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

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.

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.

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.

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