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

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

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

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