Hydrating Concealer

http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

I was perusing the aisles of Target and came upon this pretty little concealer…I’m a sucker for pretty packaging. It was so cheap that I thought I’d give it a try without looking at any reviews first. When I got home, I put a tad under my eyes…You guys! This felt like Heaven, no joke! So smooth, so hydrating, definitely worth a try.

From Amazon:

  • PREP SKIN, Blur and prep the skin for makeup application with the Conceal & Fix Mattifying Primer.
  • LIGHTWEIGHT FORMULA, This lightweight, translucent formula is enriched with salicylic acid to soothe the skin and help to minimise the appearance of redness and blemishes.
  • HOW TO APPLY, After skincare, pump a pea-sized amount of product either directly onto the skin, or onto the back of your hand before using your fingers to smooth all over the complexion.
  • CRUELTY FREE, Created with natural ingredients and a formula that features 100% cruelty free additives. Being vegan friendly and gluten free, this cream makeup contour kit is universally flattering.

From the Revolution website:

This concealer is suitable for everyone looking for a lightweight finish with a boost of moisture. Offering all-day hydration thanks to an infusion of hyaluronic acid, it covers blemishes, evens skin tone and counteracts dark circles, while drenching skin with moisture. Designed for drier skin, the sheer, satin finish won’t settle into fine lines, and the doe foot applicator allows for a smooth, delicate application.

The Revolution Conceal and Hydrate is a great concealer to try if you want something smooth and hydrating. It’s inexpensive, lots of colors to choose from, and goes on so nicely. Definitely worth a try.

Baby, You’re Worth it

Skinbetter Science, oh how I love you! Alright my friends, I hope you know by now that I do not write about things that I don’t absolutely love. Welp, I have been holding off on writing this post for a while now…I’ve been wanting to see if this product line is worth the price and Baby, it’s worth it!

Basically, this is almost the entire line…yes, I’m obsessed and once I find something I like, I am veerry loyal.

https://skinbetter.com

The Trio, Rebalancing Moisture Treatment, has done wonders for my combination skin. With this product alone, I don’t need 1 moisturizer for winter and 1 for summer…it does the job all year long. People have been commenting on my skin since I’ve started using these products, they are both a luxury and a need.

The website says: Heavy hydration without the weight. Price is quite expensive, but again if you want to invest in your skin, this is your product line. $140.

Another Hero product: the Even Tone Correcting Serum. It has been great for my melasma issues. Skinmedica Lytera 2.0 also works, but I’m really loving Skinbetter, right now. From the website: A lightweight, multi-action skin tone serum. $145

The newest product I’m liking is the Advanced Mineral Protection. It’s one of their sunscreens, SPF 75. It also has Tone Smart, so it will add a light tint to your skin. Here’s the issue I have with the Tone Smart sunscreens…they are drying. Sooo, I add a little bit of the Trio Moisturizer to it and voila…a lovely sunscreen that lasts and lasts. From the website: Our highest level of sun protection in a tone-adapting, creamy lotion that provides a hint of color. $75

These are my Hero products, the rest are icing on the cake!

This line is super expensive, and they never have sales. I do believe it’s worth the price, though. I’ve used every product out there and have never liked it so much that I buy the whole line and continue to re-purchase, I do with Skinbetter….I believe in the science behind it. All the best plastic surgeons carry these products, that speaks volumes to me. On a superficial note, the thing I really like is that they don’t use celebrities or influencers to promote the products, it’s all based on facts and no hoopla-no smoke and mirrors!

Happy Shopping and Cheers to beautiful skin!! http://www.skinbetter.com

lipstick discovery

Hey you guuuuuyyys! I have been on the hunt for a lipstick line that lasts, isn’t too glossy, has a range of good colors, and a low price. I’ve done it! I have found a treasure trove of good lipstick and it can be found at your local grocery store or of course, amazon. http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktoirn

I usually like a matte lipstick, but my lips get so dry and you can visibly see the dryness…no bueno. The ColorStay Satin Ink doesn’t show any dryness. The one negative I’ve found is that it doesn’t last through a meal, it needs to be re-applied.

From Amazon:

  • SATIN INK LIQUID LIPSTICK: Surprisingly comfortable, brilliant, long lasting liquid lipstick that doesn’t dry out your lips
  • MOISTURIZING, HIGH PIGMENTED FORMULA: Swipe this Revlon lipstick on for one-step comfort, color, and a long lasting satin sheen. This flexible formula with highly pigmented colors moves with your lips and contains black currant seed oil and vitamin E to prevent cracked lip color
  • COMFORTABLE LONG LASTING LIQUID LIPSTICK: Enjoy up to 16 hours of wear while your lips feel comfortable all day
  • AVAILBLE IN 21 VIVID COLORS PERFECT FOR YOU: Go for brilliant color and a satin-finish in 21 unique shades from nudes, to pinks, to reds, purple, mauve, brown, and more

All for less than $10, time to stock up for summer!

Here are the 3 lipstick colors I’ve chosen for summer…in action! Fire & Ice, On a Mission, and Your Majesty.

Smart Mouth

The mouth care you never knew you needed, until Masks. Lol! If you’re still wearing masks, you need this toothpaste/mouthwash combo…if you’re not wearing a mask–the people around you, need you to use this combo! Ha! It’s a win win for anyone and everyone. Sorry for the unsexy post–but, you will thank me later.

http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

You’re probably thinking, well this is a boring topic and why is Alison sharing this info…we all have toothpaste and we all use mouthwash. Well, folks, this combo is a freakin’ game changer. I use to habitually chew gum for hours and hours, thinking, hoping, and wishing my breath was minty fresh. It never did the job and I found this out when I had a lil boy–with no filter. He would say, mostly at church, in a loud whisper: Ew, momma, you mouth doesn’t smell good. Ugh, so embarrassing! I’m almost positive there is a lot of relating going on right now. Ha!

I did some research, found Smart Mouth, and I haven’t chewed gum since. If you have coffee breath…use Smart Mouth. If you have morning breath, use Smart Mouth. If you have a significant other, use Smart Mouth. If you’re going to the salon-dentist-medspa and someone will be right near your mouth, use Smart Mouth. I’m telling you the truth, everyone near and dear to you will thank you.

This is a short post, but I think it’s an important one to do. It’s pretty self explanatory…brush your teeth with the toothpaste, then cleanse with the mouthwash. I can always tell a difference when I haven’t used it. You can purchase these items at my store, under Health products: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Let me know if you need this and how you feel after using it. You’re welcome!

Self Tanning

As I’ve mentioned, in the past, I have the dreaded melasma. Waaaah! This means that the sun on my face is a no-go. The challenge is that my arms and legs get tan and then my neck and face are as white as a ghost…what is a girl to do?

Glad you asked…in walks self tanning drops. The newest invention in skin care. If you put it on at night, you will wake up with a lovely tan by morning. I did have an issue, before I learned not to listen to the directions. Uh-oh! I used 4 drops, like the instructions stated, and woke up looking like Tan Mom…it was hideous!

Not a happy camper!

After this fiasco, I realized I should only use 2 drops to get that sun kissed glow. If this happens to you, don’t worry…get your microdermabrasion machine or an abrasive facial cleanser and use it on your face…the tan will be less noticeable.

http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

And please, please do not use Body tanning on your face…I did, and I broke out like crazy. I got cocky and thought, yeah, no biggie, I’ll just put you on my face and then I woke up with Mt. Vesuvius and it’s 3 sisters hanging out. Not a good look. LOL!

These drops come out clear and you mix them with your fave moisturizer or serum. The clearness of the drops are cool and annoying at the same time. It’s cool, that it looks so fresh and clean, and like you’re just putting water on your face. It’s annoying because you can’t tell where you’ve added color or if you need more color…just keep that in mind.

I have not broken out once with the Pure, Bondi Sands, self tanning drops–win, win! And they have not given me any kind of orange tinge, it’s a nice brown shade and looks like the rest of my tan. If you use too many drops, it will smell, but if you stay conservative…you won’t smell a thing.

Do I approve of this brand? Absolutely. If you’re in the market for getting a nice color without the sun, you can feel confident that this brand will work beautifully for you. They can be found in my store at http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin, or at your local Ulta, or Sephora.

Happy tanning! Let me know what your favorite self tanner is.

Hair Growth

So, it’s official friends…my hair guru informed me that my hair is coming back! Yay! I’d like to share with you what I’ve been using the last 12 weeks. I’m most likely doing too much, but you can pick and choose what might work best for you.

Tons of baby hairs!!! Yay!

My #1 favorite item is my Nuderma Wand, I discussed it here: https://alisonviktorin.net/2021/03/02/nuderma-clinical-skin-therapy-wand/

It has been a game changer and I use it every other day. I use the magical comb with its fabulous electricity…and the baby hairs are growing back, steadily.

New Growth is happening!

Next up: Biotin Hair Serum. I use this serum every single day. It even helps my hair look cleaner longer. Pro tip: I use the Serum and then comb it through my hair, with the Nuderma Wand.

Great product, highly recommend! http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

Finally, I use a tincture called Biotin & Collagen Extra Strength. It tastes delicious and is easy to use.

Tastes delicious, I keep it in my fridge. http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

All of these items have been a great help…but, again–I’m always doing too much, so I’m sure your hair will grow and become strong with just one of these fantastic items. Does your hair need to be stronger and healthier, too?

You can find all these products at my lil shop on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin. Cheers to healthy hair!

Acne pimple master patch

Do you have teenagers in your life? Do you have hormonal acne or adult acne? Well, these little patches are the bomb. Whenever I see a blemish popping up, I pull out a patch and place it on the offensive blemish and by the morning, boom, all cleared up!

These patches are easy to sleep with, stay on all night, and are easy to remove the next day. Truth be told, you can wear these during the day and few people will be able to notice.

About this item…from Amazon

  • Quick & Easy Treatment: This patch effectively protects the concerned area effectively and creates a moist environment, which makes the healing process faster.
  • 24 Patches in Three Sizes: Designed three different sizes to cover multiple pimples all at once.
  • A.D.F. Hydrocolloid Dressing: Calms redness and keeps skin moisturized to promote faster healing.
  • How to Use: 1. Cleanse the area around the problem spot. 2. Select a bigger size patch than the problem spot and attach the patch to the spot.
  • COSRX: Cosmetics + Rx(Prescription) – The best solutions for various skin problems

These patches are about $15 for 96 different size circles. They’re a great choice if you have something small you need to take care of overnight. Ali approved!

https://www.amazon.com/Cosrx-Pimple-Master-Patch-24patches4sheet/dp/B014SAB948/ref=sxts_sxwds-bia-wc-rsf1_0?crid=3CKZ52DVNKWDK&cv_ct_cx=acne+pimple+master+patch&dchild=1&keywords=acne+pimple+master+patch&pd_rd_i=B014SAB948&pd_rd_r=9f171aed-d7c2-4550-b92f-aa7742448897&pd_rd_w=ucAZC&pd_rd_wg=1eXjy&pf_rd_p=5168df84-062d-4bdf-8a6e-2680813bd42f&pf_rd_r=EAS2GQCR9HZ80W3WWQ3B&psc=1&qid=1615743023&sprefix=acne+pimple%2Caps%2C430&sr=1-1-7bf78e84-8ef2-4f13-9926-bee5153e81cb

Go here to shop my Amazon store front.

http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

morpheus8

This Post is to inform you of an interesting procedure, not to show you my results, yet…I will do that in a follow up Post. I want to share what I went through and why I chose to do it.

Ok my friends, I have been on the hunt for something to diminish my college acne scarring. My main problem is that I have melasma, due to lasers–not hormonal. So, I can’t use any lasers on my face. There are soooo many great lasers that would’ve helped me like: CO2, IPL, Resurfx, etc…alas, I cannot use these great options. Please, please make sure you are going to a reputable place or else you will end up like me and have melasma that you never would’ve had to worry about!

So, I’m sure you’re wondering what I was able to find….in walked Morpheus8. According to parkavenueplasticsurgeon.com Morpheus8 is a non-surgical advanced needling treatment. … Using radiofrequency, a Morpheus8 treatment stimulates collagen production to tighten and smooth wrinkles on the face and body. I am here for all that tightening!!! Yaaas!

I noticed the device had 24 needles and a red pulsing light. The light seemed to heat up my skin to an extent that I smelled burning flesh, think tanning salon. Tee Hee! I went to Charity at North Texas Plastic Surgery and for an extra $50, I was able to receive Pronox, nitrous oxide. This seemed to help my pain level because I was able to focus on something. The cost of 1 treatment was $750, a package of 3 is $2,100. This is definitely not a cheap procedure and when I say procedure, I mean my recovery time was not 24 hrs. I’m on Day 4, and still have tons of scratches on my face. My son informed me that I look like an 80 yr old and I shouldn’t have wasted my money. Ha! Little does he know that my skin is going to look GORGEOUS in about 3 weeks. So, Boom! I, specifically, asked for my money’s worth in aggression levels, you can choose to have a less aggressive approach…therefore, your recovery time might not be as long as mine.

Did it hurt? Not really. At NTPS, they let me pick a movie/tv or listen to music. I chose the French music I like so much, the chair was comfy, I had my Pronox…so, all in all, the ambiance was so nice that I didn’t feel much pain. The immediate after effects…my face was slightly swollen and I had visible raised ridges, and scratches. My face also looked like I had large pores, these were just where the needles went into my skin. Have I scared you yet? I really hope not. From everyone that has gotten this done, I have heard nothing but rave reviews.

I was numbed for about 45 min. I say take the extra 15 min. if you are given the option.

This video is immediately after the procedure.

Day 2, my face was still a bit tender, but by day 3 and 4, I have scabbing and no pain.

I can’t wait to see how my skin will look in the next couple of weeks. I’m also glad there’s an alternative to lasers. I’ll keep ya posted on how I’m recovering and what results I notice.

This video shows the entire process.

This video shows the aftermath…days directly following the procedure. Still healing almost a week out, no pain, just a lil red in certain areas…skin feels tighter.

Charity had me put on a SkinCeuticals Biocellulose Restorative Mask and a dermal repair cream…Magic happened. I’m on Day 7 and am healing quite nicely. That mask is a game changer and I highly recommend. I’m used to the cheap masks on Amazon and this one is a whole other level.

NuDerma Clinical Skin Therapy Wand

Yay! I found a new toy! I think we’re all going to really enjoy using these wands. First of all, the main reason I bought this device was because I still get cystic acne and my friend recommended I try this…the acne wand kills bacteria. Buuuut, the cool thing is that it comes with different wands. There is a wand for hair growth/scalp stimulation. A wand for cellulite on arms, legs, and tightening of your neck. A wand to help tighten your face and to help your serum sink in to the skin more efficiently. There is something for everyone.

From Amazon:

  • Breakthrough Fusion Applicators – The ultimate NuDerma High Frequency system. Our clinical-grade system features a more powerful NuDerma wand and new FUSION Neon-Argon applicators. The 6 FUSION applicators provide the skin boosting benefits of Neon and acne fighting power of Argon in one universal delivery system. They work synergistically to offer the complete spectrum of skin therapies while shortening the duration of treatment and the need to switch between individual Neon and Argon wands.
  • Improve Your Skin Profile – High frequency treatments are a safe and 100% natural way of improving cellular turnover in your skin by oxygenating the various layers. This improves elasticity over time to reduce fine lines and soften wrinkles. Use it in conjunction with your favorite beauty creams and serums to drastically improve their absorption into your skin so you can get the most out of them.
  • Natural Acne Treatment – Fusion applicators include Argon which reduce acne healing time by up to 90%. Even if you don’t suffer from acne, Argon has been shown to offer complexion calming benefits. High Frequency treatments naturally fight acne-causing inflammation under the skin surface to smooth out your complexion.
  • Specialized Body & Scalp Applicators – NuDerma Clinical features special Fusion Y-shape, Rod, and Comb applicators which are perfectly suited to the various surfaces of your body. Use the Y shape applicator on your arms or neck; the rod and comb applicators are supercharged with tungsten coil and perfect for the any flat surface of the body and the scalp.
  • https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B086M3XRK1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B086M3XRK1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I use these wands every other day. In the 3 weeks I’ve been using this device, I have seen an improvement in my acne. At my next hair salon appointment, I’m going to see if my Hair Guru notices any kind of positive change in my scalp and hair texture.

When I use the comb, depending on how high you turn on the electrode, you will feel a slight tingling sensation–I like it because I feel like it’s doing something–not very professional, I know, but still! Tee Hee! I’d also like to say, make sure you turn the dial to the lowest setting when you’re working on your face. The wand gets hot, if you’re not careful.

Don’t judge me on my huge blemish (waaaah!)…it’s horrifying. Ugh! I just want to show you what the acne wand looks like in action, there are 3 days of content in this video.

All in all, I’m actually quite pleased with this new toy! Let me know what you think. Hope this helps other acne survivors out there. I’m also hoping the comb starts helping my hair texture…I need all the help I can get. Lol!

I want to show you what the comb looks like in action. Enjoy!

UPDATE!

It’s official, I love the NuDerma Therapy Wand. I have been using it for about 8 weeks now and have not had one single blemish. Usually, I get hormonal cystic acne…well, not for the last 8 weeks! I’m quite impressed. The glass comb, that I’ve been using on my hair–to help it grow, has been great, too. My Hair Guru said she could indeed see new growth. Yippee!! It feels so nice and tingly on my scalp, I definitely enjoy using it. Lately, I’ve been adding a bit of Biotin Scalp Serum and then combing it through…this added step is supposed to help strengthen the hairs I already have.

https://smile.amazon.com/Biotin-Growth-Serum-Pureauty-Naturals/dp/B076TYGMYQ/ref=sr_1_7?crid=MZKAGUD6MVGV&dchild=1&keywords=biotin+serum+for+hair+growth+women&qid=1614644815&sprefix=biotin+ser%2Caps%2C195&sr=8-7

I feel like my skin has never looked better and my hair is on a better journey than it has been in the last year! Onward and Upward my friends…Sending each of you Peace and Joy.

You can purchase this product and others here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

For our men…

Hello my Beauties! If you’re in Texas and have dealt with a hellacious winterscape, I salute you. It’s been a rough ride…Texas Strong.

This post is geared toward the men in our lives. Does your man have hair in unsightly places? Back, shoulders, hands, feet, back of the neck?? Well, boy howdy, do I have a solution. It’s working like a charm on my very own manly beast. Tee Hee!

https://smile.amazon.com/Tria-Beauty-Removal-Laser-Women/dp/B00DLJ7N2U/ref=sr_1_5?crid=FPN1ASR04HLH&dchild=1&keywords=tria+laser+hair+removal&qid=1613842217&sprefix=tria+las%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-5

I have owned this Tria Laser for over 10 years and it still delivers. Originally, I bought it for myself, and it worked ok, but now that I’m using it on my husband I really am noticing how it delivers. There are tons of newer versions, that are way cheaper…so do your research and find one that works for you.

The main reason I’m shining a light on this topic is because my husband would rather die than go to an actual med spa and pay to get laser hair removal. If you have one of these handy dandy devices at home, it’s a heck of a lot easier to sneak up on them and blast away their unsightly hair. Just sayin’.

A friendly reminder, this laser hurts if you crank it up. So, if you don’t want to scare your man, keep it on a bit of a lower setting to begin. Gradually, you will move up higher when you see less and less hair growing back.

Ladies, I hope this post helps in your struggles to tame your wild, manly beast! Your husbands will EVENTUALLY thank me, they will really hate me at first–don’t worry, I can take it. Ha!

Peace and joy, my friends.

Below, you will find a quick video, showing the Tria Laser in action.

You can purchase this product or similar items, with different price points, here: http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin