How I Cleared My Acne Quick!

Alright guys so this is a sensitive subject for most girls and that is ACNE! I thought I was blessed with gods gift to the earth skin that never got a break out ever and I bragged all the time about how perfect my skin was... Then it hit me like a box of rocks and I started breaking out all the time. It was literally the weirdest thing ever. I never had acne before so I had no idea what in the world to do. It started around last July and now it is finally coming to an end (except my time of the month pimple) I HOPE! So, I will show you what helped for my skin and I hope it helps you as well! Lesson learned: Don't brag about anything because it will come back and bite you really hard!


The first thing that is the best thing since sliced bread: MY CLARISONIC!
Ok, I know its pricy. But honestly, I wanted it for so long and never could justify paying that much for a little thing to wash my face. I am not kidding you go spend all your money now! It is that important! It is waterproof so I use it in the shower and my Mia 2 has two options. For everyday use, then the more intensive days where you just need a little extra umph. You can use it with any cleanser and I use Boscias' cleansing gel. I love this because I have combo skin. I have a lot of dry patches but I'm acne prone. Its odd. This gel literally never dries me out which I love! The worst feeling is after you wash your face and its soooo tight-- It doesn't happen with this one! It is the bees knees.

After I use my clarisonic, I use my Lushs' Tea Tree Water Toner and spritz that all over my face wait a few minutes and I moisturize with Ultra Repair Cream- Intensive Therapy. Just because this winter has been awful!!!! Once spring comes back I will probably switch to something lightweight. But, this moisturizer is awesome if you have dry skin. Then thats it! Honestly, if you take care of your skin, your skin will thank you. I promise!

When I do get breakouts, this really probably sounds so crazy. But I don't like that whole toothpaste thing. It never worked for me. So I use hydrogen peroxide :x I use a cotton ball and apply it right onto the pimple and the next morning I swear to you, that your pimple will be way smaller. I promise. If you're not into putting that onto your face thats ok, I really like Lushs' Grease Lightening a lot too! I don't think its as effective but it is awesome! Its a gel like consistency and you just apply it to the breakout.. Wake up and its a baby pimple :)

Lastly, the most amazing part second to my clarisonic, is Glam Glows Supermud Clearing Treatment. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHkhdaflkjsfhsdfdhkajfdslfjkhlhfa. The best. Hands down I am obsessed. It is pricy again, but like I am saying I would invest in them. I have a lot of blackheads on my nose and chin and this literally pulls them out I am not kidding. If you have a weak stomach exit this blog because this is disgusting!

Those little dots are literally my black heads making their way out. Its gross but its also neat. My skin feels so good after this! I only put it where I need it so, my T zone and any pimples I have at the time.  

I really hope this works for you! Honestly, acne is tough. You just really have to test out different products and find what really works for YOU! I also have some great secrets on how to conceal acne and acne scars as well. Let me know if you would like to see that in the comments! 

5 Products That Really Do What They Claim!

I don't know about all of you... But, I am super gullible. Anything anyone says I immediately believe. Its honestly ridiculous, I know. Someone could tell me that Obama just jumped off a cliff and I would honestly believe it. So with that said, reading the back of hair products I automatically believe every claim it says and buy it. I'm always like "Cool, this will magically get rid of my split ends!" Girls, nothing can get rid of your split ends lets just get that straight right now... Except a haircut. Sorry to ruin all of your days---from someone who bought every single product out there to try, nothing is going to take two hairs and seal it back into one. It doesn't work like that unfortunately.. I just hate it when products lie to me at the end of the day. I thought I would dedicate a post to all of the products I have tried and all the claims do actually work and your hair will thank you:)

Disclaimer: All of these products are pretty pricy but I learned in beauty school-- You can't wash a Maserati with Dawn Dish Soap! You get out of your hair what you put into it.. 

1) Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Mask--- You can get this from Ulta... It is $33! 

It claims:

"Macadamia Deep Repair Masque is a revitalizing hair reconstructor for dry, damaged hair. A combination of macadamia oil and argon oil along with tea tree oil, chamomile oil, aloe and algae extracts rejuvenate and rebuild the hair, leaving the hair deeply nourished for improved elasticity and shine with long-lasting conditioning benefits"-- per Ultas site

Honestly, I believe every single thing... I use it religiously and my big tub of it has lasted me a year. When I had super long hair my hair was always so gross, just like straw from coloring it so much and what not.. So once a week I would apply this product, use a wide tooth comb to comb through and keep it on for five minutes and wash it out. Sometimes if my hair was so bad I would keep it on overnight and put a shower cap on and boy did my hair love me...

2) Paul Mitchell Shampoo Two-- You can get this from ME at Vitality!

It claims:

"Basics: Deeply cleanses oily hair and scalps.

Benefits: Leaves hair fresh, shiny and full of body.

Bonus: Minimizes oil production so hair becomes less oily over time.

Details: Wheat-derived conditioners boost body and shine. 

Fresh lemon fragrance. 

Color-safe formula"

-Per Paul Mitchell Website

Yet again I believe all of this... I use this again once a week before my Macadamia conditioner to get rid of buildup in my hair and honestly it makes the world of a difference.. I have theee worst oily scalp as you read here so it honestly helped me sooo much. For someone who doesn't use a lot of product in their hair I would use this maybe once a month. It could be a little harsh on the hair if used to often. 

3) Its a 10! Miracle Leave In Product-- You can get this from your hairdresser or Birchbox for $20

It claims:

Does 10 Things INSTANTLY!

1) Repairs Dry, Damaged Hair 2) Adds Shine 3) Detangles 4) Controls Frizz 5) Seals and Protects Hair Color 6) Prevents Split Ends 7) Stops Hair Breakage 8) Creates Silkiness 9) Enhances Natural Body 10) Thermal Protector -Per the back of my bottle ;)

Soooooo basically how about I just say it how it is--- I wouldn't be caught dead without this product. I literally have 3 bottles in my closet right now. If you think I am kidding.... I'm not. This is my holy grail and I honestly think it was the reason my hair got as long as it did (aka last year) This just really sped it up and made my hair feel healthy. Its honestly odd but I swear its like gold in a bottle. 

4) Redken Quick Tease-- You can get this from Ulta for $18

It claims:

"The patented spray technology offers three benefits in one bottle! Mist allows it to instantly create volumizing and texturized results while maintaining a long-lasting matte finish and hold." -Ultas site

I believe it.. My hair sucks at teasing but if you put this bad boy in right before you tease it will be huge and last all day long... I even used to use it just to funk up the rest of my hair a bit to add some grit and texture! Its one of those products at least to me that you would never know it really works until you get it and are amazed. I am obsessed!

5) Sea Salt Spray-- You can get this from Lush for $12.95

It claims:

"Our sea salt, sea water and seaweed spritz holds hair in place, adds shine and gives body for a beach-beautiful look. A gorgeous orange flower, grapefruit, neroli and rosewood blend perfumes the spray. It smells so divine, we've been spritzing it in our hair just to smell the fragrance! Use anytime you want to refresh, re-style or add some volume, texture and shine." -Lush.com

I don't even need to say anything because they just said it all.............. You look and smell just like you have been at the beach all day. Thats my favvvvvve look! Yet again, wouldn't be caught dead without this.

Sorry this blog was so long guys!! But let me know in the comments below what your favorite hair products are-- As you can probably tell I love trying new things! :) Cya lata!

Product Doppelgängers: Splurge vs. Steal!

If you knew me you would know I'm kinda a bit obsessed with The Vampire Diaries.... Ok.... I'm really obsessed. All I do is work, watch The Vampire Diaries, eat, blog and sleep... That is all. So since I am waiting oh so patiently for the rest of the episodes to go on Hulu I thought I would make a doppelgänger post! (Everytime I pronounce it in my head I say it like Rebekah in a british accent i.e doppel-gangah.. Please say I'm not the only one!?) If you don't watch the show I'm sorry for ranting but a doppelgänger is a "paranormal double of a living person." In this case a product! Each one is a splurge than the other is a dupe for the product at a lower cost for my girls on a budget! 

1. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer-- $28.00 vs. NYX Concealer Wand-- $5.00

The NYX Concealer Wand is a staple in my makeup collection. Its one of my all time favorite concealers to highlight with! I would say it has the same consistency as the Nars and they both have light reflecting particles and are very light weight! They both have medium to heavy coverage. I would honestly take my $5 and run to get the NYX Concealer because why waste the $28 when its almost the same product. 

2. Benefit They're Real Mascara-- $23.00 vs. Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara-- $6.35

I really do love Benefits mascara I must say... The Lash Blast I love overall but it can dry out after a bit I'm not going to lie but other than that it is a complete copy of the They're Real Mascara.. If you love long, long, long lashes on top and bottom with volume as well this is your mascara! 

3. Stila Kitten Eyeshadow-- $18.00 vs. Loreal Infallible 'Iced Latte' Eyeshadow-- $7.99

I can't believe I'm going to say this but I actually like Loreals better! They are both a shimmer nude pink color and a great base to any shadow look you're trying to achieve! It is great for everyday but you can spice it up with a dark crease for night and its soooooo beautiful. With Kitten I feel like you get a lot of fall out and I never have that issue with the Iced Latte. Another plus is right now on Ulta.com you can get any Loreal products for Buy one, Get one for %50 and it says special gift with purchase woooooohoooo! Can't beat that!

4. Benefit Brow Zing-- $30.00 vs. Elf Brow Kit-- $3.00

Yet again I really love the Elf Brow Kit more but they are sooooo similar. I'm just being fussy. I am so weird about smells and the Brow Zing smells like plato and it just yerks me I don't know why hahahah. But, all in all they are both great products but the same. I don't feel like color wise I get any different look which I should paying $27 more! Also, with my brows I like to use a harder brush and the Brow Zings brush is very flimsy. So ELF ELF ELF! I always go back to that kit no matter what.

I hope this helped my ladies on a budget with Christmas right around the corner! Let me know in the comments if you would like to see some more doppelgangaaa products:)