Eye lash Serum

I’ve got some great news, I’d like to share! You do not need name-brand Latisse or even generic Latisse (which is still $200) to get your lashes to grow…

When I got my semi-permanent eyeliner, my eyeliner artist told me that the Latisse I was using was making my eyes extra sensitive. She recommended trying other brands, which I was hesitant to do because Latisse is the Gold Standard, right?! Wrong!

You can, literally, go on Amazon and pick any serum with good reviews and the ingredients are so good these days, it’ll work. Even Rodan + Fields is a good option (I do not like pyramid schemes, so purchase with caution). The Latisse, besides being horribly expensive, was making my eyes water and they were becoming a dull green, instead of the vibrant green, I was used to.

So the switch is in and I couldn’t be happier. My dermatologist sells Revitalash and I could get it for basically the same price as Amazon…I love to support small businesses when I can. I started trying the Revitalash and have not seen any difference to the Latisse, except for the price tag… $100 vs. $200. I just looked and Amazon is selling it for $50 this week…big steal.

The small bottle is the generic Latisse and I’m not missing it at all.

https://smile.amazon.com/RevitaLash-Cosmetics-Eyes-Beauty-Holiday/dp/B0748DHRVG/ref=sr_1_8?crid=W18MO4DF1IP9&dchild=1&keywords=revitalash+eyelash+growth+serum&qid=1612205344&sprefix=revitalash%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-8

So, go ahead and try all the wonderful, new lash serums out there. You won’t be disappointed and your lashes will thank you! Ali Approved!

Tip: Put the serum on your eyebrows too, and watch them grow. (Sounds like I’m talking about a Chia Pet, remember those?) You’re welcome! Tee Hee!

https://smile.amazon.com/Eyelash-Eyebrow-Serum-Enhancer-Healthier/dp/B07RN2H1QW/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2VZCEIYBX8W31&dchild=1&keywords=luxros+eyelash+growth+serum&qid=1612206171&sprefix=luxros+eyelash+growth+serum%2Caps%2C330&sr=8-2

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Maybelline Sky high

https://smile.amazon.com/Maybelline-Volumizing-Buildable-Lengthening-Multiplying/dp/B08H4FSGDW/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QLHAV31N7NN1&dchild=1&keywords=maybelline+sky+high+mascara&qid=1611521108&sprefix=Maybelline%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-1

I thought I’d share the latest, greatest, cheapest mascara today! All it takes is 3 coats and you’ve got the longest lashes around. 1 coat will give you a nice length, but the recommendation is 3 coats to give you that falsie look. I usually buy expensive mascara ($25-30 range), but there were so many good reviews for this that I thought I should give it a try. The Sky High did not disappoint. There are no clumps or flakes, just good ole length. In order to help you manage your expectations, I feel that I should tell you I don’t feel it’s that volumizing. The length is great, though.

From Amazon:

  • Sky high lash impact from every angle, full volume meets limitless length
  • Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High mascara’s exclusive flex tower mascara brush bends to volumize and extend every single lash from root to tip
  • This Maybelline volumizing and lengthening mascara formula is infused with bamboo Extract and fibers for long, full lashes that never get weighed down

You can purchase this mascara at Target and Wal-Mart, too…greatness for less than $10. Highly recommend.

This is Sky High in action. Thought you’d appreciate a slo mo video, to see what I’m workin’ with.

This is some serious Length, right?

Next time you’re at the grocery store, go ahead and pop Sky High in your cart. I approve.

Let me know what y’all think about this mascara? Did you get any flakiness? Did your lashes look super long, too? I wanna know it all!

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Whiter Teeth

Do you drink coffee, tea, wine? All of the above? Tee hee! Well, I’ve got some solid tips to keep your Pearly Whites lookin’ super fresh and fly.

First, let me tell you what my tooth goal has been. I want the whitest teeth I can possibly get…you know how when white is super white, it’s almost blue? Yeah, that white. For years, I tried grocery store whitening toothpaste and whitening strips..to no avail. Then, I graduated to the dentist whitening trays because at this point, it had become an obsession. Those, still, didn’t get me to the Blue Arena. Finally, I thought, I’ll just find a dentist to professionally whiten them. Well, I found one and they said my teeth were already white. Um, I beg to differ…so, they took my $300 and proceeded to get them whiter–didn’t work and I was out all that money.

Soooo, at a regular teeth cleaning, I complained to my dentist about the other dentist and he said, “Patients have had quite a bit of luck with the Crest White Strips that I sell here.” Say what? Then, I received the best Tip on this journey. Are you ready? KEEP THEM ON ALL NIGHT LONG! But, but the directions say 20 min…forget the directions. Bye Felecia! If you have ultra sensitive teeth, make sure to use a sensitive toothpaste.

Are you wondering how to keep them on all night? Well, because I’m a nerd and know how expensive my braces were, I still wear a top retainer. Because I have anxiety, I also wear a bottom night guard for the grinding of said teeth…my poor husband. So, when I wear my whitening strips, I just put my retainers in place and don’t even feel that I’m wearing the strips. If you have kept your dentist whitening trays, use the strips, then put on the trays. The strips are quite delicate and move around quite a bit, that is the purpose for using these extra devices to keep them in place.

You are by now probably wondering about the price…It’s actually not bad. $70 for a box. Another money saving tip is to open 1 pouch and just use 1 strip, instead of the top and bottom, then the next time you whiten, you can use the 2nd one.

A final bit of wisdom, that I was told by a dentist, is that real teeth do not ever get as white as veneers. This has helped me manage my expectations more effectively.

I hope I’ve given you something to think about, on your journey to your best self. Let me know how you feel about keeping the strips on all night! Final word…an electric toothbrush is a Must Have.

hot air brush

Professional Blow-out from Home featuring: Revlon and John Frieda

Do you need help on those days you have to do something extra to your hair, those days where air drying just isn’t good enough? Well, look no further, I’m here to help! If you’re similar to me and have frizzy hair (& want a modicum of control) these 2 hot air brushes work wonders.

First up, for all my long hair divas, is the Revlon hot air brush.

Revlon

Per Amazon: The Revlon one-step hair dryer and volumizer is a designed hot air brush to deliver gorgeous volume and brilliant shine in a single step. The unique Oval brush design smooth hair while the rounded edges quickly create volume at the root and beautifully full-bodied bends at the ends in a single pass, for salon blowouts at home. The brush is designed with nylon pin and tufted bristles for detangling, improve volume and control. Styling flexibility is guaranteed with 3 heat/speed settings and a cool option. Built to provide just the right amount of heat. Unlike conventional hair dryers, this volumizer can be placed closer to the scalp for lift. 

https://smile.amazon.com/Revlon-One-Step-Dryer-Volumizer-Brush/dp/B08GC5FB1N/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1BUSGT2SG52TW&dchild=1&keywords=revlon+one+step+hair+dryer+and+styler+volumizer&qid=1609610758&sprefix=revlon+%2Caps%2C198&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExS1E5RlBMNFVaNDZTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMTM5OTk5M1ZVQTdYTDMwUlJKSCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMjUwMDkzMUhGUkdLNFc5VDNZUCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

This brush has been a game changer for me, in that it gives me a beautiful blow-out from home. Going to the Drybar isn’t always an option, so it’s nice to have a hot air brush, at home, that does all the work for me.

The Pros are listed below:

  1. Great volume
  2. Less frizz
  3. Shine
  4. Better hair dryer than a blow dryer

Cons are listed below:

  1. Long drying time
  2. Can get super hot

All in all, I feel this product is well worth the $60 price tag.

Now for all my shorter hair gals, I have another option for you!

I like the John Frieda hot air brush. It’s smaller, gives you more control, curl, and it’s not as large or clunky.

Per Amazon:
Transform your hair with the new hot air brush from the experts at john Frieda. This premium hot air brush features advanced ionic power and gives volume and shine to your hair while it simultaneously dries each strand. Instant heat up makes drying fast and safe all while delivering high heat. It’s convenient and easy to use.

https://smile.amazon.com/John-Frieda-Salon-Shape-Brush/dp/B00YPBP3RU/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=john+frieda+hot+air+brush&qid=1609611917&sr=8-5

It does the same thing as the Revlon brush, just in a smaller version. I have both, but because my hair is so thick, I tend to grab the Revlon brush more. If you have a bob or shoulder length hair, I would recommend the John Frieda. A great deal, for less than $40.

John Frieda

If you end up trying these brushes, let me know what you think. I’m interested to hear your thoughts. As always, I hope this information helps you on your journey to feeling and looking your best!

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Moroccanoil & Olaplex

MoroccanOil

Sooo, as you all know I did a rave review over Bumble & bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil product line. My talented Hair Stylist (Anne Wright) recommended the MoroccanOil line, so I thought I’d try the moisture Shampoo/Conditioner.

http://www.moroccanoil.com says: Infuse dehydrated, dry hair with much-needed moisture. Moroccanoil® Hydrating Shampoo conditions hair with argan oil, Vitamins A and E and moisturizing red algae—for hair that looks and feels healthier. This moisturizing shampoo is gentle enough for daily use and provides optimal hydration for both normal and color-treated hair. Increase your hair’s manageability, smoothness and shine. Color-safe. Sulfate-free, phosphate-free and paraben-free.

My hair back story: It’s suuuuper dry…kind of like hay, and wavy, and color treated. My stylist said all the ingredients are natural (good for you) and you can even leave the oil on your hands after you run it through your flowing locks. Win Win…Optimum MOISTURIZATION for the whole body!

Welp, this lovely product did nothing for me. My hair is still a frizz bomb and does not feel moisturized. But, if you have a different hair type…you might like it. One of my friends, who has lovely curly hair, swears by the whole MoroccanOil line.

Olaplex

This is another favorite of stylists everywhere. http://www.olaplex.com says: N°4 Shampoo repairs and protects hair from everyday stresses — including damaged hair, split ends, and frizz — by re-linking broken bonds. Leaves hair easier to manage, shinier and healthier with each use. N°4 is color-safe and proven to reduce breakage and strengthen all types of hair. 

What’s my review? FAIL, big fail! First, I don’t feel it gives my hair any added shine and definitely does not fight the frizz. The biggest problem I have is that it makes my scalp itch. Lest you think I’m a hypochondriac, my husband and son say the same thing. I have not heard one civilian (civilian = non stylist), in my circle of friends, say they like this product. Let me know if you disagree, I’d love to hear why you like it!

I’m still on the journey of finding the perfect product…and when I do, you will be the first to hear about my discovery. Trying to fight frizz, one day at a time. Share your fave products with me, so we can fight this bitch together. Tee hee!

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Semi-Permanent Eyeliner

Before/After

Who knew semi-permanent eyeliner has come such a loooong way?! No more discoloration, no more overly thick lines, no more sleepy eyes.

Why did I get it done?

My neurotic self despised having uneven eyeliner, I could never get my wings even. Cut to me getting my brows microshaded and I realized: Hey, it’s been so much easier having my brows done, wonder if they could do the same for my eyeliner. And, oh yes, they can!

Nitty Gritty

The cost was $550. It takes anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. And, no, it is NOT pain free. I’ll be honest, I had more pain with the eyeliner than I had with my brows. Also, my eyes watered continuously, which I hear is kind of rare. Tip: put numbing solution on your eyes even before your appointment.

The artist can make your liner look thicker, thinner, cat eye, natural…they will know what works best with your particular eyelid. It might seem like a lot of work, but the truth is, it’s made my life easier. No more getting cross and frustrated over mismatched lines, or even the anxiety of having to begin lining. Lol! Tip: If you go more natural, the good thing is that you can always bump up the drama by adding more liner on top of the tattoo. Win Win! Also, you won’t wake up looking like a Vegas Showgirl, only in the eye area. Ha! Also, I would recommend staying away from getting your bottom lash line done.

The first pic, is the Before…the rest are throughout the healing process. Healing is fast, by the way. By Day 4, I felt comfortable wearing makeup.

Hope this helps you in your Beauty Journey. This has really made my life easier.

All About Brows

Microshading/Microblading

Just do it! Hahaha! If you’ve been on the fence about getting your brows microbladed or shaded, I’m here to tell you…it’s worth it.

First, let me give you a definition from healthline.com: Microshading is a procedure where a cosmetic technician applies semipermanent makeup to your eyebrows. It’s a type of cosmetic tattoo procedure. Using pigment ink and a handheld tool, the technician places tiny, pin-like dots over the brow area to fill in thin spots.

My brow journey started because my left eyebrow is higher than my right. Whenever I wear sunglasses my left eyebrow played peek-a-boo with the rim…It’s like Hey World, do you see me?! Ugh, so frustrating. So, I started getting them waxed, to help shape them and make them look at least, related. This didn’t work, so I started getting botox to bring my right side up to my left. This worked better, but I was still self-conscious, when the ‘tox started wearing off. In came Brow Lamination, this will be another blog post. The BL got me used to growing out my brows and seeing what they’d look like with more oomph. The problem was the price, I was spending over $100 every 4 wks and that was adding up, sooooo…

Cut to me looking at more permanent solutions, which led me to Microshading. Many moons ago, I worked in a Maintenance Dept. of a school and a coworker had shaved off her brows and tattooed new ones turned green…looked like prison brows, no joke! This was my only reference of “tattooed brows.” So, I was quite concerned as I started my research. Let’s just say the art of tattooing has come a looooooong way and I promise your brows won’t turn green or look like you got them done in a prison yard. Lol!

To find your perfect artist…google is your friend, word of mouth, and insta/Facebook for pix. Look closely at the artist’s pictures. If you like their work, you will see every brow (that they’ve done) and think how great it looks. Every artist has different styles: some like heavy, thick brows and some are more delicate. The price can be anywhere from $500-$800. Some will give you a touch-up included in the initial price and some won’t.

The procedure itself takes a couple of hours and does not hurt. They numb you before they begin. My brow artist was able to make my girls pretty even after all these years! I am thrilled! No more peek-a-boo with my sunnies. The week after the treatment, your brows will be itchy and flaky. Do not get them get soggy wet for about 4 days and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. My brows started out a reddish color, but have settled to a nice brown. Below I will show you some pix.

This 1st pic is immediately after I got them done. The last 3 pix are my original wonky brows…just for reference.

This is how they look now (8 wks out). I have 1 more week before I get my touchup. This pic makes me happy because I’m not doing anything to my face at all…before I got the micro shading I always made sure I raised my right eyebrow, so it wouldn’t look too different from my left. Or I made sure to tilt my head juuuust right, so the different height wouldn’t be quite so noticeable. I’m tired just rereading all the different smoke and mirror tricks I was trying, geez.

I hope this was helpful and if you’ve been on the fence, I say jump off and get some Microshading! It’s worth it.

Updated Video

I just wanted to show you what it looks like to get your brows done and the after effects.

Beauty on a budget

Part 3…Peels (remember, I’m not a dermatologist or an aesthetician)

Glycolic Acid Peel

Ooooh Boy, is this good stuff! The Glycolic Acid Skin Peel from Skin Beauty is a Must in your skin care arsenal. All the plumping, all the glowing right here in this little bottle.

From Amazon: MULTI-PURPOSE REJUVENATING TREATMENT – This facial skin peel treats many skin issues including moisturizing dry skin, treating discoloration and age spots, repairing scars, decreasing fine lines and wrinkles, and rejuvenating the skin’s surface via increasing the rate of cell regeneration. https://smile.amazon.com/GLYCOLIC-Acid-Skin-Chemical-Peel/dp/B003SJ37SM/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1YTB7WNQA2R97&dchild=1&keywords=skin%2Bbeauty%2Bglycolic%2Bacid%2Bskin%2Bpeel&qid=1605562723&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rnid=2470954011&rps=1&sprefix=skin%2Bbeauty%2B%2Caps%2C172&sr=8-6&th=1

I put the peel on my skin with a brush, it helps me feel oh so profesh! Tee hee! If you are a newbie, where peels are concerned, start off leaving it on for only 3 minutes. You can always work your way up…not gonna lie, this peel packs a punch and you will feel all the tingles. Tingles = ants stinging your face…so have a fan handy. If you do nothing else to your skin, and you’re just a peel kinda person, you can use this every 4 wks or less. It’s up to you and how your face feels. The day after, you might feel like your skin looks fresh and beautiful…and also a bit tight. You might start to peel a bit, nothing crazy, days 3-5. By day 7, your makeup will be gliding on so smoothly and your skin will look rejuvenated and just plain lovely. Let me know if you feel the same after trying!

Glycolic Pads

These pads are oh so delightful! They are only 20% glycolic, so they can be used more frequently. 50 pads come in a container and here’s the Tip…cut the pads in 1/2 so you can have double the amount. The pads are fairly large, so cutting them in 1/2 won’t feel like you’re being cheap. They’re so large to begin with, it’s almost a waste if you don’t cut them. I use these in the evening, so all of the good “juice” soaks into my skin overnight. After using the pads on my face, I then rub it over my hands, knees, and elbows. Waste not Want not! Ha! Beauty on a Budget, am I right? https://smile.amazon.com/Glycolic-Acid-Exfoliating-Wipes-Hyperpigmentation/dp/B07C468P8P/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=touch+glycolic+acid+skin+pad&qid=1605567342&sr=8-3

Neutralizer

I would feel quite guilty if I didn’t let you know to buy a neutralizer for after-peel purposes. Neutralizers take the burning and tingle out of a peel, when you’re finished.

From Amazon: Professional grade chemical peel neutralizer. Helps to safely and effectively balance the pH of your skin by neutralizing the acid from the peel.

https://smile.amazon.com/QRxLabs-Chemical-Peel-Neutralizer-post-peel/dp/B06XT5S4B7/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3LLXFFRE8IAJI&dchild=1&keywords=chemical+peel+neutralizer&qid=1605567389&sprefix=peel+neutral%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-5

This was the last of the Beauty on a Budget Series. These 3 Parts are how I have stayed looking fresh even when low on cash. All 3 Parts have different price points…I would say this last part is the most important if you don’t have the extra funds for a Microneedling Pen or Microdermabrasion machine. Run on out and get a peel, if you do nothing else. You’re welcome!

Video Time

I’ve added a video so you can see the peel and brush in action. You’ll feel super professional if you use the brush…tee hee!

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Beauty on a budget

Part 2 Microdermabrasion

*Disclaimer: I am not a certified aesthetician, nor am I a doctor. These are just things I do on my own skin, that I want to share with my friends.

This next beauty machine has been around for many years, now. It’s a staple for my beauty regimen. Microdemabrasion is used to renew your skin tone and texture…it helps to diminish fine lines, acne scars, and sun spots.

I use something like this…
*if you are subscribed and can’t view image, just click on my name and it will take you to my website.
https://smile.amazon.com/Microdermabrasion-TSEMY-Professional-Dermabrasion-Rejuvenation/dp/B07KW2XKWK/ref=sr_1_11?crid=1OXQ3OOWF7Q9I&dchild=1&keywords=diamond+microdermabrasion+machine&qid=1605109116&sprefix=diamond+micro%2Caps%2C183&sr=8-11

Above is a professional, at-home microdermabrasion machine. It sells for $179, but you can get them for more or less dinero depending on what you end up choosing. I like this particular machine for “it’s sterile diamond heads to peel and rub off the dead cells at the top skin layer followed by vacuuming/suction removing particles along with any dirt and dead skin.” (Amazon) This machine comes with different size diamond tips. Personally, I like the teeny tiny tips best.

Considering the fact you would be spending about $150 for a Microdermabrasion procedure at your local spa, I feel that this machine is a great deal. I use this on my face about every 4 weeks, usually a week after I have microneedled my skin, to get rid of all the dead skin trying to slough off…ew! This leaves my skin feeling refreshed and as glowy as a baby’s bum. Tee hee!

Game Changer Tip: I put a cheap serum, usually one for sun spots, on 1 section of my face and then go over it with the diamond tip. It feels like an oxygen facial and helps the tip glide smoothly over my skin. You can try it dry, as well, and tell me which style you like best. Don’t forget to Microderm your neck, chest, tops of hands, elbows, and knees.

Just a short video for all my visual friends out there.

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Beauty on a budget

Part 1

Have you ever thought about going to a Med Spa to get Microneedling? Microneedling, in laymen’s terms, is a device with multiple, skinny needles that puncture the skin and help to rebuild collagen. Once your skin peels and heals, you will have plumper/glowier skin. It’s supposed to help with acne scarring and fine lines, as well. An all around great age defy-er. But, not everyone has $2-300 to spend on this procedure every month…

*Click on the link https://smile.amazon.com/Dr-Pen-Ultima-Professional-Microneedling/dp/B0822PJ8NS/ref=sr_1_27?crid=2C9R1RVUDBFVQ&dchild=1&keywords=dr.+pen+microneedling&qid=1605108980&sprefix=dr.+pen%2Caps%2C269&sr=8-27 to go straight to the product page.

In comes Dr. Pen. An at-home microneedling device that works really well!

Tip: I use a Tranexamic Acid serum (because Melasma, ew) on each section of my face, then microneedle over the serum, so I get MAXIMUM soak-in benefits. Also, I find that doing it this way, doesn’t cause the needle to drag across my skin…using the serum, lets the needles glide much smoother across the delicate skin of your face.

The Serum I use.
https://smile.amazon.com/Tranexamic-Vitamin-Treatment-Whitening-Dearskin/dp/B07RYJ919Z/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?crid=2YDD4MHWH916U&cv_ct_cx=tranexamic+acid&dchild=1&keywords=tranexamic+acid&pd_rd_i=B07RYJ919Z&pd_rd_r=3c0f46c3-d82e-40ed-978e-61d72005d01d&pd_rd_w=uMbAF&pd_rd_wg=HhgAw&pf_rd_p=f4ebc3ce-c45d-4b03-a3e4-a17c876358c0&pf_rd_r=9TV4APFJ2BDWTE2BB3YR&psc=1&qid=1605108717&sprefix=tranex%2Caps%2C202&sr=1-1-80ba0e26-a1cd-4e7b-87a0-a2ffae3a273c

Basically, you can be all in for under $200, saving hundreds by doing this in the privacy of your own home. Now, you’re not going to get all the massaging, candles, aromatherapy–basic pampering you’d get from a spa, but if you’re on a budget (who isn’t) this is a fantastic route to take, with very similar results.

One last tip…if you have a low pain tolerance, you can also get a roll-on Lidocaine. Just roll it all over your face, wait a couple of minutes and voila…a pain free microneedling session!

Pain Free
https://smile.amazon.com/Maxocaine-Lidocaine-Vanishing-Registered-Addictive/dp/B078X4PLD5/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-p13n1_0?crid=S20K9JJ0NSTC&cv_ct_cx=maxocaine+roll+on&dchild=1&keywords=maxocaine+roll+on&pd_rd_i=B078X4PLD5&pd_rd_r=3189f441-85e1-4166-9ea3-67ac4e3c1e92&pd_rd_w=yuXQy&pd_rd_wg=FK0r4&pf_rd_p=f4ebc3ce-c45d-4b03-a3e4-a17c876358c0&pf_rd_r=0Y8FKWGJN79Z3PX2HKS1&psc=1&qid=1605108859&sprefix=maxocaine%2Cbeauty%2C173&sr=1-1-80ba0e26-a1cd-4e7b-87a0-a2ffae3a273c

Let me know what you think! I think it’s worth a try.

This is for all my Visual Friends out there…I wanted to show you what the Microneedling Pen and the serum look like in action. Enjoy!

You can purchase these items here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin