Beauty Tip: Preventing and Treating Existing Body Acne

A couple months ago I began breaking out on my neck and decollete and then BAM! I got an idea: use a different cleanser for those areas - and if you haven't been treating your neck and decollete the same way as your face: it's time to. 

I'll use my own skin type as an example so I deliver my advice as clear as I can. I have normal skin and  sometimes suffer from dehydration. But as I previously mentioned, I began breaking out on my neck and chest. If I were to use a cleanser formulated for oily skin, it would leave my face feeling stripped, but treating my neck and decollete different than my face worked.  

I love Desert Essence. I think it's a beautiful, natural and clean brand (vegan, free of nasties) and their Thoroughly Clean Face Wash is one that is too strong for my face (it was developed for oily acneic skin) but is perfect for my neck and chest's condition. It has a very watery, runny consistency but you need a lot less product than you think. I have been using the travel size (4 fl. oz. / 120ml) for the last month and I still have more than half left.

 My acne faded and I'm just left with very annoying dark spots that are slowly fading with the help of different skin care products. 

If any areas on your body are breaking out, I highly suggest you:

a) shower as soon as you get home from the gym/working out

b) thoroughly cleanse your body

c) use anti-acne cleansers / treatments that contain salicylic acid or a natural alternative, tea-tree oil 

d) moisturize as acne-treatments can be drying

e) always use sunscreen, every day

Jojoba Oil: 10 Ways From Head To Toe

I love versatile products, especially when they're natural. I began using jojoba oil roughly about four years as I became inclined to at home beauty treatments -- I'd warm some up in the microwave and apply to dry hair, combing it and massaging it through. I loved how soft and shiny it made my hair. 

As the years have gone by, I've experimented much more with with jojoba oil, and I've hooked some friends and family members into using it as well. Since this is my little corner to share with you everything that I try and love, I am going to type away different jojoba oil application methods. Hope you enjoy!

Sweet Dreams

About a year ago, I finally stopped having trouble falling asleep. Those who have ever had sleep issues understand the frustration of wishing there was some sort of off button for the mind. Since my pre-bedtime routine has worked for me, I want to share it with all of you. Whether you have trouble falling asleep, whether you're dealing with emotional issues that cause you anxiety or whether you simply want to unwind and relax before bedtime, this post will provide very helpful tips. Enjoy.

How To Make Your Hair Grow Quicker

I've always thought that one of the biggest ironies in life is wanting what we can't have at the moment. And when it comes to hair, this is clearly evident. The times when women with straight hair have come to me and said, "You hair is so beautiful! I wish I had your curls!" have been many, and I always tell them, "How about I give you mine and you give me yours?" Again, we always want what we can't have!

I'm pretty sure that those with long hair who are reading this have found themselves staring at short hair do's, reminiscing the times when your head felt lighter. The freshness of having short hair is very appealing.

On the other hand, there are women with short hair who love the edginess of it, yet suddenly snap out of the short-hair-euphoria and wish that their hair grew ten inches long overnight. While such thing is impossible, there are things you can do to help stimulate hair growth. 

@makeupbypatricia/ Left: May 6th 2013. Right: June 26th, 2013

I posted a picture on Instagram a few weeks back of a before and after picture of my hair, and I had many followers ask what my "secret" was. Being a naturally-curly hair gal, haircare has been a pretty big and experimented area in my life. I hope that this post gives you a few ideas on things you can do to make your hair healthier and fuller, while at the same time, speeding up its growing process. Enjoy.

Current Night Time Skin Routine

Hi dolls! Today's post will be an updated version of my night-time skin routine. I'm constantly testing and rotating products, but these are the ones I've been using for the last three months and I've been loving them. Enjoy!

Colors of the Rainbow Tag

Hi beauties! I was tagged by my friend Anne a while back to show you my "Colors of the Rainbow". I am a little late to the party, but feel free to continue reading if you're interested in seeing what I picked! Enjoy!

Tea Tree Oil: A Natural Alternative For Spots

Whether you have acne-prone skin or you suffer from the odd breakout during, I'm pretty sure you've all tried a spot-treatment in your lifetime. Most of them made out of salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. Problem is, they can be a little drying. There are also products out there which contain sulfur and alcohol. Those can be harsh as well. You don't want to irritate any areas that are already sensitive. Lately, I've been trying to be kinder to my skin, so I went back to good old Tea Tree Oil. Enjoy!

May Favorites

Keeping Curly Hair Soft and Nourished

If you have wavy or curly hair, we can relate. Finding the right products are hard, especially when it comes to styling. Some leave our hair crispy, wet-looking, sticky. I've lost track of how many hair products I've used in my lifetime. If this sounds like you, keep reading.

April Favorites

Products Mentioned
- Illamasqua Cream Blusher shade Brazen
- Dior Creme De Rose
- Urban Decay Naked Palette
- Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick shade Beso
- Pureology Serious Colour Hair Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner
- Desert Essence Coconut Soft Curls Hair Cream
- Kate Somerville Eradikate
- Lush Mint Julips
- Fresh Seaberry Moisturizing Face Oil
- Philosophy When Hope Is Not Enough
- Deep Steep Rosemary Mint Dry Oil
- Aura Cacia Peppermint Harvest Refreshing Aromatherapy Mist

A Savior For Wavy or Curly Hair

If you have wavy or curly hair, I feel you. We don't have the luxury of jumping out of the shower and not putting anything on our hair. Our hair needs maintenance - whether it's adding a serum, a leaving in conditioner or styling lotion/gel, depending on the hair's texture. 

My hair is neither thin nor thick. It's kind of in between. For many months, I had stuck to a simple combo: The Kerastase Elixir Ultime - which is a serum with...silicones, and the L'oreal Paris Ever Pure Moisture Leave-In Conditioner with Rosemary Mint. I would add a pump of the Elixir Ultime from mid-shaft to ends and then I would use half a pump of the L'oreal leave in conditioner to "scrunch" my curls. The finish would be soft curls, but they could get a bit crunchy if you add too much of the leave in conditioner - which is actually a light gel. 

If you happen to live in the US or you're visiting soon, you should check this product out at Whole Foods. 

What is it?

Desert Essence Coconut Soft Curls Hair Cream: A moisturizing leave-in conditioner which nourishes and strengthens wavy or curly hair while adding soft definition.

What is the texture like?

Creamy.

How do you use it?

Apply on damp or dry hair. I usually comb my hair, and add a pea-sized amount to half of my hair and then another pea-sized amount to the other half of my hair (while wet). 

Who would like this?

Women who have wavy or curly hair and would like something lightweight, yet anti-frizzing and texturizing. 

It's good to know that...

- It's 100% Vegan
- It's rich in coconut oil, aloe vera, vitamin E, Vitamin B5, Black Oat, Nopal Extract and many other plant extracts that nourish, smoothen and strengthen the hair. 

- Wheat, Gluten and Silicone-Free

- A little bit goes a long way

- It smells like coconut... yum!

My Personal Opinion

This has replaced my old combo. I now jump out of the shower and just use this to style my hair. Today was the ultimate test: it was my sister's birthday and we walked about a mile and a half with Florida humidity while my hair was wet (one of my biggest pet peeves). I was very impressed at how my locks dried soft and frizz-free (no crunchiness or wet looking hair). Love it, and strongly recommend it. 

Do you have wavy or curly hair? What are your favorite products?