DTox and Brighten Facial

This routine definitely leaves me with tighter, younger feeling, brighter skin.  The DTox mud stripper works wonders over time to lessen blackheads and tighten the pores on my nose.  The Vitamin C serum removes discoloration and dark patches, and the Caffeinator stick reduces puffiness and dark circles under the eyes.

Step #1: Delish face wash- use a very small amount of this gently fruity foaming wash with warm water to cleanse face.  I avoid exfoliating cleansers in this routine because the mud mask will cause newly exfoliated skin to sting more.  Gender Bender is another good choice for this step.  Rinse and pat dry.

Step #2: Stripper- spread a thin layer of this vanilla-scented mud over face and let dry for up to 15 minutes.  The stripper can be used up to 3 times per week.  I most often use it on my T zone (forehead, nose, and chin- sometimes just nose) and once in a while over my whole face.  It's aggressive and may burn slightly at first.  Be sure to test first or substitute if you have sensitive skin.  Another option to use for step 2 is the Seawitch kaolin mask.  Both can cause skin to redden temporarily so don't do this routine directly before going somewhere important.  Your skin will need an hour or so to recover, but it will feel great!

Step #3: Vitamin C Fairy- use just a drop or two of this serum on areas of discoloration and under eyes to promote elasticity and brightness.  If you'd rather have an anti-aging serum to treat and prevent wrinkles and creases, use the Sweet Young Thing serum instead for this step.

Step #4: Caffeinator Stick- just one swipe under each eye is all it takes to boost tightening and brightening of the fragile skin in this area.

Step #5: Moisturize 911- this subtle-citrus scented moisturizer is loaded with caffeine to perk up your face while giving it the moisture it needs after DToxing.  Use as much as you feel you need.  A large pea-size drop is just right for me.

Step #6: Make-Out Magic Lip Scrub- DaMintcha, Oh Peaches, or Tree Hugger will work here, just don't forget to pamper those lips.  These sugar lip scrubs will last forever because it only takes the tiniest bit to do the job.  Rub in to exfoliate dead skin and make lips incredibly smooth.  Let any extra sugar dissolve or you can lick it off.  No rinsing.  This one happens to have a subtle sweet grapefruit flavor.

Easter Candy

Easter is April 20th!  Still a few weeks away so there's time to order a few fun things for your older kids (or yourself!)  Some ideas for teen Easter basket stuffers are:

 BFY hand creme, lip scrub, lipshot lip balm, cuticle cutie, a chunk, a skin stick, fragrant bath salts, Call Me Candy slather, the Rubby Scrubby or face wash and moisturizer.

Rest and Hydration Facial

This nightly routine has been making my face feel fabulous so I thought I'd share it.  This investment in yourself is a fantastic price for such high quality ingredients, especially when bought together in a bundle to take advantage of the Buy5 Get1 Free deal.  The amount needed is so small and effective that these products will last a good long time.

Step 1: BFF Exfoliating Face Wash- Use a very small amount (1/2 pea-size) with plenty of warm water and lightly scrub face avoiding eye area.  Rinse and pat dry.  Alternatively, Complexion Perfection could be used instead.  It is also a peppermint exfoliating face wash- though slightly less exfoliating.

Step 2: Rain Mask- Smooth a thin layer over face and neck.  Leave on for up to an hour then rinse and pat dry.  (Rain mask is gentle enough to use daily- I currently use it about twice a week).  Another moisturizing mask that could be used here is The Saint.  It is avocado and honey based.

Step 3: Sweet Young Thing- Use just 2 or 3 drops and rub into bare clean skin, focusing on wrinkle prone areas like forehead and around the eyes and mouth.

Step 4: Sleepy Stick (or Healer Stick)- Swiping a layer of shea butter directly underneath my eyes and on my lips is SO comforting and nourishing any time of day but especially at night.  The sleepy stick contains lavender oil and the healer contains orange oil.  I love using the lavender scent at bedtime.  I keep it on the nightstand next to my bed just in case I want more :)

Step 5: Night and Day Moisturizer- A pea-size amount of this intoxicating lavender heaven is enough for my whole face.  The scent is strong at first (breathe deeply and enjoy!) then dissipates as it's absorbed.

Step 6: Sweet Dreams Night Creme- Ideal for maturing skin, this luxurious creme is wonderful to put on my cheek and neck areas for an extra boost of hydration.  Like the others, a little goes a long way and the subtle pressed petal scent is a lovely one to go to bed with.  It compliments the lavender so nicely.

Step 7: Rest up and let the magic do it's thing while you look forward to the incredible youthful-feeling face you'll most certainly have in the morning.

Rain Mask

I LOVE this brand new mask!  It's a super hydrating treat.  I put it on last night after washing my face and left in on for about an hour while my husband and I watched a movie.  It's invisible and it didn't make my face feel tight and stiff like other masks when it dried.  I nearly forgot I had it on.  The best part was washing it off.  I kept rubbing it into my skin as I was splashing the water on it because it got really soft and silky and I didn't want it to wash away too fast.  Followed it up with some Sweet Dreams night creme and my face was incredibly soft!

I wasn't really drawn to trying this mask at first because I've never been a huge fan of rose scent.  I've always associated the smell with old-fashioned things and grandmas.  I love grandmas... just haven't wanted to smell like them ;)  I have to admit, though, the reworking of it- giving it a vintage appeal and a modern update by adding the touch of citrus- really works for me!  I'm finding a new appreciation for it.  Mostly, I just love how it makes my skin feel.

I think I'm going to become very attached to this one.  It's comforting and soothing.  It makes me feel like I'm really doing something healthy for my skin.  Maybe I'll put it on for a whole hour once a week while I deep condition my hair and make myself read or watch a movie while I'm waiting.  I like this idea.