OMG you guys! A blogger’s nightmare just happened to me recently. I had to re-shoot all photos I took from prior weeks because my Macbook Air (where everything was uploaded) got corrupted and my efforts to rescue that white screen of death unfortunately went futile! I had to preface today’s post because it will potentially affect my blogging schedule in the coming weeks. I ended up buying a new iMac, totally unplanned, budget-wise.
Now on with some good stuff. Who gets excited trying new skincare stuff? count this woman in! I think most of you will agree with me: the secret to flawless makeup starts with good skin because no matter what kind of makeup you use or application you employ, rough, bumpy, dull, patchy and dry skin will peek through. That’s why I can’t emphasize enough to invest on good products. It doesn’t matter whether they’re high-end or drugstore brand because at the end of the day, finding your holy grail is a labyrinth, trial and error for the most part. Thankfully, my combination and aging skin is in agreement with Jan Marini, a brand I have been meaning to try!
Let’s start with my newfound favorite serum, the C-Esta Face Serum. Featuring a cocktail of antioxidants, Vitamin C and DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol), this product is indicated for fine lines, wrinkles and uneven texture. Vitamin C is known to brighten dull skin while DMAE helps tighten and improve aging skin. In case you don’t know yet, my nighttime skincare regimen is a little bit more thorough as I use multiple serums, oil and moisturizer because this is also the time when our skin cells regenerate, hence active ingredients work better. This serum is bursting with strong citrus fragrance so if you’re sensitive to scents, it’s a primary consideration. Personally, I don’t find it migraine-inducing that’s why I am happy to add it to my skincare stash.
Water/Aqua/Eau, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Urea, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Dimethicone, Acetyl Tyrosine, Dimethyl MEA, Fragrance (Parfum), Zinc Sulfate, Sodium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ergothioneine, Pyridoxine HCl, Sodium Metabisulfite, Sodium Sulfite, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Citric Acid, Farnesol, Linalool, Amyl Cinnamal, Benzyl Salicylate, Cinnamal, Limonene, Eugenol, Gerianol, Hydroxycitronellal, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol
Mask is also a key component of my skincare routine. I do masking three times a week at the most, and yes, I use it as an excuse for “me-time”, stepping away from the “world” and just enjoy the serenity of being alone in my woman cave. The Marini Luminate claims to address hyperpigmentation. Treat it with a grain of salt because in our practice (working as aesthetic registered nurse), laser is the most preferred choice but even that, you need to categorize what kind of hyperpigmentation one has. Certain skin types (Asians, Hispanics, Africans) are also predisposed to PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) that is why hydroquinone is prescribed post-laser treatment. I will talk about it more in a separate post (it’s in my list of must-do). Now barring serious medical or skin issues, an over-the-counter mask like this which contains green/red/white tea extracts and lactic acid can help revive skin’s lackluster look. Consider it like your “a day before the red carpet or special event” treat to your face. Because going back to work on Monday after a weekend hangover is reason enough to revive that glow!
Water/Aqua/Eau, Kaolin, Glycerin, Lactic Acid, Mandelic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol,
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sodium Hydroxide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Steareth-20,
Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Arbutin, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanyl Palmitate,
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract,
Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice,
Aspalathus Linearis Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum,
Tocopheryl Acetate, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Lecithin,
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Steareth-2, Silica, Disodium EDTA,
Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol
Another important yet oftentimes neglected by many in the realm of skincare is
sunscreen! So I say it with so much passion, please don’t! Companies in recent years
have incorporated several ingredients to make sure that it fits certain lifestyles.
The Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant has SPF 33 and while it claims to be water-
resistant, reapplication every two hours or each time you get wet or sweaty is something
you should keep in mind for continued protection.
So sorry to hear about your computer mishap. I live in dread of that sort of thing. Jan Marini skincare sounds wonderful. Definitely a brand I'll consider
OH NO, I am so sorry that your computer went crazy! That is the worst feeling ever! I have a couple of Jan Marini products to review, and definitely think that it is a first rate skincare line!
Ohhh I really want to try the Marini Luminate!
Bummer about your computer. It sucks when they die and they always do it at low budget moments.
Thus skin care, tho. It sounds wonderful.
Oh no! I once had an SD card break in half, with hundreds of new blog photos on it. I was so upset, and had to reshoot all of it š I hope your luck improves! These goodies sound wonderful at least!
Jan Marini doesn't agree with my nose but I wanted to love the brand.
Ugh, loosing photos is the worst. I just go new lamps and and have had issue getting things to look right and has to re-do a bunch of stuff.
This brand sounds really intersting; the mask specifically.
Jan Marini and Obagi are the two brands we sold in my plastic surgery office when I worked there. Everyone enjoyed them and I think they are just great brands. Sis, that sucks about losing all those images and I have been down that route. That's why I back everything up on two different clouds and my TB External Hard drives. I learned the hard way a few years ago when I photographed a clients engagement photos and the images were lost because of a computer malfunction. Thankfully it was engagement photos which could be reshot (the client actually was happy because she wasn't happy with the clothes she wore in the first one) and it wasn't a wedding… I'd cry.
I've heard of this line but haven't tried any of their products before. I'd love to try their sunscreen. It sounds like something that I'd really like.
I haven't tried any of their products, but I would really love to. I'm beginning with makeup and skin care, but an very interested in learning more about it! Bloggers like you really help! Glam_dreams_xo ig
I haven't tried any of their products, but I would really love to. I'm beginning with makeup and skin care, but an very interested in learning more about it! Bloggers like you really help! Glam_dreams_xo ig
So sorry to hear about your picture woes, that is no fun! That mask sounds lovely though.
I hate that so much for u. It such a sinking feeling. Hope it all better now. Lol. That's how I would take it. Thanks so much.