Mask Monday: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask

photo credit: Pure Formulas

I have struggled with acne ever since I was a teenager. For the most part, my skin has been pretty clear due to my skin routine and the changes I have made to my diet. I will break out here and there, due to hormones. I had a pretty bad breakout last month and on top of that, I was eating a lot of sugar so it led to my skin starting a small rebellion.

I love making custom masks using the Aztec Secrets Indian Clay. This contains 100% Calcium Bentonite. Bentonite Clay is very affordable and can be used on all skin types. A one pound tub costs about $10.00 and you get a lot of use out of it. Bentonite Clay can also be used as hair masks and soaks, among other things.

For the skin, Bentonite Clay serves a lot of purposes. Some of them are:

• Removing dead skin cells
• Extracting impurities from the skin
• Healing Acne Scars
• Helping control the production of sebum
• Softening and exfoliating the skin

I started using the clay once in a while when I want to give myself a face mask. Once I started having problematic skin, I started to use it more regularly. I now use the Bentonite Clay twice a week as a face mask to help keep my skin clear and to help fade away my acne scars. Since the Bentonite Clay comes in a powder form, I like to mix it with Apple Cider vinegar and sometimes I'll add a couple of drops of Vitamin E oil and/or Rosehip Oil. Both oils have moisturizing properties and are great for healing acne scars and other skin imperfections. You can add your own essential oils or other ingredients like lemon juice and honey, depending on your skin concerns. It's like having your own custom face mask.

I add enough ACV to form a paste. If you have sensitive skin, you might want to do a spot test or just use water instead. I apply it with a brush and leave it on for about 20 minutes, as recommended on the package for normal skin.

it's tightening!

Once the mask dries, you will it tightening and "pulsating". I honestly love this sensation, it makes it feel like it is working its magic. Once the time is up, you can rinse with warm water. I like to use my makeup eraser to remove any spots that don't wash away easily.

before

after

The photos above have been taken within a three week span. I have been starting to see an improvement in my skin by regularly using this mask. I've also been drinking a lot more water and cut down sugar and dairy from my diet. So far, no new breakouts. Along with my regular skin routine, I hope that the scars fade away even more. So far, I'm pleased with the results.

The Aztec Secrets Indian Healing Clay can be purchased at health food stores and can also be found on Amazon.

Mask Monday: Fantasy Blue Glittering Peel-Off Mask

Korean Beauty is taking the beauty world by storm. While I do not partake in the 10 Step Skincare Routine (pretty close though!), I've become a big fan of Korean products. The packaging is super adorable and most products are pretty affordable.

I was at Urban Outfitters when I spotted the Fantasy mask. The glittery box immediately caught my eye. Glitter face masks are a huge trend right now. Even big brands like TooFaced and Glam Glow are hopping on the glitter bandwagon. I love sparkly s**t so I definitely wanted to give it a try. This mask was only $14, which didn't hurt my pockets too much. Besides it being glittery, the mask is a peel-off formula that promises to remove sebum and other impurities of the skin. I have been struggling with some acne for the past month or so and I have been making changes to my regimen to correct it. This mask sounded promising.

The mask comes with a silicone wand for application, which was pretty cool. It made applying the mask a lot easier since the formula was pretty thick. I applied the mask with the wand, in downward strokes. It's best to apply in one direction to make the peel-off process easier. I really liked the scent of this mask, it was nice and pleasant. The application process was fairly easy and mess-free.

Mask Instructions:

• Cleanse and dry face.
• Apply mask using applicator.
• Relax for 20-30 minutes
• Peel off mask.

I'm Blue!

I was expecting the mask to be a lot more glittery so I was disappointed when it was more of a pearl-effect. It did look pretty cool, still. The peel-off processing was only a tad uncomfortable. I had a little discomfort around the under-eye area. I started from the outer edges and peeled off towards the center. It came off in one go minus a few little flakes, which washed off easily with warm water. There was some slight redness but my face did feel a little softer and tighter. With regular use, I expect to see some overall improvement with my skin. 

The Fantasty Blue Glittering Peel-Off Mask is available at Urban Outfitters for $14.

(Not So Secret) Secrets for Better Skin (Guest Post)

I didn't exactly win the hereditary lottery. I have oily skin and humongous pores and I break out from time to time. I've tried just about every cleansers, toners, serums and creams that promise younger-looking and glowing skin. While others work to some extent, some are just complete wastes of money. One thing I've learned, you can take good care of your skin without spending a lot of money or time. In fact, most of what you can do to improve your skin, you may already be doing. Here are simple habits you can adapt for great skin.

Review: The Skin Regime" by Dana Ramos (Part 1)

If there's one thing that I would love to have is perfect skin. My birth controlled left me with acne that was way out of control up to the point that I didn't know what else to do. It took me a while to realize that it was my birth control that was causing all these breakouts. My breakouts are finally down to a minimum and I just have some slight scarring that is fading now.

author Dana Ramos

I read "The Skin Regime" by Dana Ramos and in her book she offers great advice about taking care of your skin and "reinventing" it. She has a photo of herself that is no retouched and she is wearing no face makeup AT ALL. I think she looks absolutely amazing!

In her book she offers a "Beauty Boot Camp" kind of regimen for beautiful skin. I like that she suggests products that aren't outrageously expensive. Most can be found at major drugstores. I am currently doing the boot camp and I will be following up this review with photos of my face after I have completed it.

This review is one of two parts. This first part is on the book itself and the second part I will go more in depth about how effective the skin regime was for me.

For more information on "The Skin Regime", you can visit the website HERE. There are some pretty amazing photos of before and after pictures as well.

Can't wait to show you guys my results!









Disclaimer: This post contains products that have been sent to me for review consideration.

My Oily Skin Saviors

oil-free, yay! wearing: MAC lipstick "Pink Pigeon"

Summer is pretty much here and one thing that I hate about the Summertime is how my face acts up. I have combination/oily skin and it can be such a pain. I experience oily skin pretty much in the t-zone area. My hormonal acne is finally under control (thank you birth control) and it isn't a major issue for me anymore. But as soon as it starts getting hot, my t-zone becomes an oil slick.

Luckily, I have these useful little tools that keep my face shine-free for most of the day. That and my daily makeup routine has helped keep A LOT of the oiliness under control.  I use my Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Treatment under my daily moisurizer. This was gifted to me by my BFF and I am so happy she gave me this! This stuff is amazing! And I love the cool sensation, especially on warmer days.

For touch-ups, I use my Boscia Green Tea Blotting Linens. They are available at Sephora. At $7.00, The price is pretty decent and these are the best blotting papers I have used. They absorb a lot of oil and I only need one sheet. For extra humid days, I'll touch up twice a day.

I do not wear foundation everyday. I wouldn't be able to stand it! My makeup routine for everyday is pretty simple. I'll just add a little blush or lipstick to liven it up a little.

daily makeup routine (taken with flash)

PRODUCTS USED
Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream "Medium"
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NW35
Stila Cream Blush "Peony"
MAC Mineralize blush "Warm Soul"
MAC lipstick "Up The Amp"
Maybelline Colossal Mascara "Glam Black"