KEY TO HEALTHY SKIN—HYDRATION

Do you feel that your skin is missing that radiant, glowing, supple look? Hydrating your skin on a daily basis will result in healthier, more youthful looking skin. Being in the younger adult demographic, I didn’t realize how beneficial starting to moisturize my skin earlier in life was. Turns out, hydration can help young adults to maintain their youthful look longer and older adults to reduce fine lines and improve skin elasticity. Win-win for all ages!

Courtesy of http://www.charmingconcept.com

What Hydration CAN do

There are many benefits to hydrating your skin. As we get older, our skin decreases in its ability to regulate water balance—making moisturizing daily even more essential. There is no miracle moisturizer or serum out there to magically make wrinkles disappear, but dry skin tends to lose elasticity sooner making wrinkles more pronounced. Like I stated earlier, it is never too early to start this process because your skin will age slower over time. This goes for the men out there too—ladies, make your men start hydrating their skin! Yes, we want you to look good as well  Skin will look smoother, plumper, and healthier in general.

What Hydration CANNOT do

Starting to moisturize even multiple times a day will not open the door to your past and allow your skin to magically go back in time. (Bummer) It won’t suddenly turn you into a supermodel either—don’t get your hopes up!
Here are a few tips to follow:

• First and foremost, invest in a good moisturizer. I suggest Skintelligence® Skin Perfecting Complex (US Link). Only takes a few drops to cover your face, neck, hands or whatever you need it for
• Drink plenty of water—no better substitute for water; it’s good for our bodies and our skin
• Steer clear of soft drinks…this one is hard for me because Diet Mountain Dew is my bestie, but these sugary drinks only de-hydrate our skin. (I’ll at least work on cutting back)
• Don’t stay in the bath/shower very long—this can actually cause our skin to lose natural oils and dry out more. Also use warm versus hot water
• If you smoke or drink alcohol excessively, don’t! Or at least take baby steps to getting these things out of your life. Note: I said don’t drink excessively; there is nothing wrong with having a few drinks on occasion—just don’t get sloppy every weekend
• Finally, don’t over cleanse your skin. Of course, washing is a necessity to maintaining healthy skin, but over-doing it can cause dryness or irritation

Now that we know how important daily hydration of our skin is, we can all start to improve the overall texture of our skin. Remember, moisturizing doesn’t discriminate against age or gender!

Who out there has tried Skintelligence® Skin Perfecting Complex?

[Hands-on Review] Fixx Microdermabrasion

Fixx –Microdermabrasion ($25.04 + tax per jar)

Hi Everyone!  So here it is, my 2^nd review!

Got pretty good comments for my 1^st review, thank you everyone!!!!!

This time, I will be commenting on another product from the Fixx line:  Microdermabrasion, which I would personally describe as, a super micro scrub at spa quality but do-able at home!

The cost to get a microdermabrasion treatment done at a spa is unbelievable!  Even with all the groupons and teambuys, it still cost several times more than the price of this jar.  Only a dime size of product is needed for each treatment, it just doesn’t make sense to me to pay so much to get it done outside.  

Just a little background info of my skin. 

My skin is quite thin and sensitive, and it gets red easily.  So I’m very picky about the “scrubs” that I use.

I want something that can get the job done but without hurting my skin.

I’ve tried many - from Japanese drug store brands to worldwide counter brands, I’ve never really found anything that I like. 

From my limited knowledge, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a product called Microdermabrasion?  Correct me if I’m wrong. 

SO, WHAT IS IT? 

According to wiki, microdermabrasion is a cosmetic technique that uses a mechanical medium for exfoliation to remove the outermost layer of dead skin cells from the epidermis.

According to myself, this is a VERY cost-effective microdermabrasion that is do-able at home by yourself and actually can get the work done!

On the website, the primary benefits of the Microdermabrasion are:

-       Supports normal skin cell renewal for radiant-looking skin

-       Polishes and soothes skin with skin-revitalizing exfoliators and natural extracts, which gently buff away dead skin and unclog pores

-       Contains the marine-derived complex Coralline to help soothe skin

-       Contains calming chamomile and brightening licorice to promote a more even-toned complexion

I have been using this product for over 2 months and I can say, I’M LOVING IT!!!!!

Only a dime size is needed each time, meaning, the jar lasts forever!! Lol

I was on a Shiseido scrub prior to this product, that product is very gentle on my skin but I don’t feel any difference after using it for monthsssss. 

The first time I’ve used Fixx Microdermabrasion, I instantly fell in love with it!  My face felt sooooooooo smooth!!  I don’t even remember when the last time that my face felt that smooth was!

Anyway, let’s move on, otherwise I’ll be writing essays on it. 

WHY USE IT?

Fixx Microdermabrasion is great for all skin types. 

Exfoliation is necessary to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores (and also promote cell turnover!).  Clogged pores lead to backheads or sports.

By getting rid of dull and dead skin, skin restores its smoothness and radiance!

TEXTURE?

It’s a white creamy paste that you do not actually see any “scrubs”. 

I guess the “scrubs” are so fine (or micro?) that you don’t even see them BUT when you touch the product, you can actually feel very tiny beads of sand. 

THEN, HOW TO USE? 

On the instructions, it says to apply a small amount of Fixx MicrodermabrasionComplex to damp facial skin and gently massage using circular motion.  Rinse with warm water.

Use 2 to 3 times a week.

Personally, I only use this once a week and would suggest not going over 2 times a week.  This product is very effective, it is not required to use it for more than 2 times a week.

My personal instructions would be, first, take a dime size and activate the product.

Place dots of product all over face, starting from the bottom of the face (chin), and slowly move hands upwards to the nose, side of nose, cheeks, forehead.

And then, going from the forehead and down to the nose, side of nose, cheeks and back to chin. 

And 3^rd, moving fingers sideways in an upward motion, move back up from the chin to the forehead.  Then rinse with warm water, toner, serums, moisturizer.

A little tip, for sensitive skin like me, pat your face with warm water first, and then do the microdermabrasion.

RESULTS?   

Each time I finish using this product, my face is so smooth and feels so fresh and renewed!

THE PROS? 

- There’s not much to say other than, it does work!

- This product contains soothing, natural extracts such as coralline, aloe vera juice, chamomile, vitamin E, etc., they ease of any redness or irritation that may have been caused by exfoliating.  Personally, I have no problem with my skin using this product.

THE CONS?  

- You get addicted to this product after its first time! Okok, let’s get serious.

- I would say, when applying this product, you must remain gentle to your skin.  Your fingers need to move on your face so light and so gently that they are kind of barely touching your skin.  It’s like feather-light motion.  This could be tricky for some girls, but guys in particular.  

SUMMING IT ALL UP! 

Same as the Fixx Lash Extend, MUST TRY!!!! And on top of it, MUST HAVE for everyone!  We all need to exfoliate our skin, there is no exception! 

Thanks for reading! 

If you have comments (both good or bad), please do let me know! 

If there are any questions, feel free to ask as well! 

Let me know what you wanna see next in my reviews!!!!! 

Jojo L.

April 2012

THE IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING YOUR SKIN TYPE

With all the external and internal conditions that your skin is vulnerable to, it is extremely important to give your skin the attention it needs to stay healthy. The first part of tending to your skin is finding out exactly what type of skin you have (USA Link). This will help you better assess the type of skin treatments that you should be using. Skin types can be dry, oily, combination or sensitive and each type can is marked by certain characteristics, which need to be addressed in different ways.

courtesy of Health Skin Care Tips.com

Dry skin is flaky and may or may not feel tight, rough, or itchy. Oily skin, on the contrary, looks shiny or greasy and may be accompanied by large pores. Combination skin is made up of the not-so-best of both worlds and can be dry in some parts while oily in others. Then there is sensitive skin, which often experiences stinging, burning, or itching in reaction to some skincare products. Once you have established where you fall on the skin-type spectrum, you can make wiser decisions when sifting through the hundreds of skin creams, serums and balms that are offered.

In the mean time, there are certain lifestyle habits that everyone can adopt, regardless of skin type to contribute to healthier skin. They include the following:

Stay hydrated
Avoid smoking
Eat a diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains
Exercise regularly
Learn stress-management

Once you incorporate these habits into your life, familiarize yourself with the needs of your skin, and choose the proper skin care products, you will be well on your way to giving your skin the TLC it deserves.

MAKEUP MUST-HAVES: LISA KOSTKA

Wondering what the most successful Certified Motives Consultants are using themselves?Lisa Kostka, director of training and sales for Motives® by Loren Ridinger®, offered some of her favorite Motives makeup products and services, how she’s using them and why they can help you build a successful Motives Cosmetics business.

Get Flawless Skin. Taking the free, online Skin Care Analysis (USA Link) will help you determine which products are best suited for your skin based on your unique needs. We have the best skin care products – Skintelligence, VitaShield, Cellular Laboratories – to clear up any skin concerns and prevent future damage.

Want Magnificent Nails? Check out our professional nail care sets (USA Link). You can have freshly manicured nails wherever you go. They are made of stainless steel materials, very durable they are perfect for any quick fix on the go. After you’ve prepped your nails …

Now Give Them Some Glam and Panache. Choose from our wide collection of trendsetting colors from the Motives Nail Candy Collection (USA Link). Our polish glides on smooth for a flawless, chip resistant, high-gloss shine.

Need Sun-Kissed Skin? Try our Motives Pressed Bronzer (USA Link), a satiny, smooth-textured bronzer that gives you a safe and healthy tan instantly! Personally, I love California Girl.

Perform Makeup Magic. Create skin that looks flawless and smooth with Motives Perfecting Face Primer (USA Link), an oil-free hydrating primer that evens out the surface of the skin helping foundation glide on smoother.

Stop Makeup Meltdowns. Help you makeup stay fresh all day long with Motives 10 Years Younger Makeup Setting Spray (USA Link). It can be sprayed on immediately after makeup application and will help reduce the appearance of lines by keeping the makeup from settling into creases.

All About Brows. Having perfect, well-defined brows are very important to finish the makeup look and balance your features. Brows are sisters, NOT twins – no two brows are the same! I recommend the Motives Essential Brow Kit (USA Link) to help fill in the brows to make them balanced and even.

Bolder Lips in 29 days! Motives 40FY Lip Treatment (USA Link) plumps and hydrates lips by supporting collagen production to give you full sexy lips. This is great to keep by your bedside and use every night, you will wake up with soft hydrated lips!

Apply like a PRO. Professional high-quality brushes are vital to achieving the best makeup application. The Motives 15-Piece Pro Brush Set (USA Link) is a complete collection for aspiring makeup artists everywhere!

Entice Your Senses. Mine by Loren Ridinger (USA Link) brings you a feminine and elegant aroma of Gardenias combined with an aphrodisiac of intoxicating musk. It’s fresh and clean with a scent of seduction.

What do you think of Lisa’s suggestions? Are you a Certified Motives Consultant? What are your favorite products?

[Hands-on Review] Fixx Lash Extend

Fixx – Lash Extend 

Hi Everyone!  So this is the first review I have ever written.  The purposes of my reviews will be to provide my personal testimonial and experiences, and to also provide honest and neutral comments of the products that I have tried!  Hope you will enjoy it :) 

For my first review, I have decided to talk about Fixx Lash Extend (USA link).

Why?  Cuz most (or all?) girls (and guys!) want LONGER and FULLER lashes!!!!! and this is one of my personal favourites! 

As a very typical Chinese girl, I have VERY short lashes.  Sometimes when I put on mascara, I still do not notice my lashes :( 

This Fixx Lash Extend can be applied on your lashes and brows to increase their volume and length!!

I can only comment of the lashes part though.  I have full brows so there’s no need for me to apply it on my brow. 

SO, WHAT IS IT? 

   

On the website, the primary benefits of the lash extend are: 

• SymPeptide (Myristoyl Hexapeptide-16, Myristoyl Pentapeptide-17 and Myristoyl Pentapeptide-8) increases visible volume of lashes and brows by 25% in just 14 days for fast, dramatic results
• Hydrolyzed glucosaminglycans promotes lashes growth

THEN, HOW TO USE? 

Personally, I strongly recommend this serum to be used twice daily, morning and night. 

I try to use this serum both morning and night.... but sometimes I forget and sometimes I don't have time to do it before I go to work in the morning.

BUT definitely, I use this every night before I go to bed.

It has a brush tip, you twist the cap to push the serum onto the brush, and you close your eyes and brush it on the roots of the lahses and wait for a few minutes before you open your eyes.

RESULTS?  FIRST TUBE:

For my first tube of lash extend, the tube lasted for well over 2 months!!!!!

One tube is one month’s supply, so obviously….. I used way too little...... Not a good sign. 

To be honest, I did not see any dramatic results.  I think my lashes got a bit longer but I wasn’t sure if it’s some inner psychological thinking or if it is real that my lashes grew longer.   

One thing I did notice for certain was when I was using the lash extend, I did not notice any of my lashes falling off when I remove my mascara!!

For this reason, I decided I should not stop lash extend and I should continue using it. 

RESULTS? SECOND TUBE: 

On my 2^nd tube, I made a commitment to myself.  I should stick to using it both morning and night AND everyday… and I should apply a lot more of the serum!

So I did and magic came!  

My lashes got VISIBLY longer just after the first week! And after the second week, when I apply my same mascara, I noticed my lashes grew fuller as well!!!!!  WOW!

After that, I started getting compliments from close friends around me! 

People noticed difference in my lashes!! ^_^_^_^_^_^_^_^

One compliment I will never forget was one day, when I was having lunch with my mom:

Mom:  What did you do to your lashes today?

Me:  (blank and lost) ????? Nothing??

Mom:  Your lashes look different.  Did you put on some fake lashes?

Me:  ?????

Mom:  I see reflection of your lashes.  I see shadows on your lashes beneath your eye!!  It looks so cute! 

Me:  (super excited and had this huggeeeeee smile on my face) REALLY?????

And I immediately took my mirror out to look at my lashes (and the shadow of my lashes) and started telling almost everyone about it!!!!

THE PROS? 

- This lash extend really does work!!!!! It gave me longer, fuller and healthier lashes!

- It’s not only a lash extend that lengthens and gives volume, but it is actually a serum that fortifies each of your lashes!  I rarely see lashes falling off when I remove my mascara now.

THE CONS?  

- It takes time to build a habit of applying lash extend every morning and night (especially morning when I’m in a rush to go to work).  It can get annoying. 

- It is hard to tell if you’re using enough or not.  One tube is one month’s supply, I never knew I was using too little until at least a month later when I realize I still have a lot of serum in my tube.

SUMMING IT ALL UP! 

MUST TRY!  I think… it does not matter if you want longer and fuller lashes or not, but lashes need serum especially if you need to remove mascara.  Plus, it works!

Thanks for reading! 

And as I mentioned, this is my first time writing a review.  If you have comments, please do let me know! 

If there are any questions, feel free to ask as well! 

Let me know what you wanna see next in my reviews!!!!! 

Jojo L.

March 2012

And a little bonus, here is a picture of a user of Fixx lash extend (USA link) (the person is the picture is not me!)