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.

sage

http://www.amazoncom/shop/alisonviktorin

This Post hits a tad differently, I won’t be writing about any facial beauty products…but, I will be writing about an Energy beauty product. Sage has worked wonderfully in my family. I use it to clear stagnant energy, uplift our environment, and to clear (clean up) any energy that came home with my son from school. I use it when I’ve had workers in my home…when they leave, I spray. When a stranger enters your home they bring with them their own feelings, thoughts, emotions. So, when they leave I want my home to go back to a neutral zone…that’s where Sage comes in and works beautifully. For example, let’s say you purchase an antique/vintage rug. You lay it down in your home, but who has walked on it, who has sat on it and cried or raged or partied…you don’t know. Get you some sage and NEUTRALIZE the rug…for me, it takes all the emotions attached to an item or in the air space and brings it down to neutral, so you can start fresh…with your own memories and emotions. Another example, when my son comes home from school and is feeling intense emotions from interacting with so many people, boop-I spray near his head and his backpack. This just relieves all his tension and helps to calm him.

About this item…from Amazon

  • Smudge without the smoke – Purify and Cleanse oneself, home, an object, or any space of negative or harmful energy
  • Powerful blend of two sacred plants (White Sage & Palo Santo) used by native peoples for purification, cleansing, attracting positive energy, meditation, energy purification, and as medicine. We only use WHITE SAGE essential oil which was used by the Native American peoples
  • Made with the highest quality 100% pure, organic, and sustainably sourced essential oils. These pure natural ingredients are hand blended with love in California and this spray is the perfect alternative to burning sage sticks, bundles or incense
  • Use as a room spray, pillow mist, and to bring more positive energy to any space or object. Bring this convenient 4 oz bottle to work, yoga studio, meditation retreat, school, or in your car
  • Quartz crystal powder infused to enhance the energy cleansing properties and effectiveness of this spray

I like the spray better than the actual sage because it is easier and quicker to use. I don’t like candles or any kind of smoke because the soot can get in curtains and on walls and stain them. The spray is cleaner.

If you’re interested in trying this product, I have it in my store. http://www.amazon.com/shop/alisonviktorin

If you’re looking for something to clear the air, try this, you won’t be disappointed. Let me know if it works for you!

Here is a video showing you what the Sage Spray looks like in action.

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

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.

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

Comparing Sunscreen

First, let me say I love most products from Skinbetter Science…the sunscreen, not so much. This is called Tone Smart, $55, and spf 68. The reasons I dislike this product are because it’s drying, it doesn’t protect me as much as I’d like, and the price is too high for not delivering.

I do like the compact, though.

A helpful tip is to use your fingers to rub it in instead of the provided sponge, that way you will use less product.

Currently, I am loving Make P:rem sunscreen. It’s about $30 and is spf 50. I like the magical, cooling effect it has. I like that it doesn’t leave my skin white. I’m really liking the dewy, plumped look it gives my skin.

https://smile.amazon.com/MAKEP-Defense-Moisture-Whamisa-MAKEPREM/dp/B074JVHCL1/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1UYDWDWFB20B4&dchild=1&keywords=makeprem+uv+defense+me+moisture+sun+cream+spf50+pa&qid=1605109787&sprefix=makeprem%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-5

This is the game changer tip…I combine the sunscreen with this whipped, mousse goodness to give my skin a nice matte, blurred finish. You will love the texture. Combining these two products gives me the moisture I need with the blurred lines and protection that I love.

*Click on each image to go directly to the product page or the link below.

https://smile.amazon.com/Roche-Posay-Effaclar-Blur-SPF-1-01/dp/B00TBJWPRC/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4W1QA468OESZ&dchild=1&keywords=laroche-posay+bb+blur&qid=1605109659&sprefix=laroche-posay+bb%2Caps%2C596&sr=8-1

Just wanted to show you what the products look like on my skin.

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