Exfoliator Queen

Hi Gorgeous Friends! I am particularly excited about putting out this post as I, "LOVES ME A GOOD EXFOLIATOR HONEY!" (Insert smile Emoji).

Seriously though, I love the way exfoliating makes my skin feel, and have been doing this for years as it as most certainly slowed down the aging process for me.

For those of you that are wondering, "What is an exfoliator anyway?" What it is, is a product that removes the oldest dead skin cells that cling to the skin's outermost surface.  It's a crucial part of both facials, and body treatments.  As I mentioned earlier, it not only leaves the skin feeling smoother, but it will also appear fresher looking.  Exfoliation also makes it easier for facial products, or topical body treatments to penetrate.  Love self-tanner creams like me? Sloughing away dead skin cells prior to applying ensures a seamless look.

Now then, there are two forms of exfoliation which I will list below:

1) Mechanical Exfoliation. The dead skin cells are physically rubbed off with an abrasive.

Examples of mechanical exfoliation include a salt glow, a body scrub that might use sugar or coffee grounds, or skin brushing. On the face, scrubs should use small, round, gentle abrasives like jojoba beads. Stay away from something harsh like apricot scrubs, which can cause micro-tears in your skin. A more aggressive and effective approach to mechanical exfoliation is microdermabrasion which comes in two types - crystal and crystal-free, or diamond-tip. I have personally had micro before, and can say it is pricey, but amazing for sure.

2) Chemical Exfoliation. Enzymes, alphahydroxy acids (AHAs) or betahydroxy acids (BHAS) loosen the glue-like substance that holds the cells together, allowing them to slough away. Facial peels are a form of chemical exfoliation. Chemical peels can either be very gentle or very aggressive, depending on how the strong the peel is. Body treatments might use mild chemical exfoliants like pineapple enzymes.

Okay, so why is all this important?

Well friends, the skin is constantly generating new skin cells at the lower layer (the dermis) and sending them to the surface (the epidermis).

As the cells rise to the surface they gradually die and become filled with keratin. These keratinized skin cells are essential because they give our skin its protective quality. But they are constantly sloughing off to make way for younger cells.   As we age the process of cell turnover slows down. Cells start to pile up unevenly on the skin's surface, giving it a dry, rough, dull appearance. Exfoliation is beneficial because it removes those cells that are clinging on, revealing the fresher, younger skin cells below.

I am 35 years old, and can honestly say that I don't have one wrinkle yet.  I contribute this to good genes, a healthy lifestyle, and honestly Friends----a great skin care regime.  Not the best selfie, but here I am (insert a heart emoji, praying hands, a lady running, and a big cheesy smiley emoji) LOL.

What You Should Know About Facial Exfoliation:

• Be extra careful with the delicate skin of your face.
• It's easy to overexfoliate. Talk to a good esthetician about the product and frequency that is best for your skin. Your should be especially cautious if you have sensitive or aging skin.
• Be careful not to overdo microdermabrasion NO MATTER WHAT companies say.It can make thin, aging skin even thinner if you get too many treatments too quickly.
• Don't overexfoliate, especially in summer or in very sunny climates. Why? You're making it easier for your skin to be damaged by the sun.
• Never use body scrubs on the face. They're too rough.
• Be very careful with peels. Don't get one peel and then go somewhere else to ask for another. You can remove too much of your protective layer and end up exposing the living dermis. Again, be careful about going out in the sun afterwards, or doing it in summer.
• Never wax if you've had a peel recently. It might expose raw, living skin, which will have to scab over to heal.

What You Should Know About Body Exfoliation:

• You can use a body scrub once or twice a week with no problem.  You can also use skin brushes as another method.

Finally, just a little reminder though Friends, it is possible, however, to overexfoliate, especially on the delicate skin of the face. If your skin is dry 2-3 times a week is fine.  Oily? Definitely not over 1 a week.

Here are a couple faves of mine:

This is an amazing wash, but it also has resurfacing benefits that are awesome.  My teenage son uses it for his acne, and it has deemed most beneficial.

I love this sea algae based one by Kate Somerville.  I personally have sensitive skin, and so it leaves my skin flawless, fresh, and smooth.

Gratefully, I've had the honor of working as a hand model for a few years now, and before every shoot, I use this scrub to get my hands together.  I could certainly use my body scrub, but True Blue's 60 second manicure scrub has almond oil that conditions my cuticles, and I love that.  Plus, the granules are formulated for the thin skin on top of our hands, so it is sure not to tear it.  How about that!

 This is a drugstore brand product, but it is still phenomenal in quality! I use this everywhere but my face, and find that it helps keep my skin oh-so-supple.  There are times that it brings up dirt that was trapped under my skin though, and I'll experience a little break-out here, and there.  If you're a bride, and have an event that is coming up in which photos will be taken, definitely do this the day of, so that if there will be a breakout, it will happen the next day.  To be on the safe side, you can do it a week in advance.  (Oh! I use this one on my feet too)



Yay!


Thanks for reading everyone!  I will be back soon!  Stay connected!

Spring make-up updates!

Happy Spring Friends! I am super happy to welcome the warmer weather now, with all the beautiful Sunny days it brings.  If you live in the Midwest, or on the East Coast, you'll definitely be able to relate to me when I say that it was a BRUTAL Winter! BUT! We made it!  And the positive is that  I guess it's all the more reason to appreciate our current days :)

Now then, I wanted to put out a post on some new make-up treats that I've found as of late.  While I have some faves that I tend to stay loyal to (read I won't ever stop using them lol) I am all about upgrading, revamping, and refreshing my collection from time to time.  What I do  know is that if you try just a few of these, you'll love them too! 

So, you may recall in some of my previous posts that I mentioned that I LOVED Smashbox Studios HD concealers.  That hasn't changed BUT I have switched to Tarte's Marajuca Creaseless water-proof concealers.  I got a sample of this stuff after a fellow make-up artist ranted, and raved about how much she loves it.  I was a little reluctant to change as I am very much one of those customer's that loves what I love, but I became a believer after I saw the staying power of this product.  And as advertised, it DOES NOT CREASE whatsoever!  I highly recommend this product for under the eye, and along your brow bone to enhance your brow shape.

 

I've heard so many positive things about former super model Josie Maran's Matchmaker Serum foundation, that I just had to give it a try for myself. I can say that it definitely gave me flawless, natural coverage, and color matched my skin to a T.  This foundation isn't for someone looking to conceal a lot however.  If you want something that's similar to a tinted moisturizer, you'll love this foundation.

 

I'm always on the prowl for mascaras that can lengthen, thicken, and nourish my lashes at the same time.  I was using, "They're Real" by Benefit Cosmetics for awhile, but kind of outgrew it.  It was kind of like my lashes got accustomed to the product, and no longer responded well to it.  In other words, what once used to wow me, became more like, "ehhhhh".  I tried a few after that, but then stumbled upon Too Faced Cosmetic's, "Better Than Sex" mascara.  The name makes me blush (LOL) but the product is absolutely........ Amazing! ;).  It not only lengthens my lashes, but thickens, AND the company promises that it helps to grow new lashes in.  I LOVE this product!

Nothing screams HEALTHY! YOUTHFUL! or RADIANT SKIN! like a flawless tan, or a good bronzer.  Oh! And even if you're a cocoa hued Beauty, bronzer can still do wonders for your skin in that it adds depth.  I've highlighted a few bronzers faves for you all.  The fun part is in trying it out!

1. Too Faced Snow Bunny Bronzer.  It's shimmery, but in moderation. With several shades in one compact, "you can apply them individually ... or sweep across all colors at once and get a unique bronzing experience.

2. Smashbox Baked Fusion Soft Lights Bronzer is stunning!  This multipurpose and multicolored product is so awesome because it's like three products in one.  You can use each color individually as a complimentary eye shadow and get even more out of the palette that way.  You can also use it as a highlighter/blush.

 

 3. Bobbi Brown Bronzer powder is also amazing in that it will give you a light touch of color, but it doesn't have all of the shimmer, and glitter as many other bronzers.  Some people prefer this look, or skin that is very mature tends to look better without shimmer on them.

4.  What I personally use on myself, and LOVE is MAC Cosmetic's Refined Golden Bronzer.  I find that it gives me just enough highlight, depth, glow, and pretty color.  I also use it to contour my nose if I'm on a photo shoot, and it shows up incredibly pretty.

Not sure what you're color is?  I highly recommend visiting your nearest department store, or Sephora and let an expert help you find one that is just right for your skin.  Once you do, send me a selfie and I will feature you on this blog!

Finally, a quick little tip you can do to spruce up your look is by simply whitening your teeth just a hair.  It's easy, affordable, AND will really step up your look!  Plus, when you wear those hot new lipstick colors for Spring, your color will really stand out all the more.  Crest White Strips are the business!  

Well, that's all for now my Beauties!  If I haven't said it already, I'm going to say it now: I APPRECIATE YOU visiting, and reading through this post.  You could visit any blog, but you've visited mine and I don't take that lightly.  :).  Connect with me on Facebook: Make-up By MelissaRoshan, or on Instagram: @melissaroshan.  Meanwhile, Happy Spring!

Winterize Your Skin!

Happy Winter my Dear Friends!

As you read this post, I hope that you all are warm in your body, as well as your soul :).  Don't know about you, but I have been really enjoying this Winter.  It's been extremely cold, but I love all that Winter brings: reasons to run the fireplace, use extra blankets, drink endless amounts of dairy-free cocoa (smile), snowboard, wear boots, and more :)  My skin on the other hand isn't a huge fan of it! If you're like me, either your hair, facial skin, or body skin suffers from what the freezing temperatures can do.  But you know what? It doesn't have to be that way! There are ways to keep your glow, and safeguard your skin during these freezing months.  I'll show you how!


One of the most important things you can do, is drink endless amounts of water.  In fact, try to aim at an intake of one gallon per day.  I know that's a lot, but the more your body consumes, the more hydrated you'll be, and THAT is the key to keeping your hair/skin/nails supple.  It also prevents you from overeating while in your home.  Remember this: Skin creams, moisturizers, and make-up can only do so much.  You have to start within! Drink your water!

Next up, is most definitely going to be your skin care regime.  Choosing a cleanser, appropriate moisturizing system, and occasional mask is going to ensure that your skin stays gorgeous.  For me personally, I have normal to dry skin, and like to have a dewy look now that I am in my mid 30's.  I'll share my personal faves, and of course should you have any questions about products that would be perfect for your skin type, don't hesitate to either e-mail me, or mention it in your comments.

As my first step, I use Peter Thomas Roth's Rose Stem Cell cleanser.  First off, I love that the bottle is HUGE, and doesn't break my bank account.  Secondly, it truly does hydrate my skin, removes harmful skin radicals, and gives me a fresh radiant look that I rarely want to cover with make-up.  Now his line has a cleanser for all skin types, and I HIGHLY recommend you trying one to see how your skin reacts to it.  You can find it at Sephora.

Next up, I use Chanel's Lotion Confort which is a silky, soothing toner that draws moisture back to my skin, and preps it for my moisturizer.  I never thought I needed to add this step to my regime until I actually did, and I have to say, my skin loves it.  I just simply apply a little on a cotton swab after cleanser, and in circular motions rub it all over my skin.  It doesn't contain any alcohol in it, so it is safe to use for even the most sensitive skins.  You can find Chanel at any fine department store, or online.

Before applying my daily moisturizer, I do love using my Seaberry face oil.  I got a sample of this bad boy at Sephora, and fell in love with it! It left my skin smooth, supple, glowy, and soft to the touch. It is packed with restorative omegas, and seabuckthorn oil to really preserve the youth that skin naturally loses over time.  It has no paraben, sulfates, or phthalates (harmful chemicals to the skin), and THAT is something that I truly love!

My final daily step, is applying a dab of Creme De Lamer's moisturizing cream.   I find that it is highly concentrated, so a little really goes a long way.  And though it's pricier than most skin creams on the market, I'd rather make small investments in myself now, than to go through great lengths to undo years of damage later.

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 As a final step in my regime, I use a mask once a week (sometimes more if I feel like I need it) to really pamper my skin.  I have found that Kiehls Overnight Facial does the trick. I apply a thin later after cleansing, and toning.  I wait about ten minutes for it to dry so that it doesn't soil my pillow, and then go to sleep.  In the morning I wash it off, and literally my skin is as soft as a newborn's skin.  Now I will tell you that there are a couple other mask's I'll use throughout the year, but through the winter month's, this is my go-to fave.

Outside of my diet, and skin care regime, I have a couple other tricks up my sleeve that give me a healthy, luminous look.  Either I use a tinted moisturizer everyday by Laura Mercier, or an incredibly moisturizing foundation by MAC Cosmetics.  Both look natural, and flawless!  On top of that, I use a highlighter that is STUNNING!  It gives me a glow that is out of this world amazing. :). I stay away from dark colors, heavy make-up on the eyes, or too much of anything so that my look stays fresh faced :). 

 

I hope that you all have found this particular post helpful, and as always, I am thankful for you reading!  Be kind to yourselves, you deserve it more than you know! I will be back soon! 

XOXO,

My personal faves! (Part 2)

Hi Beauties!  A few of you have inspired me to start blogging much more often.  (You know who you are.  THANK YOU!).  I hadn't realized how many of you were reading! Definitely inspired, and excited me to put more of these out.  Going to aim for about twice a month :).


I am excited about this blog post, because I get to share with you all some of my own personal make-up faves.  As someone who is surrounded by beauty products ALL the time, you can trust that I've not only tried many of them, but also narrowed it down to the best of the best.  I have a part one of this a few posts back.  Definitely check that one out :)

I'm going to start off with make-up,  and then end with skin care.  I'd love if you all send me some of your faves too, and I'll feature you on this blog.  In the meantime, enjoy!


My favorite mascara of all time is STILL by Benefit Cosmetics. They have a mascara that not only elongates your lashes, but causes them to look fuller without clumping the lashes together at all.  I apply one coat on top of my lashes, followed by two coats underneath in a curling motion.  There isn't one thing negative I can say about this product.  I literally bought four at once.  It's THAT GOOD! Check out the model's lashes before/after (not my work; it was on the company website).  You can find this product at Sephora online, most department stores, and the actual Sephora store.

 

A must have that I also use is my highlighting wand by YSL called, Touche Eclat.  It's not a concealer, but rather a highlight wand that catches light in perfect key places throughout the face.  You apply it sparingly over your foundation/tinted moisturizer/BB cream where the light naturally falls: A couple dots above your eyes (not the bone, but actually above) under your eyes/more on your cheeks, your chin, and down the center of your nose.  This product is a little pricey, but I give you my word- it is well worth the investment.  It's the cost of 4-5 lattes to put it in perspective.  You can find this one online, or at high-end department stores.

Don't know what I would do without my Anastasia Brow Duality chunky pencil found at Sephora, or online.  How it works, is quite simple:  You apply underneath your eyebrow hairs.  The old school way make-up artists used to do it was by applying iridescent shadows, or white eyeliner pencils underneath, at it just would look dated now.  Anastasia's pencil comes in 3 different flesh tones, that look so natural!  It also lifts the brow a bit, and conceals hairs that may have grown back from your last tweeze/eyebrow appointment.  One side has shimmer (which I recommend using as an eye shadow, or on the inner rim of the eye) and the other is matte.  Use the matte either under the brows, or the middle of your lips followed by a gloss to give you more of a pout.  Picture found on the internet. 

 

 

Anastasia also has a pretty awesome eye-brow pencil, and powder I'm pretty loyal too as well.  I LOVE how precise it get's my brows looking.  And---they don't rub off---even if my skin get's oily!

My favorite blush of all time is by MAC: It's called, "Peaches".  And I can honestly say this color looks good on everyone except dark-chocolate hued beauties.  MAC is found online, or at most department stores.

After apply my foundation, and blush, I will put a little highlight on top along my cheek bones to give a nice luminous look.  What I use personally, and also own in my professional kit is the Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Shimmer Brick.  It doesn't look glittery at all, but rather glowy.  You can also find BB at Sephora, or most department stores.  Bronze looks great on mush darker skin tones, Nectar/Nude on fair skin tones, Pink Quartz, Rose, Copper Diamond, on olive skin tones, and Platinum Pink on those that love a pinkier cheek.

For my foundations, I'm a big fan of either Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer, or MAC cosmetic BB Cream.  Laura gives me a nice sheer coverage for everyday, while the BB cream is still sheer, yet great for days that I have a modeling photo shoot.  Mac's also makes my skin feel smooth as butter.  You can find both products online, or department stores :)

Every girl wants to find an under eye concealer that not only lasts all day, but also doesn't crease.  I've searched high, AND low and found what I have been using for years: Smashbox Studios High Definition Concealer.  After I do my eye-make-up, I'll apply this concealer underneath my eyes, and go.  It's AMAZING.  Found online, Sephora, or most department stores.

I'm sure many of you are going to laugh about my lip of choice.  I still (since he 80's) love Bonne Bell's Lip Smackers in strawberry flavor.  Gives me a little bit of color, tastes yummy, and my little girl can borrow it too (smile).  You can get this one at any drug store :)

Now for skin care!  I have four must-haves that you can find at Sephora.  I'm 34, and haven't a wrinkle yet which I contribute partly to maintaining a great skin care regime:


I have washed my skin every day for the last six months (I do switch every six months so that my skin doesn't get so used to the product that it no longer responds as well) with Peter Thomas Roth's Rose Stem Cell Bio-Repair Cleansing gel.  It hydrates, replenishes, and has no parabens or other harmful agents that would affect my skin.  Plus, the bottle is the size of one that would hold shampoo, so it lasts at least 4-6 months.

I exfoliate my skin 3 times a week after I wash with Origins Cosmetic's, "Never a Dull Moment".  It sloughs away dead skin cells, and makes my skin look so fresh/dewy.  I don't switch up my exfoliators often FYI.  Just everything else.

Once a week after cleansing, and exfoliating, I'll used my Boscia Luminizing Black mask.  It's a peel off one that pull out black heads, and other gook off my skin.  If I have a special event the next day, I won't do it though because sometimes whatever I have pulled out off the top, uncovers what was underneath, and that means break-outs.    I believe that masking is a HUGE part of our regime however.  Definitely encourage you to find one to suit your needs.

Finally, for my moisturizer, I have been using (and loving) Shiseido's Benefiance cream.  It's a heavier cream that gives me plenty of moisture without feeling greasy.  I have more sensitive skin, and have been doing just fine with it.  If you have oily skin though, stick with a gel based moisturizer.  These are just my own personal faves.

Thank you all for reading! I hope Fall is treating you well! Back soon!

XOXO,


Xoxo,

Fall Yummies!

Hello Beauties!

I hope that everyone is full of cider, pumpkin pie, and happiness!  Fall is one of my favorite seasons for a multitude of reasons!  The leaves, the change in climate, no more allergies, annnnnnnnnd more of a romantic palette for my make-up collection. :)


This Fall season in particular, I am totally loving the color Brown---but let's call it chocolate as it sounds a bit fancier :).  I've been incorporating chocolate lip colors, nails, beautiful warm toned eye-shadows, bronzed cheeks, and such.  It is a color that I find looks good on everyone---as long as it's the right shade of course.  Below, I've included a few of my faves, as well as examples of variations of the tones.  Be brave, and consider trying it for yourselves!

















Here is a before, and after of a beauty I made over using warm chocolate tones.  Initially, she was nervous about rocking such a dark lip, but quickly grew to love it.  Notice how she still looks soft, yet dramatic?  This lip definitely makes a statement that says: "I'm confident, fabulous, and I own my look.".

I also am wearing the same lip color.  I kept my eyes almost nude, and let the lip pseudo speak for itself. 

The lip color Cameo, and I are sporting is called, "Photo" with, "Chestnut" lip liner on top by M.A.C. Again, Keep your eye simple to avoid looking overdone.

Absolutely gorgeous! (Not my work, source: Pinterest)

Did you know that people often notice our hands before anything else?  For that reason, it is imperative to sport a well-manicured nail especially if you're a working professional.  The vampire shaped nails with jewels all over them is one of the latest trends---but there's something about keeping it classic that you can never go wrong with.  Normally I wear a nude, "Ballet Slipper" type of color, but decided to be daring with this chocolate toned polish.  Love the color? It's called, "Rapture".

Here are a few other examples of colors that are gorgeous.  Don't neglect your toesies too!

 

This palette by Bobbi Brown cosmetics is gorgeous, and honestly can work on all skin tones.  If you dip your brush in water, the colors will go on much more bold.  This palette is called: Tortoise Eyeshadow Palette in Sand.

Bobbi Brown Desert Twilight Eye Palette 7 ^^^^^^. GORGEOUS!

I own this palette by Stila, and LOVE it.  There's beautiful hints of shimmer to it, and is so convenient for travel/organization.

 

 Even though it's Fall, you can still dust your face with a bit of beautiful bronzer to set the look off.  Nothing too much, but just subtle hints throughout.

Now, your turn! Get to your nearest cosmetic counter, and ask a beauty adviser to assist you in finding what is best for your skin tone.  Send me pics of you rocking something in chocolate, and I will feature you on my FB page.  (Make-up By MelissaRoshan).



Happy Fall!