Category Archives: Fashion

6 Timeless Pieces – Fall / Winter Wardrobe Essentials

6 TIMELESS PIECES – FALL / WINTER WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

I have said it before and I will say it again, nothing says cozy, comfy more than the fall season. One of the major reasons why I love Autumn weather is for the fall fashion. The socks, the blazers, the boots, the coats, the cardigans, you name it!

fall fThe key to finding timeless pieces is to invest once in quality and style that is classic, that is how you ensure getting the most out of your purchase that can be worn with different things, look different each time and last you decades.

Click here for my previous post about Fall Fashion.

I did a similar write-up about Fall Must haves last year, and I want to make it an annual thing for all you clever and classy ladies out there.

 

Note: The inserted images from amazon are for your benefit and mine. They give you a better idea of the products I talk about; and if you use my link to make any purchase, I make a small commission from Amazon as part of their Amazon Affiliates Program.

Bored of gifting people the same things? Here is a list of unique gifts that your friends and family will love. 

Lets get right into the 5 timeless pieces you need for your Fall/Winter wardrobe to be Fall/Winter ready.

1. A Cardigan

The time for long, droopy cardigans with pockets is over, this is the time for the little cardigan, neutrals are always great to have in your wardrobe, especially when it comes to cold weather clothes, they are classy, universal and you will get more use out of your clothes if you go for neutrals.

Looking to invest in some cold weather outerwear? Go neutral is my best tip. Think black, white, grey, tan.

Here are some cardigan options that you can choose from.

FALL / WINTER WARDROBE ESSENTIALS

2. A Blazer

A timeless wardrobe implies that everything you purchase should last you at least a decade and will always be stylish and look chic and effortless. A blazer is something that is classic, fashionable, essential and ideal for work as well.

A good blazer will last you a long time so it is recommended to go for ones that are good quality, they are the ones that will be good investment piece for your winter / fall wardrobe for many years to come.

Again, go for neutrals, another reason why I say neutrals should be the way to go here is that a hot pink blazer will be great to wear once in the season and everybody will notice it, neutrals you can pair with so many different outfits and shades and you can wear them a lot more without being too obvious. Hence, getting more out of your neutral clothes.

Here are some blazer options that might interest you.

3. Classic Black Pants

This post is inspired by stylist Kim XO on YouTube. She recommends going for navy if that is your thing. Some complexion undertones work better with navy or brown than with black, so of course use your discretion when it comes to choosing between the neutrals that work for you.

Buy a pair of classic black pants that work for you – These could be leather pants, wool pants, just team them up with a silk tank top, a pair of heels, a blazer and you are ready to go.

Stylist Kim XO says the cut or style of black pants can range from cigarette pants, wide legged, straight cut pants, which ever style that works for you and your body type.

Here are some classic black pants that you can choose from.

4. Black Boots

A pair of black boots that are in a good condition, not all of us can rock a pair of stilettos, so a pair of flat black boots is recommended so you can get the most use out of them. I had a pair of black flat boots that I had been wearing every winter for the past few years and last year, they gave up on me while I was still walking in the mall.

So yes, that little embarrassing story is just to remind you to make sure your shoes, boots, sandals are in good condition, and can handle another Winter/Fall season. If there is no way to tell the wear and tear, then just keep an extra pair in handy.

Army boot, Chelsea boot, loafers are some classic boots that are timeless and comfortable for your Fall/Winter wardrobe.

Here are some classic boot shoes that you can look into.

5. A Classic White Blouse

All the timeless pieces mentioned above can be teamed with a classic white blouse. A classic white blouse with your favorite cardigan, a classic white blouse with a blazer, a classic white blouse with a blazer, black pants and some boots are all timeless, classy and classic looks that is stylish now and will be fashionable twenty years from now.

A nice silk white blouse is a fantastic timeless piece that deserves some space in your wardrobe, needless to say the classic white blouse is stylish throughout the year, in any weather. Just pick one that suits your body type, the fit and texture you buy depends on your personal preference.

Here are some classic white blouses that are always stylish.

6. A Turtleneck

A turtleneck will make any blazer, cardigan, coat outfit pop just a bit more by adding just a bit more character to your outfit and it makes you look effortlessly put together. A turtleneck sweater with your neutral blazer, black boots, and a purse. “A Classy Fashionista” will be the words on everybody’s mind when you walk in that door.

Do not fret the turtleneck if you are someone with a bigger chest, just get something that is a tad looser, a bit shorter or something with frills, suggests stylist Kim XO.

Wrapping Up

We have all gotten used to the work from home and stay at home and watch Netflix jam, but it is important to be aware of this change and actively try and fight it. I, like many of you, love my comfort zone, and I spent the entire covid crisis buying lounge wear.

A friend of mine laughed at me saying “You will never want to leave your house now, with so many lounge clothes,” I thought she was being dramatic and funny, but the girl had a point.

It is these small decisions that have a bigger impact on our thinking and slowly changes that we did not sign up for start taking place and a new comfort zone is formed. The good news is, we can change that and create another ripple effect by adjusting ourselves one day at a time, or one purchase at a time (Keeping the theme of this blog post in mind).

I love my comfy lounge wear, but it is time to get out of the house, the comfort zone, the cozy mindset, get out into the world, and show our amazing selves to everybody. The outfits we choose, slowly but surely, change us.  Be wise.

That little ramble is just something I wanted to add. Also, stay stylish, stress-free, clever, and classy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Best 13 Mascaras of 2021 – Recommended by Wayne Goss

THE BEST MASCARAS OF 2021 – TOP 13 RECOMMENDED BY WAYNE GOSS

 

Wayne Goss – “A mascara should make your lashes longer, darker, and thicker. That is it.”

 

Mascaras are like the Star Wars of the beauty world. You either love them or you hate them. Makeup companies exaggerate their claims about what their “new and improved” mascaras do, but a good mascara should do only three things. A good mascara makes your lashes look thicker, darker, and longer. Everything else is just false advertising.

Here are the top 13 mascaras recommended by famous YouTuber Wayne Goss. Wayne Goss is no newbie when it comes to the beauty world. He is a makeup artist, one of the original beauty gurus on YouTube who have kept it real and I, along with many others trust his opinion when it comes to makeup. If Wayne Goss says, these are his top favorite mascaras, I believe him.

I have a video testing out some of these mascaras and some others I like on camera, you can see the results there.

Note: The inserted images from amazon are for your benefit and mine. They give you a better idea of the products I talk about; and if you use my link to make any purchase, I make a small commission from Amazon as part of their Amazon Affiliates Program.

Top 13 Mascara Recommendations – Wayne Goss

1. IT Cosmetics Tight Line Mascara

The micro brush on this one is tiny enough to get into the difficult corners of your lashes. It coats the mascara beautifully. Wayne Goss likes to use this one as an eyelash primer as well.

Wayne Goss recommendation

2. Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara

This one is one of my personal favorites as well, and it feels great to have a renowned makeup expert like Wayne Goss share my love for this one. I tested this mascara out along with a few others about to be mentioned here, you can see live swatches in this video.

3. Nars Climax Mascara

This is another one that will not disappoint you. Great formula, great applicator.

 

4. Benefit Bad Gal Bang Mascara

Another one of my favorites and Wayne Goss favorites. I love the wand on this one, it is so thin, easily coats the smallest lashes in the corner of your eyes. Great for bottom lashes as well.

5. Shiseido Control Chaos Mascara Ink

There isn’t much to say about these mascaras, and Wayne Goss is a man of few words. The only adjectives to mention with regards to this mascara are thicker, longer, darker lashes.

6. By Terry Mascara Twist Wand Mascara

This mascara comes with a twist up wand, the wand is a standard wand and if you prefer a thicker wand, you get the option of twisting this wand and getting a thicker brush to work with. Quite an innovation by By Terry.

7. Hourglass Caution Extreme Lash Mascara

This mascara is quite popular, I have this one in my collection as well, it is fantastic.

8. Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

This is another gem by Benefit. They sure know what they are doing when it comes to mascaras. Great wand, great formula, great results.

9. Milk Kush Mascara

This mascara by Milk Cosmetics comes with a big wand, the mascara is great, it makes my lashes look bigger, darker. If you are someone who likes a bigger wand, this is the one for you.

 

10. Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Lashes Volume 2 Mascara

Have a few extra bucks in your pocket? This is another nice option to choose from. The golden packaging on this one makes it look super luxurious as well.

11. Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Mascara

Wayne Goss recommends using just the spiked end of this mascara for a better application. Avoid using the flat end if you do not want the product to go everywhere. Three coats of this mascara will do wonders for your lashes. Just make sure you let them dry between each coat.

12. Kiko Maxi Mod Mascara

The little, tiny wand on this one is beautiful and does its job of lengthening your lashes beautifully.

13. Bobby Brown Smokey Eye Mascara

Last but not the least this is another great mascara to add to your collection.

Wrapping Up

As mentioned, mascara is a very personal makeup choice, and we all have our preferences. Not big on makeup? Just invest in a good, healthy skin and top it up with a few coats of your favorite mascara and lipstick for a little oomph. I have several posts about how to get beautiful, healthy skin, as recommended by dermatologist Dr. Dray, you can check out some of those posts here.

Cheers to a calmer mind and skin!

Dr. Dray's Must Have Amazon Products for Sensitive Skin

Must Have Amazon Products for Sensitive Skin – Recommended by Dr. Dray

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Must Have Amazon Products for Sensitive Skin – Recommended by Dr. Dray

 

Are you afraid to try new products because you never know what your skin might hate and act out in anger at your experimentation? Do you frequently deal with acne flare ups, inflammation, bacterial infections, fungal infections, Rosacea, eczema?

Well my friend, you have sensitive skin, but do not worry, I have you covered! Well, YouTube’s favorite dermatologist Dr. Dray has you covered, and I am happy to be a messenger. After all, good skin is your right, and good skin care a requirement.

Here I am with another helpful blog about skin care must haves, straight from Dr. Dray’s YouTube Channel. These products are specially designed for people with sensitive skin. All products mentioned in this post are hypochlorous sprays. It is not bleach!

Hypochlorous is a compound that our immune system makes and uses to kill bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections. According to Dr. Dray this compound is used to sterilize hospitals and ironically is absolutely safe to use on the skin, not only is it great to kill bacteria, but it is also non-irritating and gentle enough for sensitive skin or rosacea prone skin. It does not burn or sting, it is anti-inflammatory, it helps people with acne and will not dry out your skin, like benzoyl peroxide does.

Note: The inserted images from amazon are for your benefit and mine. They give you a better idea of the products I talk about; and if you use my link to make any purchase, I make a small commission from Amazon as part of their Amazon Affiliates Program.

Here is another post about some of Dr. Dray’s best Retinol recommendations 

Dr. Dray has some fantastic recommendations for Cleansing oils and Cleansing balms, click here for the post! 

 

1. SkinSmart Antimicrobial Facial Cleanser

Amazon Products for Sensitive Skin - Dr. DrayAs mentioned above this facial cleanser is a hypochlorous spray and can help with many skin conditions. I have named a few below. It is also helpful, especially now that many people are dealing with acne caused because of masks, just spray some on your face and you are good to go on the go.

Do you wear makeup? These products can also be used on your makeup brushes to disinfect them. Our makeup brushes, as useful as they are with our makeup application, are also magnets to viruses and bacteria. Frequent washing of makeup brushes is a must, and after washing, spray  this product on them to get rid of any remaining bacterial on your makeup brushes, that might cause skin problems on contact.

In a nutshell, this product will help you if you are dealing with any of the following skin conditions:

  • Face or Body Acne: Even though it says facial cleanser on the bottle, it is still safe to use on your body.
  • Rosacea
  • Eczema
  • Skin Inflammation
  • Bacterial Folliculitis

2. SkinSmart Antimicrobial Daily Foot Cleanser

As the name suggests this hypochlorous foot spray is great for foot hygiene. Dealing with smelly feet? Here is the answer to that! The most common reason for smelly feet is sweat, it can be trapped between the toes due to socks, or shoes or simply warmer temperatures.

This foot spray helps get rid of the bacteria that causes the feet to sweat and in turn reduces the odor that is caused by that sweat. Dr. Dray also says that this spray will help with fungal infections on feet or toenails. It is not a treatment for foot fungus, but it helps to spray this consistently on your feet to reduce fungal infections.

Dr. Dray recommends keeping this SkinSmart Antimicrobial Foot Cleansing spray in your gym bag and spraying it on your feet before you put on your shoes and socks to disinfect your feet.

If any of these products are unavailable on amazon, just purchase the SmartSkin Facial Cleanser and feel free to use it for all sensitive skin needs. The ingredients are all the same, with different packaging! 

 

3. SkinSmart Antimicrobial Eczema Therapy

Dr. Dray recommends this brand to her patients and viewers but she also enlightens us that while the packaging is different for various products they offer, and they market the different products to different consumers with various skin conditions, it is good to know that the ingredients are the same for all the products they offer.

This means that if you purchase the SkinSmart foot spray, it is perfectly fine to use it on your face, or body. Likewise, if you buy the SkinSmart Facial Cleanser, it will work just the same on your feet, arms, legs, makeup brushes, body.

 

The targeting different consumers is simply good marketing sense, after all, people will eczema are always looking for products with the word written on the label.

Hence, this product by the brand is also available. I suppose seeing the word on the product packaging also helps psychologically. It is like assurance that we are reaching out for the correct product for our skin care needs.

Basically, what I am saying is, this product is like The Flash, he could be The Flash from Earth 1, Earth 2 or Earth 30, he will still be the super hero destroying all the super villains, namely all skin conditions in this case.

P.S: I apologize for my super hero anologies!

4. SkinSmart Antimicrobial Wound Therapy

Here it is, another great product by the brand that focuses on skin injuries. It can be sprayed on wounds to disinfect them; the spray removes the bacteria and helps them heal better. Just a reminder that all products have the same ingredients, they all work the same, they are all effective and give the promised results.

It is up to you, which packaging you prefer, and which label attracts you more, but do not be afraid to use them for all sensitive skin needs.

 

Wrapping Up 

These spray products are fantastic to take with you on the go and do not have easy access to bathrooms. Going camping? Just put one in your bag to spray on yourself and those with you.Even if you do not have skin conditions, I would buy this product just to spray on all my makeup brushes and kill that pesky bacteria! It is a great non-toxic addition to your skin care requirements.

Stress is a major cause for skin problems, especially inflammation and acne, I have several posts that will help you relieve stress and anxiety and bring you a step closer to peace of mind. Find them here! 

 

 

 

Retinols Recommended by Dr. Dray Dermatologist

Top 6 Retinol Products – Recommended by Dr. Dray Dermatologist

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Top 6 Retinol Products – Recommended by Dr. Dray Dermatologist

Retinol is a term for topical Vitamin A. Vitamin A consists of retinoic acid or Tretinoin, which is known for its anti-aging benefits. It boosts up collagen production in the skin which improves the condition of the skin by repairing it and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It removes sun damaged skin cells, not only that but it has also been discovered that Tretinoin can remove pre skin cancer cells.

Keep reading for some of Dr. Dray’s favorite cleansers to be used with retinol. 

 

Retinol vs Tretinoin

Both Retinol and Tretinoin are Vitamin A derivatives, both Retinol and Tretinoin are known to treat the same skin conditions. Both Retinol and Tretinoin:

  1. Stimulate Collagen in the Skin, making it more elastic
  2. Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines
  3. Exfoliate the skin
  4. Have anti-aging properties
  5. Help with hyperpigmentation

So, how are they different?

Tretinoin is a synthetic version of Vitamin A, only available via prescription because it is very strong and not well tolerated by sensitive skin.

Retinol is a natural form of Vitamin A, it is milder, hence less irritating, and more tolerated by sensitive skin. Retinol does not require a doctor’s prescription, and easily available over the counter. Therefore, Retinol is more popular when it comes to skin care.

The best cleansing oils and balms recommended by dermatologist Dr. Dray – Click here to find out!

Please remember that moisturizing your skin regularly is a must when using retinoic acid or Tretinoin. Dr. Dray has some of her favorite moisturizers that she recommends, and I have them listed for you right here. Click for some of the best moisturizers for you! 

Top 5 Retinol Products – Recommended by Dr. Dray Dermatologist

Dr. Dray Dermatologist is whom I trust when it comes to skin care. If you watch her videos, you will see what I am talking about. She does not recommend every skin care product under the sun. The two most basic products Dr. Dray recommends in her videos are moisturizer, and sunscreen. I only started using both these things last year after watching Dr. Dray and I saw a difference on my face in less than a week.

I have oily skin which is why I was under the misconception that I did not need to moisturize. Well, low and behold – I was wrong. It does not matter what your skin type is, oily, dry, acne prone, “combination”; you need a moisturizer, and you need it every day. That is something I still do not follow to a T but yes, daily moisturizer and sunscreen is imperative when it comes to skin care.

Other than that, if you want smoother looking skin, you want to fight signs of aging, reduce fine lines, or deal with acne, Retinol or other Vitamin A derivatives are great to add to your skin care routine. Here are The Best Retinols for Hyperpigmentation and anti-aging as recommended by Dr. Dray Dermatologist. You can click on the link, if you prefer the video format. 

I have another blog post that I wrote about The Best Cetaphil Products Recommended by Dr. Dray, Click here for that. 

Dr. Dray reminds us that it is important to remember to introduce these products into your skin very slowly to minimize irritation and this also allows your skin to adjust to these products without acting out, start with once or twice a week, for the first few weeks.  

Note: The product links in this post are for your benefit and mine. If you use them to make a purchase, I will get a small commission from Amazon, as part of their affiliate program. Thank you!

Dr. Dray’s Recommendation 1 – Differin Gel

Adapalene – A third generation retinoic acid, that is recommended for people with sensitive skin, used to be exclusively available via prescription but now it is available over the counter to be bought by consumers. Mainly used by people with acne, recent studies have shown that Differin gel also has some anti-aging benefits and reduces the appearance of sunspots. This gel is already in its active state, so the skin does not have to do anything to prepare for it.

Dr. Dray’s Recommendation 2 – La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel Acne Treatment is the same as Differin. They are both the same drug, manufactured by different brands. Adapalene is an evidence-based ingredient that can brighten sunspots and pigmentation caused by the sun. It can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

This ingredient can be used at nighttime, Dr. Dray recommends. It can be incorporated into your night routine. Dr. Dray recommends washing your face at the end of the day, make sure to get off all the makeup, oil, dirt, put on a moisturizer and let it fully absorb into your skin, and then apply Adapeline, that is Differin or La Roche-Posay’s Adapalene Gel. This method of application minimizes the irritation that some people experience after using Adapalene.

Alternatively, it can also be used during the day, since unlike Retinoic acid, Adapalene remains stable in the presence of light. It can be used on your arms as well.

Dr. Dray’s Recommendation 3 – Avene Retrinal 0.1 Intensive Cream

Retinaldehyde improves the look of the skin by reducing wrinkles, fine lines, improves the appearance of pores, boosts collagen production, removes hyperpigmentation. It is less irritating than Adapalene because the skin takes longer to process the Vitamin A. It is also why it takes longer to show results, but it will show results over time. This product can be used around the eyes, around your mouth or the neck. Clinical studies have shown that this ingredient can improve the appearance of crow’s feet around the eyes.

Dr. Dray Dermatologist recommends using this product in your nighttime skin care routine, it can work well as your nighttime moisturizer to your face and neck. Just make sure your face and neck are clean before you use this. It can also be used as a spot moisturizer. It is expensive so you can use your regular moisturizer all over your face, and then use this as a spot moisturizer for areas that need more help.

 

Let’s Talk about Retinol for Skin Care

The skin needs to perform two steps for retinols to work, which is why retinols take longer than adapalene and retinaldehyde to work. However, there is evidence that long term use of retinol can help improve your skin by producing more collagen into the skin, reducing fine lines, it has anti-aging properties as well.

Unlike, the before mentioned ingredients, adapalene and retinaldehyde, retinol is mainly a cosmetic and not an FDA approved ingredient for anything. Dr. Dray claims that not all retinols are created equally, which is why she is cautious and choosy when it comes to picking and recommending a product with retinol in it for skin care.

Dr. Dray’s Recommendation 4 – CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

 

This product not only helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines, but it is also effective when it comes to getting rid of post acne redness and discoloration. It has niacinamide and licorice extracts, the combination of these two ingredients along with retinol, can work wonders when it comes to dealing with hyper pigmentation. A lot of people believe that topical Vitamin A should not used by people with rosacea, however, it has been seen that this product has helped people with rosacea. Start with one night a week and try building it gradually.

Apply a moisturizer first, and once that has completely dried up, use this retinol serum just before going to bed. It is best suited to people in their twenties and thirties that are looking for anti-aging products.

Looking for an eye cream that actually works? Here are the best recommendations by Wayne Goss

 

Dr. Dray’s Recommendation 5 – Neutrogena Wrinkle Repair Regenerating Cream (the fragrance-free version)

This Retinol product is Dr. Dray’s favorite, this product is super moisturizing, can be used as a nighttime moisturizer around the eyes (just do not get it inside your eyes, like all other Vitamin A products) face, neck, around the mouth and arms. This product stings a little when you apply it, it says so on the lable. The slight tingling sensation goes away soon enough.

Dr. Dray dermatologist recommends using this product at night. Cleanse your skin properly and apply this retinol product when the skin is a little damp. The slow release sustained action of this retinol will not cause an irritation on your skin if used this way, unlike the other Retin A ingredients, like Adapalene, which should not be used on damp skin.

This super moisturizing retinol product has been tested vastly in laboratories, and studies conducted over a year suggest that this product showed continued improvement in the condition of skin, by reducing wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation; it is an anti-aging powerhouse, and the fact this it is also a moisturizer, this product is particularly well suited for people with sensitive skin.

 

Dr. Dray’s Recommendation 6 – Neutrogena Stubborn Marks PM Treatment

This is a new retinol product in the market. Dr. Dray recently recommended this in one of her instagram posts as one of the best drugstore retinol products. The sustained action retinol in this Neutrogena product is a slow release encapculated retinol, that is clinically tested on actual patients. This one gets a thumbs up by our favrite dermatologist and one worth trying if you’re looking for an affordable retinol product.

 

Cleansers to be Used with Retinols – Also Dermatologist Dr. Dray Recommended

Usage of retinol can really benefit the skin, however it can dry out your skin. A key to success with using retinol or Vitamin A derivatives is to avoid really hot water, avoid scrubbing your face or using a harsh cleanser. It is important to use a gentle facial cleanser, especially when using a retinol.

Dr. Dray recommends these gentle, non soap, fragrance free cleansers to be used with your Retinol:

1. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

This cleanser is very gentle, mild and perfect to be used along with a retinol, prescription or store bought. This is a safe bet. Dr. Dray is a fan of a lot of these CeraVe products. I have a list of her top recommendations from the brand right here. Click here for some of the top dermatologist recommendations from CeraVe. 

2. First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser

This cleanser is another favorite of Dr. Dray’s. It has licorice root in it which is anti-inflammatory, and helps calm down redness. It also has glycerin which is hydrating, hydration is key when it comes to cleansers, especially while using retinols. Here is a travel size one that you can try out first.

3. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gentle Cleansing Lotion

This one is also no surprise for anybody who watches Dr. Dray videos. Another gentle cleanser with a very small ingredient list. When it comes to skin care, trust me, the smaller the list, the better the outcome. Yes, I have a post up with the top Neutrogena recommendations by Dr. Dray as well. Here it is!

Wrapping Up

Adapalene is the most well suited when addressing acne and hyperpigmentation, however it is also the ingredient most likely to cause irritation and dryness and not tolerated well by everybody. Retinaldehyde requires your skin to oxidize first, to work, which is why it takes longer to see results after using this product. It is best suited for people with crow’s feet around their eyes, wrinkles around the mouth and to rejuvenate the neck. Retinols require the skin to do two things before they can start working, the results definitely take longer, but with consistent usage, retinols, as data based evidence shows, can visibly help improve your skin. 

Wayne Goss - 8 Eye Creams that Work

Top 8 Eye Creams – Recommended by Wayne Goss

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Eye Creams – A Gimmick?

Looking for an eye cream that works? Read on to find out the top 8 eye creams, recommended by Wayne Goss.

I am very much a minimalist when it comes to skin care and I often find myself wondering if a certain product actually works or is just a gimmick, a fad if you will. One of the most debated products when it comes to this are eye creams. Do eye creams work, or are they simply a fad created by major brands to sell more products to naïve consumers?

To find out, I did what I do best, research. Good old Google to the rescue. Here is what I discovered – There are two points of view when it comes to the practicality of eye creams.

  1. Eye creams are not required, and any other face moisturizer can do the job.
  2. It is good sense to use a specialized eye cream for the sensitive skin under the eyes.

Some believe that eye creams are not required, others say they are definitely worth it. However, everybody agrees that the skin under the eyes is much more sensitive than the skin on the rest of the face, whether you are on Team A or Team B, it makes good sense that different skin requires different ingredients. It is not a stretch to say that it is reasonable to have products specializing in different needs. After all, you will not wash your body with shampoo, now would you? One specializes in skin, and the other in hair.

Looking for the top skin care products from 2020? Here are some of the best skin care recommendations by Dr. Dray – Click Here

Eye Creams – What Ingredients to Look for?

 

As mentioned, the skin under the eyes is overly sensitive, which is why it ages faster than the rest of the face. It wrinkles faster, which is where eye creams come into play. The function of an effective eye cream is therefore to smoothen out the skin under the eyes and reduce or postpone the look of wrinkles. Thus, the ingredients that help achieve that have been suggested by skin care experts. So, what are some ingredients to look for when looking into an eye cream?

  1. Retinol: It is no secret that retinol is one of the best anti-aging ingredients.
  2. Vitamin C: Also, one skin care ingredient that a lot of brands have discovered, explored, exploited.
  3. Ceramides: Super helpful when it comes to moisturizing. The only way you can avoid wrinkles, is through sunscreen and moisturizer.

Note: The product links in this post are for your benefit and mine. If you use them to make a purchase, I will get a small commission from Amazon, as part of their affiliate program. Thank you!

(Looking for some Fall-Winter Fashion Inspo?) – Click Here

Click here for the best mascaras loved and recommended by Wayne Goss

 

Top 8 Eye Creams – Recommended by Wayne Goss

Who is Wayne Goss? Now if you clicked on this post, you probably already know who Wayne Goss is. But, in case you do not, Wayne Goss is a makeup artist, one of the original YouTubers and a businessman. People know and love Wayne Goss for his expertise, as well as his humble, honest opinions about makeup and skin care brands and products.

Wayne Goss recently uploaded a video about The Best Eye Creams that Really Work, and I wanted to share it in a blog post format. His video is linked if you prefer a video format. 

Here it is:

1. Aurelia – Brightening Eye Serum:

It can be applied under and around the eyes, including the eye lids. It reduces inflammation, helps reduce wrinkles and helps the skin repair itself. Brightens the eye and helps reduce dark undereye circles. This eye cream also helps to minimize the puffiness that might come with age.

2. Paula’s Choice – Clinical Ceramide-Enriched Firming Eye Cream

Identified earlier as one of the best ingredients for the thin undereye skin, Ceramides. If it is included in the name of a product, you know it is one of the main ingredients in it. This eye cream is very, very thick, and perfectly suited for people with extremely dry skin under the eyes. It also contains Vitamin C and Retinol, which are also incredibly effective ingredients when it comes to eye creams or serums. 

3. Elizabeth Arden – Prevage

Super effective, and super expensive, this one comes with a metal spoon and an SPF 15. Sunscreen is imperative when it comes to skin care. No skin care will do any good if the skin is not being protected against the Sun. This product will help from sun damage, as well as smoothen out those wrinkles from under your eyes. 

4. Skin Glow London – Glow Mask Eye Mask

Wayne Goss - Eye Cream

This is an ideal eye cream for people who prefer using eye masks, as opposed to eye creams or serums. This Glow Mask Eye Mask has Vitamin C in it, also mentioned before as one of the main ingredients to watch out for when it comes to eye creams. Vitamin C will add a brightening effect to your eyes, which is never a bad thing.

5. CeraVe – Eye Repair Cream

This is a nice, pocket friendly option for those of us who need just a little TLC for our eyes. Not as effective as the other products, but still pretty good and gets the job done by keeping the dry under eye skin hydrated.

6. Charlotte Tilbury – Magic Eye Rescue

Similar to CeraVe’s Eye Repair Cream, this Magic Eye Rescue will not help fix your dark circles, puffiness or wrinkles but it works well in keeping that skin hydrated, healthy and moisturized.

7. La Roche-Posay – Redermic

This eye cream works wonders because it contains Retinol, which is a super product when it comes to skin care. However, this product can be used under the eyes but not around it. Retinol cannot be used too close to the eyes, so use with caution.

8. La Roche-Posay – Tolerian

Another eye cream that is not result based, but it will add hydration to the sensitive skin underneath the eyes and create a smoothness in that area.

Wrapping Up

Under eye creams are not as important as sunscreens for the skin, but for skin enthusiasts, it is a good thing to consider. Not a must have as far as I am concerned but if you are looking for something to reduce the dark undereye circles, wrinkles, or dry patches underneath the eye, these eye creams are definitely worth your time and money. And, it is worth mentioning, that these eye creams help create a smooth canvas for makeup application. You can reduce creasing of concealers, foundations, and powders by first applying an eye cream to the area. That is good news for makeup lovers!

 

 

 

Dr. Dray Skin Care

Top 10 Cetaphil Skin Care Products – Recommended by Dr. Dray

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Top 10 Cetaphil Skin Care Products – Recommended by Dr. Dray

 

Cetaphil is one of the most popular skin care brands in the world today, especially in the US. Nestle worked closely with medical experts to formulate the Cetaphil range of products, that are gentle, and suit people with different skin needs.

Cetaphil products boast of using very few ingredients, which is what you should look for when looking to buy skin care products. I have learned the hard way, that like many other things, when it comes to skin, little goes a long way. The more the merrier approach does not always work, and watching Dr. Dray videos reinforces that belief.

Every time I have been over enthusiastic about skin care, I end up using a ton of different products with a ton of different ingredients in them and all they did was ruin my skin, just before that party I wanted to look good for.

Note: The product links in this post are for your benefit and mine. If you use them to make a purchase, I will get a small commission from Amazon, as part of their affiliate program. Thank you!

(Looking for some Fall-Winter Fashion Inspo?) – Click Here

 

Is Cetaphil Good?

The main reason why people love Cetaphil and the reason why the brand has managed to make such a name for itself is:

  1. Gentle, mild skin care
  2. Most of the Cetaphil products are fragrance free, fragrance in products can cause more harm than good. A lot of people are allergic to fragrance without even knowing it.
  3. Affordable
  4. Effective

I recently got into skin care and my favorite youtuber for all things skin is Dr. Dray, her channel has really helped me, and I wish I had started watching Dr. Dray videos sooner.  I started wearing sunscreen and moisturizer only after watching her videos, and boy! I would have never known how imperative these two products are for your skin. I am pretty skeptical when it comes to a lot of things you see online but when Dr. Dray, who is a Dermatologist recommends a product, I know it is good! 

Dr. Dray has never steered me the wrong way, when it comes to skin care. If you have not, I would recommend you watch her videos on youtube. She did a video about her top 10 Cetaphil skin care products, and I wanted to share, because I know it is going to help a lot of people searching for some good quality skin care. Here is the link to Dr. Dray’s video if you would rather see this in a video format. Not going to make it too technical with all the scientific derma terms, but here is all the necessary information you might want, in simple, layman’s terms. 

 

Top 10 Cetaphil Skin Care Products

1. Cetaphil Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask: This product is useful if you have oily skin. 

Dr. Dray - Top 10 Cetaphil Products

  • Removes grease and excess oil from pores
  • Helps rejuvenate your oily skin by waking it up
  • Helps you avoid excessive cleansing that will rip the moisture off your face
  • Improves appearance of blackheads and pores
  • It is a moisturizing product so it will not dry out your skin completely
  • Helps improve application of makeup
  • Use it a few times a week, rinse it after 10 minutes for the benefits

 

2. Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion: This simple, no gimmick, no hassle moisturizer can be used if you have oily, dry or combination skin.

Dr. Dray - Top 10 Cetaphil Products

  • Hyaluronic acid helps hydrate the skin
  • Lightweight formula
  • Gel like consistency
  • Improves the look of wrinkles and fine lines
  • Absorbs into the skin super-fast
  • Non greasy, serum like formula
  • Use it after cleansing your face

 

3. Cetaphil Pro Oil Absorbing Moisturizer with SPF 30: Useful for people who are dealing with acne and using topical products to help get rid of acne.Dr. Dray - Top 10 Cetaphil Products

  • Chemical sunscreen that will not leave a cast
  • Moisturizer helps keep the skin nice and dewy
  • Sunscreen helps protect the skin from the sun, Duh!
  • Light weight formula
  • Improves the look of shininess
  • Use of moisturizer should not be reduced if you have acne, this product helps in that and in doing so helps with acne as well

 

4. Cetaphil Redness Relieving Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 20: This tinted moisturizer can be used for people with dry skin, oily skin, Rosacea, acne prone, sensitive skin.Dr. Dray - Top 10 Cetaphil Products

 

  • The tint helps people with post acne hyper pigmentation
  • Calms down redness
  • The caffein in it is an antioxidant
  • Can be used by people with pale to medium skin tones because of the tint
  • Will leave a cast on deeper skin tones

 

5. Cetaphil Redness Relieving Night Moisturizer: Same as no. 4, but without the SPF so it is to be used at night.Dr. Dray - Top 10 Cetaphil Products

 

  • Helps with redness and irritation
  • The niacinamide helps repair skin
  • Helps with hyper pigmentation and rosacea

 

6. Cetaphil Pro Eczema Soothing Moisturizer: Useful for people with eczema.Dr. Dray - Top 10 Cetaphil Products

  • Helps people with eczema
  • This product does not sting, many moisturizers cause stinging sensation to people with eczema
  • Can be used on the face as well as the body
  • Can be used on children with eczema as well

 

7. Cetaphil Intensive Healing Lotion with Ceramides: Helps improve dry skin.Dr. Dray - Top 10 Cetaphil Products

  • Restores skin
  • Helps hydrate skin without causing excessive oiliness
  • Very Light weight formula

 

8. Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream: Such a simple name for a simple yet amazingly effective product for very dry skin.

Dr. Dray - Top 10 Cetaphil Products

  • It is very moisturizing, quite heavy
  • Ideal for the body, might be too much for the face
  • Helps Restore skin

 

9. Cetaphil Ultra Gentle Body Wash: Dr. Dray recommends minimizing the use of body washes, however cleansing your body is a must. For that purpose, this gentle body wash by Cetaphil is ideal.Dr. Dray - Top 10 Cetaphil Products

  • It cleanses the body without stripping it off the essential oils
  • Gentle for people with eczema and sensitive skin
  • It is gentle, fragrance free and works as a simple body cleanser

 

10. Cetaphil Soothing Gel Cream with Aloe: This is a new release by Cetaphil. Aloe vera is soothing for most skin, however some people might be allergic to it, so look into that before applying products with aloe vera.Dr. Dray - Top 10 Cetaphil Products

  • Helps with sun burns
  • Brightens the skin
  • Helps restore the skin
  • Absorbs into the skin fast
  • Has a cooling effect on the skin that soothes itchy skin
  • Gentle enough to be used on the face as well as the body
  • Very few ingredients

 

Wrapping Up

Cetaphil is ideal for people who just need results and are looking for simple products for specific skin issues. There is something for everybody. I have started looking for dermatologists for advice related to skin, and it is useful to listen to an expert, who knows more than a thing or two about skin and skin requirements.

Like I mentioned before, keeping things minimalistic helps improve quality of life, as well as quality of skin. Makeup is great, I love makeup, but nothing will look good if the base is not healthy. That is where skin care comes in. You want makeup, but you NEED skin care, especially the two basic products – Sunscreen and Moisturizer.

Cetaphil is respected and loved throughout the world, so I am sure there is something for you in this list of top 10 Cetaphil products.

 

Marilyn Monroe - Quotes and Sayings

Marilyn Monroe Quotes and Sayings

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Marilyn Monroe Quotes and Sayings

Marilyn Monroe is one of the most famous names even today, it has been fifty years since Marilyn died and her life, her death, her quotes are still remembered and talked about. Marilyn Monroe was a style icon in the 50s. She was a famous American actress, model and a comedian who became a sex symbol through her bold roles in movies.

There are so many celebrities who have come and gone but there are very few that have left such an impact that their lives are discussed almost 60 years after it’s ended.

Marilyn Monroe – What makes her so Memorable?

Marilyn Monroe's Childhood1. A Difficult Childhood

The first thing that makes Marilyn Monroe stand apart is the fact that she overcame a difficult childhood. Her father was absent, her mother was a Schizophrenic, which led to young Marilyn being moved in and out of foster care.

 It was a wonder how a woman in the 50s with such a tragic history could not only survive but make such a name and career for herself. Her PR team exploited her tragic childhood to bring in more press for the actress during her initial fame.

 

2. The way Marilyn Monroe Looked

Her Appearance is widely talked about even today, Marilyn Monroe might not have been born “beautiful” by Hollywood standards, but she grew into it. Marilyn Monroe worked hard on her looks, her makeup skills were way ahead of her time – She was one of the first to popularize the winged eyeliner to make her eyes look wider.

She layered her lipstick to make her lips look poutier. She bleached her brown hair for that blonde hair, which was probably one of the most striking features about her, that including the big blue eyes.

 Marylin Monroe did not leave any stone unturned when it came to her physical appeal, she went under the knife and got several surgeries done to change her physical features. A move that her agent convinced her to take, he also paid for the surgeries. 

Marilyn Monroe's Beauty

3.  Her very Public Relationships

The third thing that sets her apart from the rest and highly responsible for her popularity were her relationships. She was married three times and had several famous partners throughout her life. Some famous names include Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra, Joe DiMaggio.

4. There was something Mysterious about Marilyn Monroe

The fourth thing that adds more of an appeal to her persona was the mystery. Despite the bold roles she played, there was a mystery about her. Her beautiful smile never hid the deep sadness behind her eyes. Nobody knew who she really was off camera and that is something that adds to her great appeal, so many years after she died. Her mystery and intrigue are clear through some of her quotes and sayings. 

 5. She Died Young at the age of 36

The fifth reason why she still has such an influence in the world is because she died young. Her tragic life ending the way it did and created more of an enigma around her mystique. People wanted to know every thing they could about her life and death.

 6. Marilyn Monroe was Wise

She might have played the ditsy blonde very well, but there is no doubt that she was wiser than her years. The ditsy little bold but poor girl act is part of her fame, and she played that part really well, but her interviews, her diaries, the way she answered the questions asked, shows how incredibly smart and insightful Marilyn truly was. She is still quoted, and her quotes and sayings continue to inspire generations to come.

 

Here is a list of some of Marilyn Monroe Quotes and Sayings & what we can Learn from them:

Marilyn Monroe's Quotes

 

“No one ever told me I was pretty when I was a little girl. All little girls should be told they’re pretty, even if they aren’t.”

 

They should also be told that they are talented, smart, creative, funny, interesting, capable, strong, kind and amazing. Law of attraction is real, if you hear it, you believe it, and if you believe it, you become it.

 “If there is only one thing in my life that I am proud of, it’s that I’ve never been a kept woman.”

 We must remember that this was said over 6 decades ago, when being a “kept woman” was not only accepted but also applauded. Like I said, she was way beyond her years.

 

“Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.”

 Considering how tragic her life was, starting from the day she was born up until her fame, her depression, mental health, these words hit you hard. Her optimism hits you hard and it is something we can all learn from.

Marilyn Monroe's Saying

“We should all start to live before we get too old.”

 Marilyn never got to be old, as she died at 36, but she lived a lot in those 36 years. 

“I am trying to find myself. Sometimes that’s not easy.”

 It is never easy. It is endless, it can take years and sometimes we never find ourselves, but the aim is to continue trying. I recommend trying many things, doing a lot of new things that we find interesting, entertaining, satisfying, true to us and we might one day find ourselves. The secret is in not giving up. 

“If I’d observed all the rules, I’d never got anywhere.”

 Also, if we remember when this was spoken, these words are truly groundbreaking. While I believe sometimes rules help us, and help make our lives easier, but yes .. sometimes it is okay to break some of these rules. When it comes to living a life that is true to yourself, break those rules. 

Marilyn Monroe Quotes

“Dreaming about being an actress is more exciting than being one.”

It is more about the journey than the destination. It is about the experiences. The little droplets of life that we live in those moments that resonate with us throughout life. Too deep?

 

“I don’t want to make money. I just want to be wonderful.”

 And she was wonderful, she made money doing what she wanted, what she loved, isn’t that the dream? 

 “I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I’m out of control, and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you don’t deserve me at my best.”

 This is probably one of Marilyn Monroe’s most quoted quotes. Why? Because it resonates with most of us. We all have our moments, when we are our worst selves, but isn’t that just human nature? It is not natural to be our best selves all the time.

 

Peace of Mind - 9 Ways“I restore myself when I’m alone.”

 I love this quote because this is me. I say it all the time. You need your alone time – from your kids, from your friends, from your partner, from yourselves too sometimes. In which case, meditate. But for the love of yourself, spend at least an hour by yourself every day. An hour of doing nothing, ironically increases productivity. Here is a post I wrote about this topic.

 

“This life is what you make it. No matter what, you’re going to mess up sometimes, it’s a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you’re going to mess it up.”

 Never run after perfection, it is okay to be imperfect if as long as you are getting things done. As long as you are moving ahead. As long as you have the ability to think for yourself. Make mistakes, celebrate failures as much as successes. it just means you tried.

 

“A girl doesn’t need anyone that doesn’t need her.”

 And don’t you ever forget that. Wanting someone is different, the moment you start needing them, you absolutely need to get out. This is what a co-dependent relationship looks like. 

 

To Wrap Up

Marilyn Monroe was inspiring, beautiful, interesting, and sensational. To me the best thing about her is the fact that, though she was far from perfect, she was truly herself. She was fearless, and it was this fearlessness that latches on to people; those of us that were not even alive back when she died. She continues to live on through her famous quotes and sayings.