Bon Anniversaire Botox!

10 years I got Botox done for the first time by the phenomenal Dr Lisa Ginn in DC.  She made me look how I had always dreamed, frozen. Over the years as the appearance I wanted changed, Dr Ginn gave me a more natural effect and to this day no one has made me look and feel better.

Showing off my non-expression the first time I had Botox with my girl Any

I started doing Botox at such a young age to prevent getting older.  If you can't make the expression, you can't get the wrinkle, right?  I mean, I know I'm right.  Besides the preventative measures, it gives you the look of 8 hours of rest no matter how much sleep you've gotten, it's fucking magic.  Just to clarify, Botox gets rid of wrinkles, but it doesn't make your skin pretty.  You still need good skincare, otherwise you'll have crap looking skin with no lines.  It does not look good.  You need to do both.

Thousands of injections later, I'm on to a new chapter in my quest for youth.  I discovered Good Skin in Brentwood through a friend of my brothers.  This Anti-Aging Clinic is exactly what I'm looking for for right now.  Dr Lisa Goodman has worked with some of the best dermatologist and plastic surgeons.  Always looking to better her skills, she sought after the newest techniques, which brought her to Paris, where she still continues to go to learn the newest and most advanced methods. 

Did you know, Europe usually receives new injectables way before the US?  This gives them much more time to develop techniques.

I'm going to try and summarize this as best I can (Definitely see Dr Goodman, her explanation had me sold before she could finish).  At Good Skin, they create a Tailored Treatment Plan to address current signs of aging and prevent future ones.  Dr Goodman gives you a prioritized list of services that can help you achieve a natural youthful appearance.  I looked at her clients before and after photos, and holy shit, men and women looked like better versions of themselves, not like that had been completely overhauled.  Her techniques strengthen the skin so that you don't need tons of Botox, your face will have movement, it will look fresh.  She does treatments over time that build on each other to treat and prevent, so over time your treatments may change, you may need less of them, or different treatments each visit. 

As I happened upon another birthday last week, my eyes have been my biggest concern lately: crows feet when I smile and my brows naturally arch really high (drives me nuts).  Dr Goodman recommended some Botox to drop my brow, but strengthen my inner brow so my brows look straighter and more masculine.  Botox and filler on men can give a very feminine appearance, Dr Goodman addresses this with customized techniques to give a more masculine look.  Since I smile with my eyes, Botox around the lower part of the eyes can give a very plastic smile (I've had it, didn't hate it).  So to help smooth out my under eyes, she injects Juvederm VoBella through a cannula (check my Instagram video).  It felt weird as fuck, but I was so into it.  It's a flexible needle that goes under the muscle of your cheek to safely put filler under the eyes. (I chose no numbing, but you can definitely get it). Immediately I looked fresher, no bruising (some may, but I typically don't bruise from filler).  I can't wait for the Botox to kick in to see the full results!

My Tailored Plan has another treatment to help with my under eyes in the future, but what I'm really excited about is the lift for my jaw line, to sculpt my jaw and to prevent neck sagging.  I saw her before and after on one man and was about to max out a credit card to get it done right then.

Moral of the story, if you're scared about getting Botox and filler because of pain or an unnatural look, there are so many options out there, just do your research!  

Dr Lisa Ginn SKINN @ LRG in DC (she also gave me the best lips I've ever had, and I've been to a certain Kardashian Dr)

Dr Lisa Goodman @ Good Skin Brentwood 

I guess I really like doctors names Lisa...

Micro-needling

9/25 Session Update

Since I love to switch out what products I use, here's what I used on my most recent micro needling session.  

1. I prepped my skin by scrubbing with the Dr Lancer Polish, this is hands down the BEST granular scrub you'll ever you.
2. Numb 520 to numb before needling. One other super exciting thing I found was a double use for my silicone mask, I use it to keep sheet masks in place, but it also holds down the plastic wrap over my numbing cream, which ALWAYS falls off. 
3. You can get a micro needling pen similar to mine off Amazon, or you can go through the hassle of ordering off Alibaba.com (though it takes a bit of back and forth)
4. Amore Pacific's new Vintage Single Extract Essence & Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Firming Serum to prep and give glide to the pen.  Also my skin has been dry as shit, so that Resveratrol Lift Serum is packed with Hyaluronic Acid to plump skin.
5. My skin has been pretty good lately, so I don't want to do an intense treatment after this session.  I'm using the Caudalie Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Essence as a first step its mild Glycolic exfoliating benefits.
6. I'm jumping back on the Perricone Thio:Plex, this did wonders after my last micro needling session, so I think its time for round 2.  Its also gone down to $89!  I pray its not being discontinued cause this is my JAM
7. Topping my treatment with SkinMedica TNS Ceramide Treatment Cream to calm my skin
8. Can't forget my current 2 eye products, the Biossance Squalene + Peptide Eye Gel and Youth To The People Age Prevention Superfood Eye Cream, both have been treating my eyes good and not giving me an adverse reaction (my eyes have been all kinds of sensitive lately...)
9. Ending with some retinol.  I haven't been using retinoids much this summer due to so much time spent in the sun, so I'm keeping it easy and using my go to A313 to intensify my entire treatment.  Always a favorite!

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I've always thought face tattoos aren't the best investment, but microneedling or mesotherapy, has been my obsession for the past year.  By request from everyone I know, here's the what, why, and how to's on my current favorite anti-aging treatment.

Let me preface this post by saying, I am not a licensed esthetician, dermatologist, or even a nurse.  I'm just an beauty industry veteran with a passion for staying young and willing to do whatever it takes.  All the information provided is based on my research and educated opinion, so take caution with this procedure

What is microneedling?  It's the process of puncturing the skin with a tattoo gun-like device at 0.1mm-2.5mm.  This is beneficial in 2 ways. 1. These punctures act like an irrigation system on the skin, creating pore-like holes that active skincare ingredients can penetrate deeper through, allowing them to treat the deeper layers of the skin where that they can't normally reach.  2.  These punctures are small injuries (that don't scar) so your body goes into repair mode, boosting collagen and plumping the skin, similar to how a laser works, just a different aggressor.  People see reduced acne scars, smoother texture, fine lines and wrinkles plumped out, and promote hair growth (I'm always sure to hit my eyebrows and hairline)

Microneedling vs Dermaroller - Microneedling goes straight down into the skin creating holes parallel to your pores, the creates less visible damage and is easy to heal. Dermarollers go in at an angle and can damage the skin.  Dermarollers are also difficult to sanitize, Microneedling uses 1 time use disposable needles.

How to use.

1. I like to make sure there's no dead skin that can get in the way of the needles, so a gentle scrub or clay mask work great to make the skin smooth. I also use retinol products every day leading up to and at least 5 days after the procedure, this makes sure skin is its smoothest.
2. This isn't the most pleasant feeling, it's like a tattoo all over your face. For anything over 0.5mm, I recommend numbing with lidocaine prior to treatment.  I use the LMK 4% lidocaine which can be purchased OTC at your local pharmacy.  Price ranges $30-$65 for a tube.  (I also just purchased Numb 520 from Amazon, it's way cheaper and 5% lidocaine and it works great) Applying a medium layer all over the face and cover with plastic wrap for 20-30min. You want the face VERY numb, especially the forehead, with the bone just beneath it, that part hurts the worst.
3. After you've rinsed that off (please remember you can't feel your face, the product is probably off, it just feels weird) I clean the skin off with alcohol, you don't want any bacteria on the skin prior that could get into the holes.
4. I like to put a treatment on the skin, depending on your concern, 1 to get the first boost into the openings 2 to give a slip to the gun to make the pen glide easier.  I usually use a hyaluronic acid serum and/or Vitamin C serum
5. Now you're ready for the fun part.  Choose a needle , either 9, 12, or 36 prong.  Only do the 36 needle if you're ready to have a very red face for a few days.  Your pen should have a range from .25mm-2.0mm or 2.5mm.  You can go as high as 2.5mm on the face (forehead, cheeks, temples, chin, jaw, neck) .25-.5mm on the eyes and nose (be careful, men who have thicker skin can usually handle .5mm, women may .25mm especially on the nose) and .25mm on the lips.  I do not recommend needling the eye lids.  The deeper you go, the better the results you will have, but also the longer the down time.  If you start bleeding, you're doing it right.  My forehead will typically bleed at 2.0-2.5mm, if you find you're not bleeding, especially on the cheeks, try holding the skin taut.  You can do the 2.0-2.5 every 8 weeks, 1.0mm every 4 weeks, and .25-.5mm every 2 weeks.  I like to do the intense treatment every 8 weeks, and do the .25-.5mm at the 4 week mark before a mask, aha peel, and retinol.  Gliding the pen over the skin can be a little difficult at high lengths, so a stamping method may be needed, especially on the forehead, you don't want to feel the skin pull.
6. Your face will be red and may be a bit bloody, take toner on a cotton pad and clean up the skin.  Follow with your active treatment - Vitamin C for brightening, Hyaluronic Acid to plump and hydrate, and/or Peptides for firming.  You may also chose to do a sheet mask and/or mild AHA peel, which will go super deep, so be ready for your skin to start peeling after a few days.
7. Always follow your treatment with retinol, it just works.  Your skin will be red and irritated for 2-5 days but after that you get this "holy shit" glow that makes all that pain worth it

I've seen med spas charge from $500-$1000 per session for microneedling, doing it at home is way more cost effective, but please use caution! I don't want anyone stabbing their eyeball with a 2.5mm needle or getting an infection from reusing needles.

Where to buy

There are a lot of microneedling pens on the market, I have one similar to this one, but there are plenty out there.  Just be sure to get one that has a rechargeable battery, no body wants to deal with a cord.  Be sure to also get needles from the same manufacturer to make sure they fit your gun.  Please, never reuse needles, that's gross.

Prep Serums
I like something with a nice slip so the pen can easily glide.  Lately I've been using my essence, Dr Ci Labo VC100 Essence, it has amino acids, hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, and a nice slip that lasts, making it easy to glide the pen over your skin.

After Treatments

- Brightening
If your main concern is brightening, stick with a Vitamin C serum over after your treatment, as of lately, my favorite has been the Skin Medica Vitamin C + E Complex $58, I didn't love the silicone texture at first, but the results make it worth it.  For added brightening, use the Dr. Jart Brightening Solutions Mask $9 right after needling, before your serums, that mask kicks ass.

- Hyaluronic Acid
If your main concern is hydration and plumping out fine lines, go with a Hyaluronic Acid treatment.  I'm loving the Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift $95 and Dr Perricone Hyalo Plasma $135.  Boost up with a hydrating sheet mask directly after your treatment, I love the SK-II Facial Treatment Sheet Masks $17, $95, or $135, they kinda do everything and just make you look perfect.

- Peptides

One of my absolute favorite serums is the Skin Medica TNS Essential Serum $150-281 depending on where you buy it.  It's dual pumps contain "Human Fibroblast Conditioned Media" on one side (allegedly baby foreskin stem cells) and a bunch of antioxidants and peptides on the other.  If you can afford this Serum, it's definitely one of the ultimate anti-aging products, I ❤️❤️❤️ it.

- AHA Peels

Korres Wild Rose Petal Peel is an amazing 2 step peel that exfoliates and brightens with AHAs and Vitamin C.  I've used this one the most after my microneedling treatments and as a weekly treatment, its one of my all time favorites.

- Retinol

Minimum 5 days prior to and 5 days after microneedling, you should be using a retinol.  If you have sensitive skin, yes you will peel a ton and have dry irritated skin, but isn't it worth it for the results after?  If you have a Rx tretinoid, use that, if not, these are a few of the retinols I use.

Skin Medica has 3 strengths in their Retinol Complex - .25 for sensitive skin, .5 for more tolerant skin, 1.0 for those of us who use everything on the face and have no problems.  This is one of my favorite you can buy without a prescription.

A313 $33 is still probably my favorite, even more so than prescription.  I love the thick texture of this French Vitamin A cream, and usually apply it as the last step in my PM routine, it always gives great results, especially for the low price point.

After my treatment tomorrow night I will be trying out the Dr Perricone Thio-Plex Intensive 2 Step Brightening System $145 which is an all over mask and overnight spot treatment to brighten the skin.  I've been meaning to try it and what better time than the new year! For my eyes I'm gonna to use the new Murad Eye Lift Firming Treatment, I got some samples as Sephora 100 point perks and I've loved the results!

A Multi Active Lifestyle

A few months ago I posted that I receive the whole line of the recently reformulated Clarins Multi Active line.  Since I had used the line years ago (like over 10) and was now the target age for the product, I was very excited to try it again with the update.  So here's the low down...

True to Clarins form, the formulas are full of unique botanical ingredients. Organic Teasel minimizes fine lines caused by a stressful lifestyle, Myrothamnus fights the effects of daytime stress minimizing fine lines and boosting radiance and Organic California Poppy helps absorb the harmful effects of late nights and interrupted sleep.  They make the Day version in 4 formulas, Normal to Combination, All Skin Types, Dry Skin, and an All Skin Type + SPF 20 and the Night version in 2 formulas, Normal to Combination and Normal to Dry.  I started with the day for All Skin Types and night for Normal to Dry because I love a rich texture at night.  Now I have combo skin, and as much as I love a rich texture, it's warm out, my skin didn't need all the extra hydration and l was waking up with a little bit of clogged pores, so I switched to the Normal/Combo night cream and that solved that problem.  I continued to use these 2 for almost 4 months.  I did use the Normal/Combo day cream a few times during hot and humid days and while traveling to humid climates, it was the perfect lightweight gel texture for those days, but I really loved the texture of the All Skin Type cream for the dry LA weather.

Clarins has texture down, they know what will work for each skin type, so stick with what they recommend.  My skin felt comfortable and hydrated, but never heavy, every day I wore the creams.  My skin was always glowing, looking fresh, never a clogged pore (except when I tried the cream too rich for my skin).  During my time using these I also decided to give my skin a break from Botox.  I've been getting so many compliments on my skin even though I have facial expressions again. I remember in my very first Clarins training, my fabulous trainer Christy said the night cream will give 8 hours of sleep no matter how few hours I sleep you get.  Every morning I woke up looking like I got a full 8 hours of sleep (my average is an unhealthy 5-6), I almost didn't even want to wash my face in the morning for fear that glow would wash away!

Chances are, if you're in the 25-35 age range, when first signs of aging start, you're stressed the fuck out, not sleeping, and wondering why your skin isn't looking how it did 10 years ago.  The Clarins Multi Active line is a going to work great for you.  It protects from free radical damage while smoothing out those first fine line, so pretty much pausing aging and keeping you looking your best.  The night cream is my favorite of the 2 products just because of how amazing I look in the mornings, but the use of both of them together, you really can't go wrong! At $53 for the day and $56 for the night, they're an affordable luxury you can't afford to miss out on.  Which formula is your favorite??

Audacity

I recently finished my second bottle of the Odacité Wild Carrot serum and first bottle of the Green Tea-Lemongrass.  I'm always skeptical of all natural brands as so many of them have proven ineffective, especially on my Teflon tough-product resistant skin (I mean chemical peels rarely even make me peel).  Odacité (a French play on the word Audacity) was created by a cancer survivor who wanted to cut toxins out of her life but didn't want to sacrifice performance in her skincare.  This is a story I feel I've heard 100 times and have still been let down by the products.  I was so pleasantly surprised when I tried these oils. Within just a few days of use my skin glowing, radiant, and super smooth.  Here's the details

Vital Glow - Wild Carrot Serum Concentrate $55 - Just 2 ingredients, Wild Carrot oil from a small French village and non-GMO Vitamin E.  Wild Carrot is rich in Vitamins A, C, and E, they pack a strong punch to fight wrinkles and smooth out the skin.  Just mix 2-3 drops with your face cream.

Radiant Effect - Green Tea + Lemongrass Serum Concentrate $39 - 3 clean ingredients in here, Green Tea seed oil, non-GMO Vitamin E, and Lemongrass oil.  Green Tea is rich in free radical fighting antioxidants and Lemongrass is detoxifying and uplifting.  These work together to give the skin a beautiful luminosity, I was so surprised how glowy my skin got, I started to ration this oil for special occasions, but really, at $39 it's a steal.

These are the only products I've tried from the line, but methinks I need to invest in a few more! Definitely give them a try to give your current skincare routine a boost!

New Product Review

Been a bit crazy with the new job, but I’ve added some great new products to my skincare routine that I’m sure you’re just dying to hear about.

Dior Capture Total Le Sérum $165-$225 4/5 Stars– Now I haven’t used Dior skincare since I used the No Age range 3,000 years ago (it smelled like nana and I loved it), and I was a little hesitate to use Dior skincare as they are known for using a lot of fragrance.  The active ingredient is Longozo of Madagascar Extract, the Dior Researchers have boosted the Longoza extract enhancing its properties, making is capable of synchronizing cells, including stem cells, in every layer of the skin. Dior reports say that when used twice a day for a month, 92% of users noticed fine lines and wrinkles smoothed, 88% noticed facial features were firmer, and 92% said their skin reflected light better.  Now I don’t know how a serum can turn my face into a light reflective prism, but I’m into it.  I’ve been using Le Sérum for 2 months now and while I thought I would hate it, I really really like it.  It absorbs easily after my essence and doesn’t have a strong fragrance.  My skin is noticeably smoother and is definitely glowing, so maybe it does turn skin into a prism…

Odacité Green Tea-Lemongrass Serum Concentrate $39 – I just started using this guy 2 weeks ago and I LOVE the smell!  I had previously used the Wild Carrot-Vital Glow which I really liked, so I’m just as excited about this one.  This serum only has 2 ingredients, Camellia seed oil (Green Tea) and Lemongrass oil.  Green Tea is a powerful anti-oxidant great for protection and adding radiance, Lemongrass has tightening properties and also helps refine sluggish, lackluster skin.  I mix 3 drops in with my moisturizer in the morning, now if you don’t like the smell of Lemongrass, you won’t like this, I however love the smell of Lemongrass.  I did lightly notice the smell throughout the day, which was invigorating.  I’ve definitely seen it perking up my skin as I’ve been crazy tired lately.

Kate Somerville CytoCell Dark Circle Eye Cream $75 3.5/5 Stars – This eye cream has a huge cult following and I had been hearing about it for so long I just hand to get some.  Its an all in one anti-aging eye cream with a focus on fighting dark circles.  It contains 2 peptides to refresh, hydrate, and smooth, plus Vitamin C and Light Diffusing Pearls to brighten the eye area.  I find it funny that on the Kate Somerville website they list 4 user studies, none of them mentioning dark circles (I mean, it’s a Dark Circle eye cream…) then I look to the Sephora website and see they do have a user result but its only 60% of users that said is dramatically reduced the appearance of dark circles under the eyes.  Dark Circles are one of the hardest concerns to treat, probably why there is such a low number.  I’ve been using this for just over a month, and I have noticed my eyes looking brighter, it definitely hydrates instantly and with the smallest amount.  I give it a 3.5 because I've noticed more of a difference in hydration and firmness than dark circles, and that's really what I wanted out of it.  I do really like it though.

Boscia Sake Balm $46 3/5 Stars– The texture on this one is just the coolest.  It’s this weird gel that bounces back into place like a memory foam mattress (If you ever used the Mizon Returning Starfish Cream, its similar to that).  This lightweight balm contains Sake, which is loaded with antioxidants to help with loss of water, radiance, hyper-pigmentation, and pretty much every other skin concern.  Glycolic Acid helps with texture, fine lines, and hyper-pigmentation.  Vitamin C to help brighten and protect the skin, as well as boosting collagen.  Lastly a botanical blend of Jojoba Leaf and Willowherb to fight free radicals and help with inflammation.  I’m on week 3 of using this every morning, I like that its so light weight, making it great for layer with other products, but I can’t help but feel it’s a bit too light weight for dry LA weather.  The texture definitely makes it ideal for combo to oily skin, but I feel drier skin types probably won’t love it.  To see results from the actives in this, it usually takes a little time, so I plan on finishing the jar to see if it can fade some of my sun damage.

Skin Medica Retinol 1.0 $93 – Retinol is one of the only ingredients proven to fight fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and improve texture, so everyone needs one.  I recently finished a tube of my favorite A313 and decided to give the SkinMedica a try.  Going from using an Rx strength retinol to OTC strength, I’ve definitely noticed less irritation, but I’m still getting similar smoothing results.  Skin Medica makes their retinol in 3 strengths, .25, .5, and 1.0, so if you’re not use to using a retinol product, definitely start on the lower end; Start by using it every 3 nights working your way up to every night.  The nights I haven’t used this I see why I definitely need to keep using a retinol, its smoothes out the texture of the skin and helps sloth off the dead skin so my cleanser can remove it all in the AM.  If you’re in the market, I definitely recommend the SkinMedica Retinol range.

4 Week Before & After

Elizabeth Arden-Prevage-Clinical Lash + Brow Serum $100 – So I may not be the best at taking before and afters (getting the same lighting is so hard!) but you can see by the photo of week 1 vs week 4 that there’s definitely an improvement in length of the lashes and thickness of the brows.  Being that I tweezed the fuck out of my brows as a young gay, they just don’t grow anymore, that arch is permanent.  I won’t say that I noticed a lot of new hairs in my brows, but they look MUCH thicker than they did before.  My brows normally disappear in photos with a flash, but now I can actually see them!  My lashes also are much fuller.  I’ll definitely continue to use it, I’m happy with the results.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydra-Firm Sleeping Cream $38 – I’m slowly becoming more and more obsessed with First Aid Beauty.  The brand is really clean, meaning no harsh chemicals, no parabens, colourants and the such.  I was always under the impression that the products were designed for the most sensitive of skin (which they are) and that they wouldn’t be active enough for someone wanting more.  This has definitely proved that theory wrong.  I’m so obsessed with this Sleeping Cream, and its only $38, seriously??  It has peptides to boost collagen, ingredients to firm and improve elasticity, as well as Hyaluronic Acid, Colloidal Oatmeal, plant butters, and waxes for tons of hydration.  The texture is creamy, but not heavy, and the hydrating and calming ingredients make it ideal for anyone using retinols, chemical peels, or with sensitive skin.  Give is a try, and experience some of the other products in their range (I’m loving the Vitamin Hydrating Mist right now as well!)

The Art of Layering

When it comes to crazy weather that changes 3 times a day, as it does in LA, I have absolutely no clue how to layer clothes.  But when it comes to skincare, I am the master at putting on as many layers as possible.  I love to layer products of all different kinds to get my skin glowing and I rarely use 2 products with the same actives, I want all my products to be doing different things, like, why use a toner, serum, and face cream that all have the same actives?  Shouldn't you be getting enough out of just one of them? If your skin can handle it, switch it up and give it a little of everything.  Here's how to get all those products on your face without feeling weighed down, I've provided some products that I have or am using that work great in these steps.

1. Cleanse - As someone with combination skin, I like bit of a deep clean, then add all the nutrients and oils back in afterwards.
AM Jurlique Clarifying Deep Cleansing Gel $28
PM Bellatora Exfoliating Cleanser $95

2. Toner - I find a lot of people don't use toner, but I love it.  It balances the ph of your skin and removes any excess cleanser leaving your skin fresh for products.
AM/PM Erno Laszlo Light Controlling Lotion $55

3. Essence - Applied directly after toner, facial essences add water light actives into the skin that are immediately absorbed. Warm and press into skin.
AM/PM SKII Facial Treatment Essence $99-290
AM/PM Belif Hungarian Water Essence $42

*If you are doing a sheet mask do it here, skip step 4 and maybe step 6 if you feel the serum in the mask was on the heavier side.*
SKII Facial Treatment Mask $135 for 6
Dr Jart Brightening Infusion Hydrogel Mask $7.50
Freeset Donkey Milk Skin Gel Mask Pack $37 for 10

4. Ampoule/Serum #1- Ampoules (as they're called in Korean beauty) are lightweight, gel-like, watery serums that easily absorb in the skin. Warm and press into skin.
AM/PM Cosrx Propolis Light Ampule $23.98
AM/PM Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate $78-175

*If you're experiencing breakouts, now's a good time to add a spot treatment*
Murad Acne Spot Treatment $18

5. Eye Serum/Gel - Eye serums and gels absorb the fastest, they're typically used for dark circles, puffiness, and lifting. Press all around orbital bone using a firm pressing (not rubbing) motion to stimulated lymphatic drainage.
AM/PM La Mer Luminous Eye Gel $145
AM/PM Dr. Perricone Acyl-Glutathione Eyelid Serum $120

*Wait 30 second for these step to absorb*

6. Serum #2 - This is going to be your heavier serum, usually your most active one.  Heavier serum usually have glycerin or silicones in them to help carry in active ingredients such as peptides. Warm and tap all over the face
AM/PM Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum $59.50-$154
PM Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment $105

7. Eye Cream - This will be your richer eye product, used for hydrating/firming.  Take a small amount and warm between 3 fingers, press around the orbital bone.
AM/PM AmorePacific Future Response Dual Eye Cream $150
AM/PM Algenist Complete Eye Renewal Balm $65

*Wait 30 Seconds for those products to absorb*

8. Facial Oil - Facial oils can be used so many ways, it really depends on what you're using it for.  You can use before, after, or mixed in with your cream.  Use before if it's a lighter weight oil after if it's thicker.  Ether can be mixed with a cream.  Oils can penetrate creams, that's why they can be used after. To apply all over, warm in the palms of your hands and press all over the face.
AM/PM African Botanics Neroli Infused Marula Oil $85
PM Sunday Riley Luna Oil $105
AM/PM Odacité Wild Carrot Serum Concentrate $55 (great for mixing with your moisturizer)

*Wait 60 seconds (I usually brush my teeth, put on the coffee, turn on the iron here, throw on my body cream, or put some product in my weave here)*

9. Cream or Lotion - Choose a texture for your skin type, if you're oily, you obviously don't want a heavy texture over all these layers.  Drier skin types may like a richer cream to lock in moisture.  Warm in hands and sweep outwards.
Dry Skin - Caudalie Premier Cru La Crème Riche $158
Normal Skin - Natura Bisse Essential Shock Intense Retinol Fluid $105 (Currently trying this one out, its suppose to be great for men, can be used around the eyes, and can be used as a serum or a day/night lotion)
Oily or Acne Prone Skin - Clarins Truly Matte Hydra-Matte Lotion $45
Sensitive Skin (Redness/Irritation) - First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream $6.50-$30

*Wait 60 seconds for the moisturizer to absorb, throw your clothes on, chug the rest of your coffee, reply to some emails...*

10. AM - Sunscreen is a must.  Mineral sunscreens (zinc and titanium) work by reflecting UV rays away from the sun and last the longest, chemical sunscreens absorb UV preventing it from hitting the skin.    Mineral sunscreens sometimes make my skin itch, other have the same problem with Chemical.  Find a texture you like, I use a creamy one in the winter, and water light in the summer.  Always use SPF 30 (anything more than that doesn't really do much).  Warm in hands and sweep all over the face, be sure to focus on high points, forehead, nose, and cheeks they all get the most sun (or your left temple you're in the car as much as I am...). 
Thicker - Jurlique Sun Specialist SPF40 High Protection Cream $38
Thinner - TonyMoly My Sunny Watery Sun Gel SPF30 PA++ $15.99

*Now you can apply your primer, foundation, and the rest of your makeup, or just have bare glowing skin*

10. PM - Retinoids - These are one of the only truly proven anti aging ingredients.  A retinoid is different from what we can but from a store, these need to be prescribed by a dr.  You can use them alone, but I like using them as my last step to reduce sensitivity as they can be pretty aggressive. The closest I've found without a prescription is the A313 Vitamin A Cream that you can purchase OTC in France or from the link below.
A313 Vitamin A Cream $33.75

10. PM Option 2 - Sleep Masks are so much fun to use! I can cater to my skins current needs by having a variety of sleep masks to choose from.  These mostly help by adding extra moisture into the skin, especially helpful during dry seasons or when you have heating or a/c on at night drying your skin.  Warm and press into skin as a final step.  Wait about 10-15 minutes before putting your face on the pillow.
Dr Jart Water-Max Sleeping Mask $48
AmorePacific Moisture Bound Sleeping Recovery Mask $60

11. Lip Treatment - Lip balms are my crack, they always have been, I've been using them longer than I've been using eye cream (15 years old). Always leave the house with some good balm in your pocket, never know when you'll need to 😘.  Apply liberally as needed.
Hourglass No28 Lip Treatment Oil $42
Nuxe Ultra-Nourishing Lip Balm $18.50

See 10 step skincare really isn't that difficult (even if you add in 2 or 3 more steps).  When in doubt, just remember thinnest to thickest. Have you had success with this? Are you doing more than 10 steps?  I'd love to know!

Vitamin Oui

If you haven't heard of the legendary Avibon, you're probably not that big of a skincare fanatic.  If you have heard of, then you probably know it's been taken off the market for "reformulation" (I emailed them, it's never coming back). Fortunately there's a substitute, A313.  I ordered this online when I found out about it and immediately fell in love with it as part of my winter brightening routine. It's a Vitamin A cream (retinol), less potent than Avibon, but similar to our prescription retinol creams.  I noticed smaller pores, smoother skin, diminishing fine lines, and brighten skin within a few uses.  It does cause some initial redness, peeling, dryness, and irritation, as do all retinols with any strength, but those side effects fades after about a week.  I suggest applying this over your night cream for less irritation, that's how I use it every or every other night.  If you're headed to France, bring a picture, every pharmacy I went into had no clue what I was talking about, and I went into every one I walked past. I recommend this to anyone and everyone, like Botox and sunscreen, retinols are something everyone should use to keep their skin looking younger.  4.5/5 Stars available on Amazon around $30

I Heard It Through The Grapevine

Some of my favorite skincare products come from the French brand Caudalie, so when I heard they were joining forces with Harvard to bring new advancements from their already potent resveratrol, I said "put it all over my body".   The line contains their signature Vine Resveratrol and combines it with Micro Hyaluronic Acid to boost firmness, elasticity, and help your skin to boost its own Hyaluronic Acid levels.  I started using the entire line October 1st and continued through November 1st, here's what I thought.

Let's see how many products I can hold in one hand

The Firming Serum is the key formula in the 4 product line up.  It's also the product I finished first.  Consumer studies on the serum boast denser skin in 7 days, firmer And lifted skin in 28 days, and smoothed wrinkles in 56 days.  Well, after using it twice a day, I only made it to day 28 before I ran out of product.  I'm typically not heavy handed with my skincare, but the serum is thicker than most and I spread all my skincare down my neck, I found I needed quiet a bit of it.  The dropper style dispenser also leads you to believe you can use a full droppers worth.  Last complaint is that the dropper isn't long enough to get out all the product, so I was q-tipping the rest out to get to 28 days.  Despite it only lasting 28 days, I love the results from this serum, my skin was so plump and hydrated and definitely looked firmer.  Great for all skin types who need a boost in hydration and some help with fine lines.  I would recommend it for late 20s and up.  4/5 Stars $82.

I typically hate having sunscreen in my moisturizer because so many irritate my skin.  The Face Lifting Moisturizer SPF 20 was a nice exception to this.  I do wear 30+ SPF so I would still prefer not to have it added in, but on my days running out the door this is a great option.  Its lightweight fluid texture provided a great deal of hydration without being greasy.  I switched to a different moisturizer after November 1st, but now I'm thinking to switch back, I miss how soft it made my skin! 3.8/5 Stars $66

My favorite time for skincare in evening, mostly because I can layer on as many products as I want.  The Resveratrol Lift Night Infusion was a nice addition.  It has a lightweight whipped creamy texture, almost mouse like.  In Caudalie's studies they found 93% of users noticed smoother wrinkles and 90% noticed their skin was more relaxed in 28 days.  Well this is one of the products I kept using after 11/1.  I've been loving how my skin looks in the morning, so refreshed like I actually slept 8 hours (I usually get 4-6).  As its been getting really dry in LA I've found myself needing to add some more oil or alternating with heavier creams, but I keep going back to it.  It's spreads really far, feels like it will last me a long time. I would recommend this to anyone 30+ with Combo-Dry skin in need of a solid great night cream 4.2/5 Stars $76.

Lastly we have the Eye Balm.  Now I'm a bit of an eye cream snob, I've used nearly every one on the market, so I'm quiet particular.  Caudalie reports that 80% of users noticed less puffiness in 28 days.  I don't get puffy, so I can't really talk to that.  It's very lightweight, I felt that it did help my skin stay hydrated, however I like my eye creams a lot thicker.  I felt like I needed an eye cream on top, so I used an Amore Pacific one on top.  I keep grabbing it every morning and night, so I must not hate it, but I wouldn't say it's one of my favorites.  Would be a great starter eye cream for someone, or apparently anyone with puffiness.  3/5 Stars $62

All in all the Resveratrol Lift line has been enjoyable to use, the textures have been different from the rest of their products, and I've enjoyed that.  I still prefer the Premier Cru Face Cream and Eye Cream but this is definitely a nice more affordable option.

UPDATE

Just finished using the Resveratrol Lift Face Lifting Soft Cream after 3 months of use.  It was what I loved about the SPF Moisturizer, and without the sunscreen that I didn't.  This kept my skin hydrated when it was dry, but wasn't so heavy that I ever felt greasy.  My skin glowed every morning I wore it, and stayed super soft and plump.  It even helped when my red was peeling from too much retinol/peels.  I would 100% use this again, the texture was amazing, and I knew my skin was going to always look smooth.  5/5 Stars 😉 $76

Under The Sheets

It's not secret I have an obsession with Korean skincare, they just really know what's up.  The biggest Korean skincare trend to make it stateside is sheet masks.  I may have gone a bit overboard on ordering sheet masks from Korea and buy them at every store I can find them in, but these quick fixes are such a fun supplement to your skincare routine.  It's nice having a variety so you can pick one according to your current skin concern.  Here are just a few I've been using recently.

I am all about brightening.  I want all that sun damage I caused in the tanning bed to fade faster than its popping up.  The Innisfree intensive Ampoules Mask [vita C] is one of my new favorites.  I ordered it a quiet a few month ago but just recently used it.  It contains a Vitamin C Ampoule (fancy name for serum) that you apply first, then lay the sheet mask over top.  My skin was glowing the next day, exactly what I needed after my recent travels and lack of sleep. 4/5 Stars available at innisfreeworld.com for $4

If you're a skincare junkie, Facebooks creepy algorithms have taken notice and you've seen the ads for the Orgaid Organic Sheet Mask.  If I see an offer for free beauty products you know I'll be the first one on board.  They apparently knew how obsessed I am and sent me 2 sheet masks (on different days) so I mean, I had to write a review.  Upon opening the mask I though it was going to rip the mask apart accident Because they don't put the clear divider in there, probably more eco friendly, but it was sturdy and highly saturated in formula. I left it on about 20 minutes, it still hadn't dried at all, but I was hungry and wanted a snack.  It definitely left my skin feeling super hydrated, but I didn't really notice any other benefits.  4/5 stars, great for anyone looking for a boost in hydration and like clean and organic products. $7.99 for 1 and $38.50 for a pack of 6 at Orgaid.com or on Amazon.com

When I think of donkeys, the first thing I think about is most definitely not their milk.  Thankfully the Koreans have other opinions on the matter.  When a super nice girl I met on New Years (thank Eunice!) messaged me that she wanted to send me some Donkey Milk sheet masks, I obviously was over the top excited.  Now I can't read Korean for the details on these, but I'll tell you they feel like happiness and dreams.  The serum has a very milky texture and stay moist on the sheet for longer than my attention span will allow Otto stay on.  It left my skin feeling super soft and hydrated. 5/5 Stars $WhoKnows, available from your super cool Korean friend.

Now if you don't want to play games and want some serious results, then you need to turn to the gold standard in sheet masks, Knesko Skin.  First let me tell you about the founder Lejla Cas, if you ever meet her while she is in a spa selling, you'll buy everything she tells you too.  She's stunning, has flawless skin, a soothing accent, and the most calming demeanor, she could tell me eating gravel off the 405 would get rid of dark circles and I'd believe her, but I doubt she would.  Her masks are free of junk ingredients and packed full of actives.  There Diamond Radiance and Nanogold Repair masks for both eyes and face.  These masks are amazing after a chemical peel or for an intense boost to your routine.  They soothe, repair, firm, lift, hydrate, help with puffiness and dark circles, you name it.  At $150 for a 4 pack of masks and $60 for 6ct eye, these masks aren't exactly your impulse purchase, but maybe the fact that I give them a 6/5 stars and that they're amazing will make you run out and grab them.  Available at high end spas such as Canyon Ranch and Four Seasons, Nigels Beauty Emporium In North Hollywood, and KneskoSkin.com