. It is messy so I use it in the shower, otherwise I have a black mess to clean up around my sink.

Lush Ocean Salt $35.95 for 8.8oz

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I have already mentioned this is my favorite Lush Products post.  But it is so wonderful that it deserves a second mention.  Seriously you feel like you are on a vacation to the beach when you use this. Sea Salt combined with avocado and coconut is excellent for hydrating dry and combo skin and has just enough moisturizer for oily types like me. And don’t forget the lime and the vodka, yes this scrub has lime and vodka, but I would not recommend eating it, just for use on your face and body.

Mary Kay Time Wise Microdermabrasion  $55.00

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This one is on the expensive side so I only buy it after I have a Mary Kay Party and have Hostess Points!  Regardless of the price I love this microdermabrasion formula.  I have never had microdermabrasion professionally but I have tried other at home versions of microdermabrasion  and Mary Kay is the best so far.  This set has two steps.  The first step is ‘Refine’  which is the exfoliation portion and consists of a white creamy lotion containing exfoliating crystals.  The second step is ‘Replenish” which is a light gel/cream that absorbs into the skin quickly and makes your skin feel amazingly soft and smooth.  I use this once or twice a month.

Avon Clearskin Pore Penetrating Invigorating Scrub $6.49 for 2.5oz

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Avon has some really great skincare products but the one I keep coming back to is this scrub.  Years ago it used to be blue; and then it was discontinued for a while but a few years ago Avon revamped their Acne/Pore skincare line and brought the formula back, just in a new color. Your face will feel incredibly fresh and minty after being cleansed with this green scrub. Pore penetrating invigorating scrub is formulated with eucalyptus extract and witch hazel to cleanse and refresh your skin.

Have you tried any of the scrubs that I listed here?  What was your experience?  Let me know if you have any favorites I love to try new products!!!