It’s been a while since I’ve written real content here on Mythbuster Beauty, and there has been a really DARN good reason why.

In short, my life took a detour. Nobody died, just things got rearranged – a divorce, starting back at full-time work, and a move. And, I am still here and still passionate about the beauty industry. Along with these changes, my anxiety and stress levels have soared, and my skin has definitely taken a hit. I started breaking out more and more, and the anxiety triggered some of my prior, picking habits. I have been getting super discouraged about it, having not just one or two, but continual breakouts around my jaw and chin and cheeks. This type of breakout is generally termed “hormonal” or “adult acne,” and although I have read a TON about the treatments of acne, wasn’t finding relief. (more…)

This week my 15 year old daughter Amanda came running to her momma for skin care advice.  She had developed a deep, painful zit on her mid-forehead and was feeling beyond frustrated.  Before coming to me, she tried to extract it, which resulted in more inflammation, redness, damage to the skin around the blemish, and morphed it into a monster zit that closely resembled a “third eye.”  Although it was Halloween, she did not want this new and enhanced feature to be a part of her costume.

After delivering my “do what I say, not what I do” lecture on not squeezing at a deep pimple, I sent her to my bathroom closet for a few of my favorite acne spot treatment remedies. (more…)

I’ll be dog-goned!  Almost two weeks without a flare up, and then guess who comes to visit?  A lovely, deep blemish on my chin.  With so many spot treatments available, each claiming to clear up blemishes overnight, containing ingredients like Benzoyl Peroxide, Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil, Sulfur, and onto “kitchen cupboard” tips like applying ice, heat, or a tiny dab of minty toothpaste.  Do any of these emergency spot treatments really do the trick?

In my four decades on the planet, I have tried MANY spot treatments, and realistically know that zits cannot go away instantly (especially the deep ones), and it will take patience (and keeping my picking-fingers away from it), to assist in its disappearance.   I want to share with you two spot treatments that I have found that really make a difference. (more…)

In an email from DecoDiva, she asks:

What would you say is the best product to correct hyper pigmentation? I have a few places on my face that are hyper pigmented from zits that I had last summer.

I’ve seen people recommend:  Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector. *I used this product for several weeks and liked how it felt on my skin, but wasn’t noticing significant fading of my pigmentation issues.

I’ve tried researching online, and a lot of people keep saying just use products with extra vitamin C, like the moisturizer I’m trying out (which I found through one of the total beauty bubbles (Luxe vs. Less Skin Care) you posted on your site.  Garnier Nutritioniste skin renew anti-sun-damage daily moisturizer.  It’s working pretty well but I have only been using it for about a week and a half, maybe 2 weeks. I haven’t had any break outs from it, and my skin seems to be in better shape, so I’m happy in that respect.

So I thought I would ask you if you had any suggestions on products

Here is a list of my recommended skincare products for fading pigmentation and brightening your complexion! (more…)

This is a repeat post from a few months back, with some minor revisions…

Back in 1986, some of my high school friends and a few band geeks organized an event called the “Battle of the Bands.” The idea isn’t original, but their music certainly was. One of them even videotaped it and published it on YouTube! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpMhPx1B0vw) They all had visions of becoming the next Neil Young.

The memories of that teen scene bring me to the current topic. While the bands had their battles, I battled with bouts of acne as a teenager. I tried everything: antibiotics, Retin- A, benzoyl peroxide products like Clearasil, Noxema, cleaning pads like Stridex, and the lists goes on. All with varied results, I hated Retin-A.

I also loved to tan. I used baby oil and aluminum foil while laying out. Sunscreen? Are you kidding me!? I spent most of my babysitting money on trips to the tanning beds.

Now, as a mature, knowledgeable adult, I don’t tan anymore and religiously use sunscreen. However, due to hormones, stress and sun damage, I still battle with break outs!

Since a year ago, when I finally said ENOUGH, I set out on a quest for a real break out solution. I have been seeing a Dermatologist regularly. I use daily sunscreen & avoid the sun when possible. And, I invest in highly-recommended skincare lines and cosmetics.  My skin is making progress.  Slow, but real progress.

1. Consider Retin-A again, Renova and/or Generic Tretinoin Cream (it is an emollient and is much less harsh than what I tried as a teenager). I have read that every person over 30 can benefit from using Retin-A. That is unless you are pregnant or nursing…
2. Benzaclin Cream:  Px topical cream with both antibiotic and drying/healing properties. Good stuff for keeping zits at bay or spot treating an existing blemish.
3. Monthly Glycolic Peels: expensive procedure, but easy to do. There is no downtime and, over several peels, this procedure will improve your skin cell turnover rate, improve clarity, even tone, lighten pigmentation, etc.

OTC:

• Excellent Skincare Lines:  Caudalie, Suki, Cosmedicine, Kate Somerville, Philosophy… On a budget?  Cetaphil Lotion is a great cleanser.  Organic is nice to consider as well.  I try to avoid any cleansers that are harsh or that strip my skin.  Squeaky clean is not a good thing.
• Exfoliate: Lots out there, but I love Suki’s Lemongrass Cleanser, yummy lemon smell and both a scrub and a cleanser.  This leaves my skin feeling soft and refreshed.  Be careful not to use facial scrubs on areas that are inflammed or currently breaking out.  Scrubs will only aggravate your breakouts.
• Facial Peels.  Removes dead skin and increases cell turnover rate.

1. Fruit Enzyme Peels.  One of my favorite fruit enzyme peels is from LooseLipsNY.com called, “Natural Pumpkin and 5% Multi Fruit Complex Peel.” Leave it on for 5 to 10 minutes one a week and follow with a soothing lotion.
2. Another fantastic but not cheap peel is from Murad.  Murad’s Intensive Resurfacing Peel ($164 and used for 12 weeks) is the closest product that I have tried that is somewhat like a low concentration gylcolic peel that you would receive at a Dermatologists office.  Little bamboo beads, glycolic and salicylic acid provide a wonderul exfoliation.  The little plastic dispensers are infuriating and wasteful, but the product is great.  Both of these peels offer a good alternative to the Glycolic Peel from a Dermatologist and are a lot less expensive.

Everyone has a different skin journey to travel.  My heart goes out to those who suffer from acne.  Please feel free to share any of your solutions or favorite skincare products. 

As music legend Neil Young sings,“Keep on Rockin’ in the Free World!”

I recently read an article at msn.com called “Overnight Beauty.”  I wanted to point out and discuss a few of the tips they suggested.  Overall it is a great read with very good information.  Note the concealer product that is recommended.  YES, our very favorite theBalm Anti-Aging Concealer!

Zap Zits  (Spot Treatments):

“Pimples may disappear like magic if, before retiring, you treat them with a product containing an antibacterial ingredient (bacteria can cause acne) and a sebum controller like zinc, says Kansas City, Missouri, dermatologist Audrey Kunin, M.D., associate clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. (Try Bio Jouvance Clarifying Iris Extract or Repêchage Hydra Refine Pore Perfecting Serum.)”

I have become a big fan of a prescription benzoyl peroxide/ antibiotic cream called Benzaclin.  I use it as a spot treatment, or on areas where my skin is prone to break outs (around my nose and chin).  I store it in my refrigerator and it will last for at least a year.  You can also read about other suggestions for spot treatments at this post.  My beauty blogging friend Christine at Temptalia recently wrote a great review about the Zeno Acne Clearning Device.

Moisturize Your Undereye Area:

“Hate the taut feeling of too-dry skin but find soothing eye gels too greasy? Dab on TheBalm Time Balm.  A concealer created to be worn day or night, it manages to feel superlight while delivering a slew of hydrators, including beeswax, soybean oil, and panthenol.”

I am not sure if I would personally wear this product at night time, but for a daytime concealer theBalm’s Anti-Aging concealer really rocks!   Another very luxurious and my personal favorite eye serum is Caudalie’s Anti-ageing Serum Eyes and Lips, full of antioxidants and soothing for the eye and lip areas.  This eye and lip serum penetrates my skin without feeling greasy or heavy, a great skincare investment.  J’adore les Caudalie!   Kate wouldn’t you agree?

Hmmm. Our first step for the “Hot Mama” Challenge: A skincare regimen that is both simple and effective…

My skin Rx for Karen: You need to gently clean your face morning and night. Follow with a good moisturizer with SPF in the AM, and a serum in the PM. Once a week, use a peel or a mask to gently exfoliate and nourish your skin.

Cleansers:

Suki’s Lemongrass Cleanser ($24), truly is a life changing cleanser. Gently exfoliates and cleanses in one step. Uses natural fruity acids that are gentle and will improve your skins clarity as boost your spirits with an invigorating lemongrass scent.

Boot’s No 7 Quick Thinking 4-in-1 Wipes ($8) How’s this for simple, a ready made wet wipe that removes your makeup, tones, and moisturizes in one fell swoop! You pick up these puppies at Target.

Moisturizers:

Juice Beauty’s Organic Oil-Free Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($28), fresh apple scent and moisturizes without leaving your skin greasy. You are getting your SPF too! Amazing stuff.

Caudalie’s Vinoperfect Radiance Serum ($78), yes it is pricey, but trust me, your skin will be thanking you! Apply this serum in the PM on your clean skin. The smell is wonderful rich grape goodness from the Caudalie vineyards in France, oh la la!
Once a week:

Juice Beauty’s Green Apple Peel for Sensitive Skin ($39), a very soothing and sensitive formula to gently exfoliate and nourish your skin. Reminds me of applesauce for some reason, and maybe it is!

Aspirin Mask ($2.00 for a small bottle of generic aspirin tablets), crush 2-3 tablets and dissolve with a few drops of water into a paste. Apply onto skin and let sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Thank you Cosmetics Aware for the tip! This aspirin mask is not only exfoliates, it can be used a good spot treatment for blemishes.

Quick Review:

Our skin turnover rate slows significantly as we age. Gently exfoliating and nourishing our skin is essential to have a clear, glowing complexion!

* Both Caudalie ($25) and Juice Beauty ($29) offer wonderful sampler skincare kits to try before you purchase any of their full size products. Yes, these products are pricey, but so worth it! I believe that good skincare is your best investment. If your skin is healthy and clear, you will need to wear less makeup, and less is more beautiful anyway!

**Remember to get your additional 20% off your purchase at Sephora with the friends and family code: FF2007, but it is only good until Saturday!

Keep Posted for Next Week’s Challenge: Karen’s getting some new makeup, watch out world, the “Hot Mama’s” are coming!

Thanks to all who have already submitted their “Scariest Makeup Moments.” This is MBB’s first official contest, and I have been so pleased by the support from all of you. It has been incredibly fun reading and discovering new ways cosmetic atrocities have been committed, and learning more about you. On Halloween night, the winner will be announced and awarded a prize from a fabulous mineral makeup line, “Everyday Minerals.”

Hopefully those “Scary Moments,” and days, and years in Cecily’s case, (LOL!) are in the past! Today I woke up with a lovely zit on the side of my nose… Normally it wouldn’t freak me out so much, but tonight of all nights, I have a formal black tie dinner to attend with Evan! UGH!!!

When first noticing it, I thought, there must be something in a blog of someones that can help me out here? Then I remembered a recent post published by my newly found friend at Cosmetics Aware! I had just recently read on her blog on how to make a homemade aspirin mask that can be used to heal blemishes.

Ladies, this work we are doing is truly inspired!

If you have not submitted your entry, but would like to, please submit your “Scariest Makeup Moment” on my comment page before Halloween, Wednesday, October 31st. Everyday Minerals will contact the winner personally and allow them to choose what shades and formulas they would like.

A winner will be chosen at random. I decided to choose a winner this way, because I have become increasingly more biased as I am getting to know you. On Halloween night, we are going to video tape the drawing to announce the winner. My girls are going to help and they are really excited about this event!

Sorry Mom, your entry is going to be disqualified because you are my blood relative. Don’t feel too sorry for her though, I send her things all the time! Yes Momma, the eyebrow brush and the Wet ‘n Wild 666 Lip liner is in the mail now. BTW: for $1.00, this lip liner is supposedly a universally flattering shade and you cannot beat the price.

I am also feeling particularly mindful of my good friend Mo at Fried Green Madness right now, and want to wish her a very Happy belated 29th Birthday! Oh, to be 29 again… and Mo, if you will email me your home address, a fun surprise package will show up at your door as well.