29
Oct 2012

Tria Skin Perfecting Blue Light Update

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Hey Guys,

It’s been a little over a month since I have been using the Tria Skin Perfecting Blue Light. When I first started using this device  (click here for the post) I stated that I wanted a clearer complexion, more even skin tone, and for my spurts of breakouts to end. I must say so far so good. I used to get little breakouts do to a change in my hormones as well as reasons I cannot explain. Since I have been using the device my breakouts have decreased significantly. When I did have a few flare ups, I used the device longer on the specific areas and my acne would go away faster. I must note that this device is for people with moderate acne. As far as keeping up with my regimen, during the week I use it at night only and during the weekends I use it in the morning for 2.5 minutes and in the evening for 2.5 minutes.

Here are a few photos of what my skin looks like now.

Clear skin minus a few bumps

No makeup on in any of the photos, just moisturizer. My skin is now clearer and my skin tone seems to be more even and smooth.

Categories: Beauty Bubble, Skin Care Tags: , , , , ,
13
Sep 2012

Beauty Bubble: Tria Skin Perfecting Blue Light

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Hey dolls and gents!

I’m back today with a beauty bubble! In August I attended the BlogHer 12 conference and I was able to meet quite a few brands. One brand that I met and am excited to work with is Tria Beauty. Tria beauty is a company that focuses on skincare with revolutionary light-based skincare products. They bring professional technology from the dermatologist’s office to your home.

I have the opportunity to participate in the Tria Beauty Blogger Program using the Tria Skin Perfecting Blue Light.

About the Skin Perfecting Blue Light

“Tria Skin Perfecting Blue Light brings you the same blue light technology used in dermatologist offices.  Dermatologists have been using blue light in their offices since 2002 as the most effective method for eliminating acne-causing bacteria.   The Tria Skin Perfecting Blue Light is an excellent alternative to over-the-counter or prescription acne treatments that dry out or irritate the skin.  With a treatment time of only five minutes per day, the device is easy to use and easy to incorporate into your existing skin care routine.

THE TRIA BLUE LIGHT ELIMINATES ACNE-CAUSING BACTERIA

The Tria Blue Light delivers the same high-energy blue light as devices used by dermatologists in-office. It eliminates bacteria deep in your skin to clear breakouts and blemishes and improve skin tone and texture. With daily use, you can break the cycle of breakouts and maintain a clear, radiant complexion. Finally, you can feel confident
in your skin.

Use the most advanced blue light technology available to clear breakouts
quickly and effectively
In multiple clinical studies using the Tria Blue Light:

  • 70% of affected areas cleared in just 2 weeks
  • 94% of participants noted fewer breakouts after 2 weeks
  • 93% of participants noticed a smoother complexion in 4 weeks
Blue light works differently and is superior to most acne treatments
Rather than sitting on top of the skin, blue light gently penetrates the skin to eliminate bacteria that cause breakouts and dulls complexion. When you eliminate bacteria, you eliminate breakouts and improve the skin’s tone and texture, leading to a superior overall complexion. The Tria Blue Light is as effective as professional and prescription treatments yet gentle enough to use daily without irritation, dryness or redness often caused by other acne treatments.”
So this is me fresh faced. I tried not to smile lol. I have a few blemishes and suffer from small breakouts around my cheeks, nose,  and forehead. I also have slight discoloration and would like a more even skin tone and healthier looking skin.
I will do a few updates during the two month trial and share my thoughts so stay tuned!
Categories: Beauty Bubble, Skin Care Tags: , , , , ,
25
Jun 2012

Janique’s Summer Fashion and Beauty Essentials

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Last week’s heat wave was just crazy. I love the summer just not at 98 degrees plus humidity. I prefer the temperature to be between 85 and 90 with low humidity. I know that is wishful thinking, but hey I have a right to dream. Right before the summer hits I make sure I have my arsenal of must have items. I am a pretty simple girl and low maintenance during the summer. I want to do as little work as possible when it comes to getting dressed, staying cool, and even applying makeup. So here are my must have items for the summer

Beauty

1. Tinted Moisturizer- I rarely wear foundation in the summer. When it is really hot and I am doing a lot of walking it just melts off. Tinted moisturizer is light and gives you and even complexion with minimal coverage. I am using OCC’s tinted moisturizer and I love it.

2. Bronzer- We all want that Beyonce glow so I use bronzer to get just that. I have like 4 or 5 bronzers but my favorites would have to be Milani Baked Bronzer and Young Blood Lunar Dust

3. Sunscreen- I just raved about the Hawaiian Tropic silk hydration sunscreen. It moisturizes and protects. You can’t get any better than that

4. Oil Absorbing Sheets- I use e.l.f.’s absorbing sheets (you can’t beat $1) and they are great. I mainly get oily in my t-zone so I always have them on hand to erase the shine

5. Perfume/Body Splash- I love The Body Shops Love Etc…- I get tons of compliments whenever I wear it and it is so inexpensive. When I tell people what it is they are shocked. I also love Marc Jacob’s Daisy Eau So Fresh.

6. Wen Deep Cleansing Conditioner- My hair never lasts in the summer. I’m always sweating it out and it sucks. I usually do low maintenance hair styles like buns, bantu knot-outs, twist outs, etc. I wash my hair using Wen Deep Cleansing Conditioner and either let it air dry and do one of the styles listed above.

7. Lip Gloss with spf- Last week I raved about Hawaiian Tropic aloha kiss. It gives great shine and it also has spf. I pair the gloss with any lipstick and I am ready to go.

8. Misting spray- Avene Thermal Spring Water provides the perfect relief from those hot summer days. It also moisturizes your skin.

9. Bold and bright nail polish- Summer time is the perfect time to pull out all of the stops with your nails. So I go for neon pinks, oranges, yellows, greens, turquoise and more!

Fashion

1. Sun glasses! I have tons of sun glasses in all shapes and colors. I love large glasses. I feel like Nicole Richie lol. Sun glasses are the perfect summer accessory- the protect you from the sun and the weirdos on the train trying to make eye contact

2. Tote bag/cross body bag- The tote bag is a necessity because I always carry my life around. It is large enough for some flat sandals, my makeup bag, wallet, water bottle, and just about everything else. The cross body bag is perfect for those spontaneous adventures where a large shoulder bag or tote isn’t necessary. It also forces you to pack light.

3. Maxi dress/skirt- These are the easiest things to throw on and they are so chic. I have dresses and skirts in a variety of colors and prints. This is always my go to outfit choice.

4. Denim shorts- when I don’t feel like wearing a dress I throw on some shorts a t-shirt or tank and depending on the occasion flat sandals or a wedge. You can never go wrong with a pair of denim shorts. Dress them up or down- it really doesn’t matter because they are classic.

5. Cute sandals and wedges- I do a lot of walking in the summer so high heels are out of the question in NYC, unless I’m going from car to chair lol. So I need my sandals to by fashionable and functional. I can strut around the city in a wedge because I get the height of a heel and the comfort of a flat so those are necessary as well.

6. Basics- t-shirts and tanks in all colors and prints. You can never have too many t-shirts or tank tops. If I find a style that fits me well I buy at least 3-4 in various colors. T-shirts and tanks are comfortable and can be paired with almost anything- denim shorts, boyfriend jeans, Bermuda shorts, maxi skirts, body con skirts, a-line skirts, harem pants, cropped pants- you get my drift? They can be dressed up with statement jewelry or worn with a simple necklace and earrings. I couldn’t get through the summer without these.

7. Casual sneakers/flats- I like to be adventurous and go to the park a lot during the summer. I may need to climb a few rocks, you never know so I always have a pair of casual sneakers, like converses or Tom’s handy.

This is my list. What are some of your summer must haves?

Categories: Beauty Bubble, Fashion, Hair Chronicles, Makeup, Nails, Skin Care, What to Wear Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
22
Jun 2012

Camilla’s Summer Fashion & Beauty Essentials

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Happy Friday Ladies! It is SCORCHING in NYC this week and I am loving every moment of it (Summer is my favorite season). I wanted to share with you guys my “My Must Haves” for the Summer.  Key factors to my beauty and fashion choices during the Summer is being comfortable, cool , minimizing (less is more) while still looking GREAT! 🙂

 

 

 

Beauty & Health:

Summer Essentials: Beauty

NARS Malaga Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer – In this heat it is way too hot to wear full out foundation so instead I opt for a tinted moisturizer with spf.  I love this one from Nars because it has full coverage but is very light on the skin.

Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies Flared Waterproof Mascara – I love Maybelline mascara – I’ve tried all the other high end brands and Maybelline definitely is equal if not better.  Their waterproof mascara does not disappoint- this mascara lasts me all day and I don’t have to worry about any embarrassing racoon eyes.

NARS Sheer Lipstick – Belle de Jour: This summer is all about light and sheer makeup.  Nothing looks fresher to me than a nude lip.  I love this NARS version because it lasts all day and keeps my lips moisturized.

Tarte EmphasEYES™ For Brows High Definition Eyebrow Pencil: Did I tell you guys I am obsessed with my eyebrows? No seriously, I take them VERY SERIOUS.  This eyebrow pencil by Tarte gets my eyebrows looking PERFECT yet natural.  My biggest beauty MUST HAVE.

Flora by Gucci: I love all Gucci’s perfume, they are always light and delicious and Flora stays true to all this.  Flora smell’s like Summer (I swear) – what does Summer smell like you ask?  Go to Macy’s and smell Flora and than you will understand what I mean! 🙂

Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish, 7 oz.:  Between all the sweat and oils that get in my skin during the Summer I always like a good exfoliator scrub that removes all the dead skin and gets my skin soft and smooth.  This Brown Sugar Body Polish by Fresh works amazing and smell’s even better.

Clinique 3-Step Skin Care System For Skin Types 3, 4 Combination Oily Skin:  My skin and I have a love/hate battle.  Over the past year we have been growing a better relationship thanks to Clinique.  I love this 3 step system because it help to almost eliminate that “oily” look your face gets during the Summer.

Mixed Chicks Leave In Conditioner: My hair is naturally curly but I tend to get a lot of blow outs and I wear it straight most of the time.  However, in Summer…straight hair is way too difficult to keep up with in the heat.  This Leave In Conditioner gets my curls looking gorgeous – defined, moisturized and bouncy.

Marc Jacobs Cranberry Splash: Guys….this perfume is amazing (if you like fruity scents).  Another Summery scent that’s just perfect for the hot weather.  Whenever I wear it I always have at least 5-10 people asking me what I’m wearing.

Clean & Clear Absorbing Sheets:  Let’s face it.  We all sweat and we all tend to have oil faces during the Summer.  I swear by there oil absorbing sheets by Clean & Clear, they are something I do not leave home without.

Bobbi Brown Metallic Eye Shadow: Metallic eyes are in this season and my favorite metallic shadow is Gold (it looks so good against brown skin :)).  This eyeshadow by Bobbi Brown literally lasts ALL DAY. Believe me, I am constantly rubbing my eyes and touching my face and this shadow is still intact at the end of the day.

Fashion:

Summer Essentials: Fashion

Maxi Dresses are a must have this Summer for me.  They are cool, comfortable and are very versatile so you can go to work and still hit happy hour afterwards lookin’ fly.  I’m especially loving all the semi sheer and pleated ones as well as the black and white striped ones.

Peplum dresses are another item that can be worn for both work and play.  I love the peplum  silhouette ((dresses and shirts) because it is ultra feminine and looks great on every women.  It’s just so chic and ladylike to me!  I like all the peplums in bold colors and patterns for this season.

Sheer, Collared Shirts:  This is probably the item I own the most of.  I have at least 12 of these shorts (THEY ARE EVERYWHERE) and I love them.  You can wear them with shorts, skirts, jeans….styling with these is endless.  I can’t stop buying them (I am wearing one as I type this….) lol.

Vertical Stripe Jeans/Leggings: I love these black and white vertical stripe jeans (I also have some of the leggings) they scream summer to me (it’s like wearing white jeans, except you don’t have to worry about spilling something on them) and they literally go with so many different things.  LOVE!

Wedges: I’m going to be honest – I don’t wear a lot of heels.  NYC is not the place (IMO) to be wearing 6″ Louboutins especially when you are walking and taking public transportation.  So, when I really want to wear heels I usually opt for a wedge.  Wedges can be very sexy yet comfortable (even at 5″ high) and can be dressed up or down.

Embellished Flat Sandals:  As I stated above, I don’t really do heels in NYC but that doesn’t mean I don’t want my shoes to be FLY.  I always make sure that if I wear flats that they stand out, whether they be embellished (chains, bows etc) or have a bold color.  Who says flat shoes can’t be fashionable??

Neon Handbag: I love Neon but I don’t own that much Neon clothing however when I want to add a little splash of neon to my outfit I grab my bag.  A neon bag adds something special to every outfit.

Collar Necklace:  These necklaces are a major MUST HAVE accessory for me.  I love to pair them with my sheer, collared shirts. 🙂

Straw Fedora: These just something about straw fedoras that scream “Summer” to me and I love to wear these hats ( I wear them with EVERYTHING, Maxi’s, Shorts, etc) plus…they are GREAT for a bad hair day.  You can walk around looking fly and no one even suspects what’s really going on under the hat.

Cat Eye Sunglasses: Cat Eye Sunglasses are ultra chic and look great on most face shapes.  If you haven’t got a pair yet – GET YOU SOME!
Well, those are my Beauty and Fashion must haves.  What are yours????
Categories: Beauty Bubble, Fashion, Health and Wellness, Skin Care Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
18
Jun 2012

Beauty Bubble: Summer Skin Care Protection

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By the end of this week it will be scorching hot which means summer will officially be here. We should be taking the appropriate meausres to protect our skin all year round, but during the summer time we must really be safe. With the steady depletion of the ozone layer the sun rays are becoming more and more dangerous. Many people of color still believe they do not need sunblock because of the complexion of their skin. Let me tell you, that is the BIGGEST MYTH. It doesn’t matter how much melanin you have in your skin, you still need to protect yourself from the harmful sun rays. Here are some tips and products for the ultimate skincare protection

1. Sunblock for your face and body– Ladies I know you want the J. Lo and Beyonce bronzed glow for the summer but leave the baby oil at home. You should apply at least SPF 30 sunblock to all areas of your body exposed to the sun at least 30 minutes before exposure. This means your face and neck as well. Look for a moisturizer with SPF 30 or if you love your current moisturizer that’s great but buy sunblock specificially for your face. I am currently using Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Sunscreen SPF 50 which protects you from UVA/UVB Sun Rays. I love this sunscreen because of the moisturizing elements and the amazing smell. It doesn’t seem like you are putting on sunblock which is a plus. It is light weight which is also perfect for the summer. Carry a small bottle of sunblock in your bag as well to reapply when needed.

2. Lip Gloss with SPF–  we all want glossy and luscious lips, but M.A.C., Nars, and even CoverGirl lack SPF in their lip products. So before you apply your favorite lipstick apply some lip balm with at least SPF 15. If you still want more protection, after you apply your lip color you can appy Hawaiian Tropic Aloha Kiss lip gloss in Island Berry which has SPF 20. The smell of the gloss is amazing. I have been wearing it alone because it has the perfect amount of gloss and it is not sticky like other products. The one thing that sold me on this product was the word moisturizing. The lip gloss is enriched with Vitamins A,C &E, as well as cocoa butter and aloe vera. So your lips will be protected from the sun, but also getting the necessary moisture to keep them soft.

3. Sunglasses- Your eyes need to be protected as well. Because we like to look fashionable but don’t want to splurge on trends we often neglect to see if the sunglasses protect our eyes from UVA and UVB rays. Well make sure your eyes will be protected from both before you buy your next pair of sunglasses.

4. Hats– Whether it is a floppy hat, fedora, or regular cap, hats help protect our face by providing some shade and also our hair. The sun rays are so strong they can cause damage to your hair which is why a lot of hair companies are developing products which will protect our hair from drying out and losing moisture. Make sure you wear a hat

5. Water– You want to make sure you stay hydrated. If you are hydrated your skin will retain more moisture and will not dry out as easily. Staying hydrated will also keep you looking refreshed.

These are my tips. What do you do to protect yoursefl from the sun during the summer months?

Categories: Beauty Bubble, Skin Care Tags: , ,