REVIEW | Mary Kay Blue Smoke Beauty Tip

New York Fashion Week has come and gone and there were some extraordinary things to hit the runways. I'm here today not to talk about the fashion--although it was all ON POINT!--but to talk about the makeup that completed the looks.

Celebrity makeup artist, Luis Casco, was inspired by sapphire smoky eyes that hit the streets of NYC and he wanted to create a smoky eye look that could be adapted to daytime activities but easily added to for night. I know a lot of us are a little shy to attempt the smoky eye for a day at work, but after reviewing his inspired looks, I think we all can achieve it!

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REVIEW | Mary Kay Emmy looks

The Emmy awards have come and gone but aside from the jaw-dropping fashion on the red carpet, the celebrities' makeup is always a stunning thing to see. So when Mary Kay contacted me to review some of their products, I am always up to it!

One of the looks they were inspired by was that of Sarah Hyland from Modern Family. Her flawless look with the cropped top and full, floor length skirt with a high bun and bold makeup was a look to be talked about all season.

Ipsy Glam Bag Sept '14 | Street Style

Another month, another Ipsy glam bag. Most summer glam bags are "beachy" and aren't typically something I'd keep in my bag. Don't get me wrong, I'll toss one in my beach bag that holds keys, chapstick, and my ID or something, but a bag like the one I got this month? I'd definitely keep it in my purse to hold some things.

Before I get into the review of these products, I just want to throw out there that if you're wanting more things you'd use on a more regular basis, I'd highly suggest updating your Ipsy profile. I updated mine to be more makeup oriented before I signed back up at the end of July so that I'd quit getting things I wouldn't use, like hand cream, bb cream, or hair conditioner.

Oh Anastacia, you have my heart.

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I know I'm a little a lot behind on this trend, but I'm oh so glad that I'm now on the contouring train. In case you have no idea about these contouring and highlighting palettes, give me a second to enlighten you. Anastasia Beverly Hills created it for all levels of makeup artists and it was made in a time where there weren't many options. You had to buy each color separately, which blew because they can get expensive. 

The original palette has the colors in the picture above and included three highlight and three contour colors. From R to L: top--Vanilla, Banana, Sand; bottom--Java, Fawn, Havana. The exciting thing is that the pans are sold separately as refills now so you can continue to get the default colors or you can pick from the other 27 colors in the collection.

REVIEW + a winner!!

I don't know what it is about Mary Kay products lately, but they've definitely been upping their game! I think part of the reason is because they've been featured on the new season of Project Runway as the product the makeup artists use to complete the designers' looks. Unfortunately for myself, we don't have that TV channel anymore so I have to watch episodes online. Regardless, now's your time to shine, Mary Kay. Don't disappoint!

I received product last week to review their newer emerald smoky eye collection. I know I haven't done much "marketing" for le blog, but I had a giveaway!! And before I get into details for more product I received recently, I wanted to announce that winner and their names are Lauren K. and Christy P! So if you're reading this post today, be looking out for an email so that I can get your info to send you this product. Congrats!!!

Today's post leads me to another review of Mary Kay product. Another one of Project Runway's first makeup looks from the premier night was about graphic blue cat eyes and playful pink lips. It's so much fun switching up your routine and rocking something like a blue eye liner. So when I had the chance to review more MK product, I jumped at the offer!

I keep forgetting the B in a B&A.

My little sister asked me to do her makeup over the weekend and I jumped at the chance--I need all the practice I can get if I want to do this in the long-run. I drove over, not knowing exactly what kind of look she wanted, with almost all of my makeup in tow. Side note: At least I know that I'm building some arm muscles with the weight of everything. Ha.

I walk upstairs to find Abigail curling her hair and she was wearing a white tank with these cute tan and teal high waisted, flowy shorts. I thought she was going out-out but said she was just going to play cards at a friend's house.

As I finished braiding her bangs back, she said she wanted to try a makeup look with some sort of color under her eyes. Easy peasy! Now I just need to figure out what color to pick.

I feel like Picasso with my new brushes.

I've finally decided that now was the time to purchase some new makeup brushes. I think I've had the ones I'm currently using for about three years now and I know that doesn't seem like that much time, but with daily makeup application, they can start to get yucky. Even with cleaning them, they don't always get back to their original condition.

Beauty gurus, Sam and Nic Chapman, helped design Real Technique brushes and they have been getting quite the good review. So I've joined in on the fun and made a purchase for myself!! And once you see the pricing that I'll list below, you'll first want to pick your jaw up from the floor, but then you can be like me and get some for yourself.

From left to right: Powder brush, Expert Face brush (I got it for free!), Blush brush, Setting brush, Shading brush, and the Starter set (includes a deluxe crease brush, a base shadow brush, accent brush, brow brush, and fine liner brush)

REVIEW: My first Makeup Geek purchase and I'm geekin' out!!

Hello again!

I've recently been following Samantha's IG from Batalash Beauty and through her list of makeup products have found the company, Makeup Geek (MUG). I began to do a little research because based on her reviews, the quality was that of MAC but half the price. I love MAC products, but c'mon, I can't be poppin' out $14 every time I want to try a new eye shadow.

At the moment, there are several colors of shadow out in their online store so I decided to try out four of their pan shadows, one loose pigment, and it's possible that I bought more of the NYX eye pencil in Milk. Shh, don't tell my husband.


From top right, counterclockwise: MUG Eye Shadow in Mercury, MUG Shimma Shimma, NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk, MUG Burlesque, MUG Moondust, MUG Loose Pigment in Sweet Dreams (in the middle of my hand by itself)

REVIEW: Mary Kay Smoky Emerald Project Runway look

Hi there, friends!!

I cannot get enough of the color green lately. All shades are getting to me, deep within my soul, that just makes me feel like a million bucks. My favorite is probably the mint green and emerald shades so I was stoked to receive the emerald Mary Kay Color Design Studio Collection from the premier of the new season of Project Runway. The designers will be finishing off all of their looks with these products so you can imagine that I'd want to jump the Gunn (haha) and review these puppies. Keep reading if you'd like to read my review!

Unapologetic says it all.

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I've done it again. I can't say that I'm ashamed; my purse just gets heavier by the week. If you follow me on Instagram (@lipstickskulls, formerly @mrsmeghanlee) then you'd know I have an obsession with Revlon's Colorburst Lip Balms. The first two I bought were the matte shades--Sultry and Shameless--and I was immediately amazed at how creamy and full my lips looked with that matte formula. And over time I've picked up some of the Just Bitten Lip Balms that have a little more shine to them--Sweetheart Valentine, Rendezvous, and Darling Cherie.

Last night as I was picking up some things at the grocery store, I walked past the makeup aisle and it didn't take me one second to grab a new shade off the shelf. It might not be the best place for the best deal but I didn't care one bit.

I don't ever remember seeing this color in the past so it could be new. Well it's new to me now! Revlon Colorburst Matte Lip Balm in  Unapologetic has got to be one of the prettiest "coral" colors to wear this spring and summer. I bet it will complement any shade of skin with its' tone. It's not so neon as some other lipstick brands have come out with as their "summer collection" but still brings a pop of color that will brighten any day.

And surely I'm not a pristine eater and drinker but this stuff stays on for a long time. The only time I noticed it starting to wear thin was in my very inner lips and it was right after I was practically sucking the last bits of birthday cake icing from a fork at 3:30 in the afternoon.

The one thing I will mention is that although I'm in LOVE with this new lip crayon, you might shy away from it if you don't wear it that often. It's a bold statement and if you're not ready to own it, then it will own you.

So go out and own the world! Act like you know what you're doing, bright lipstick and all, and the world will treat you nicely. Okay, so maybe not the wisest of words, but I'm trying to get your confidence in the right place, dammit...Janet!

I wore Unapologetic with my scrubs to work today. BAM! (I just realized it looks more red here but I promise it's an amazing coral color! Just trust me!!)

I'm linking up with Random Wednesday, The Hump Day Blog Hop, and I Feel Pretty.

Look what I got!! Oh wait, that's a LOT of orange.

I went to our local flea market (between two cold snaps) a few weeks ago and it was HEAVENLY. I don't know about you, but I could spend some serious money there. They've got food, makeup, furniture, jewelry, pet items, clothes, and other home items. You can even find some good lube and baby dolls; whatever tickles your fancy.

I told myself that buying from the flea market was okay because it was cheaper and I wouldn't be spending much even if I did have a basketful of makeup items in my hand. And if you're wondering, yes, I'm still sticking with my spending budget. As of this shopping trip, I still had some to spend. BUT, by today, it's all gone. I'll have to wait until May when I get more for my birthday.

These are the things that came home with me that day. And as you can tell, there's quite a bit of orange things. Why, you might ask? 

As you may or may not know, orange is one of spring's hottest colors. I discovered a beautiful orange shade of lipstick by Rimmel back in the Fall and have been in love ever since. I know you might turn your nose up at the color, but with the right shade, it can pair very well with your skin tone. Just trust me on this one. Come find me, I'll find some lipstick for you and you'll see how amazing it is.

1 | Revlon PhotoReady Blush in Coral Reef
I have a new found love for creme blushes. I was always uncomfortable with the application so I just didn't fool with it. I found this stuff pretty cheap buried beneath some other crap and it's a beautiful color! It seriously is just the right amount of coral to brighten your face.

2 | Maybelline Master Glaze Blush Stick in Coral Sheen
This blush stick actually came from Wally World, but I bought it before I got the Revlon product above. They are 97% the same shade. I'll probably end up returning this one. It has a little bit of shimmer to it, which can be nice, but I'm digging the other one more.

3 | L'Oreal Voluminous Original Mascara in Blackest Black
I wasn't in the need for mascara at the time, but I love this brand usually ONLY for their mascaras. This one's good to take with me while I'm on the go. I have others that I use when I want more drama.

4 | Maybelline Eyestudio Gel Eyeliner in Eggplant
Gel eyeliners are always so much fun to play with, especially when they're purple! Gel glides on smooth like a pencil but it's so quick to be a mess like with liquid liner. If you haven't tried gel, why not get it with a funky color?! Purple is dark enough that it looks just like black.

5 | Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Juicy Papaya
I've also just recently began a love affair with Revlon's lip butters. They are so freakin' nice feeling on my lips. I could just purse them together all day long. This one is my suggestion if you're wanting to try out the orange but are scared with your first pick. This is a sheer orange and super moisturizing like chapstick so I'm sure you can get the hang of it.

6 | Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendevous
See? I told you I got a lot of orange things. If you've already tried out the color, this one is a must!! The lip crayon is easy to apply and is this gorgeous coral color. I wear it at least once a week.

7 | Covergirl Blast FlipStick in Cheeky
This one I have yet to wear in public. I tried them both on when I first brought it home but I've got a trillion lip products at this point and it's hard to choose just one!! This shade has a beautiful coral and a lighter, shimmery coral on the other end. Muey bein!

8 | Covergirl Color Sensational Limited Edition Lipstick in Fuchsia Fierce
I cannot get over this HOT summer color! I think I'm just going to start buying all my friends a shade like this for birthdays and Christmas and such and break them away from their usual makeup routine. I'm telling you, a lipstick like this will change everything.

9 | Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Darling Cherie
This shade is straight up lilac and I've honestly never worn a color like this. On my lips, it's different than I would have expected. The pastel perks up any outfit and I love getting a little bold with it. Why not try out lilac on my lips, right?!

10 | Sally Hansen Zero Bumps Bikini Spray
I don't know who thought of this stuff but it's pretty amazing! Whatever chemicals are in it really do what it tells you it will do. There are times where I have horrible razor bumps in my bikini line and they aren't all that pretty. This spray helps them go away! All you gotta do is spray it in that area, and the ingredients start to work their magic. It's pretty cool.

11 | Scunci No Damage Polybands

I have been ON THE HUNT for these tiny elastics for the past few months. My hair has just gotten several inches past my shoulders and is at prime braiding length. It just sucks because the only hair ties I have are the skinny black ones. I knew stores sold the plastic bands but all I could find were packs of like 5000. My friend stumbled upon these, a pack of 75, for like a buck.

Have you been doing any beauty hauls now that Spring is quickly approaching?? Comment below and let me know if there are more products I need to look in to or if I need to hunt them down at the flea market!

I'm linking up with Mingle Monday, Manic Monday, Monday Morning Gossip, Mix it Monday, and Funday Monday.

NYX Wonder Pencil--My dupe.

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I don't have a problem admitting this, but I follow a lot of beauty bloggers. I think we can all say the same. If we gear more towards makeup and skincare, we should follow beauty bloggers. If we only post about fashion or your life as mom, it's fitting to follow that particular topic of interest.

There's a specific blogger I just recently started following, like two months ago, and she posted about the NYX Wonder Pencil. Heard of it? Nope, me either. BUT! I have heard of NYX and tried a few of their products so I was interested in what she had to say.

She talked about how this one pencil could be used in more than one way. And as cheap as NYX is, I was excited to add it to my online shopping cart and wait for its' delivery.

After I did my mom's makeup a few weeks ago, I realized I had a product very similar to this beauty blogger. So rather than wasting $6 on it, I should try out what I already have, right? Right.

If you remember from that post, I used the L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Eyeliner in Black Quartz. Which I'm not really sure why that's the name because it's a brown pencil. The other end of the pencil is the illuminating part and is almost exactly the same color as this NYX Wonder Pencil.

So I'm taking the advice of my fellow beauty blogger and trying out her tips. Here are four different ways you can use an illuminating pencil like both of the products we have.

[ONE] Bump Cover-up
If it's light enough, this pencil can be used to cover up a bump that appeared overnight.

[TWO] Tear Duct + Waterline Highlighter
If you swipe the pencil a little in the inner corners of your eyes, near the tear ducts, or along your waterline, it will give you a bright-eyed and awake look. I know there are some mornings that we all need that!

[THREE] Invisible Lip Liner
This is where it could get a little tricky. Some highlighting pencils have some shimmer to them. So if you are using this as an invisible lip liner, just BLEND BLEND BLEND. But if there is shimmer, only apply it at the cupid's bow and beneath your lower lip. Still blend away.

[FOUR] Brow Highlighter
This one is the easy tip. Swipe the pencil just under your eyebrows to highlight that point. It can also give more definition to brows after they've been filled in with brow shadow. But don't leave it looking like a drawn line. Blend it so that it's seamless from your brow to the eyeshadow-filled crease area.

Have you tried the Wonder Pencil yet? Or do you have a dupe like me just chilling in your makeup bag that you didn't realize was even there? 

What other pencils have you tried similar to these? Do you have any other tips to share? I'd love to hear in your comments :-)

I'm linking up with Manic Monday, Monday Morning Gossip, Mingle Monday, and Funday Monday.

(Source for Wonder Pencil image. Source for Eye Illuminator image.)

Chapstick Spring Line

I was contacted by an Assistant Account Executive at Chapstick to review their new Spring line of chapstick flavors and I was delighted to say yes! Although this is not a paid sponsorship, all opinions are my own. I was provided with four samples, two of each flavor, so keep reading for my review!

Disclosure: The Chapstick product and information have been provided by Pfizer Consumer Health.

I don't know about any of you, but Chapstick has been a brand that has been with me since I was about ten years old. Maybe even younger. They are probably one of the only ones with a consistent formula that keeps my lips hydrated and soft ALL DAY LONG.

I recently fell in love with the Chapstick 8-hour Hydration Lock in Vanilla from a previous Birchbox. It's so smooth and the vanilla smells amazing. When I received these samples, I hoped they'd be the same way. And I definitely wasn't disappointed.

 

The two flavors, Pomegranate Gumdrop and Citrus Jelly Bean, remind me of Easter. It brings me back to all of the candy that I munched on from the Easter Egg Hunts when I was a kid. Warning. Do not eat your new chapstick like Easter candy. I repeat. Do NOT eat your chapstick like Easter candy.

--Side story-- I knew this kid in 6th and 7th grade that was in Chorus with me. The one thing I remember about him? He used to eat, literally, Chapstick every day in class. Gag me now.

--Back on track--

Being that I'm on this fresh health-kick, boy do I miss my candy. But, by applying either of these new scents, I not only smell the sweet flavors, but every now and then I can taste them if I lick my lips. I'm all for a guilt-free smidgen of my favorite Easter candies.

SQUEE.

My favorite is probably the Pomegranate Gumdrop. Don't get me wrong, I love citrus-y things, but the other appealed to me more. They both will be available for a limited time at all Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens stores beginning March 1st. So why not stock up for your kiddos' Easter baskets? Or if they love candy just as much as I do, buy in bulk and they can have candy-flavored Chapsticks all year long. WE ALL WIN!

I hope you all go out and buy one, or both, of these Spring Chapstick flavors for a friend and maybe it'll perk them up for the upcoming season. I know I'm ready for Spring. How about you??!

I'm linking up with All Things Thursday, Look What I Got, and Tres Chic Thursday.

Pastels

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I know, I know. Pastels are ALWAYS a hit for spring fashion. Some winter colors transition over, but the lilacs and mints are always present. I wanted to try a few new things today and I'm hoping they inspire you to jump-start your spring season as well as give you ideas of your own for makeup that's outside your normal routine.

Tell me, which one do you like?

...ONE...smoky lavender eyes

...TWO...baby blue lines

...THREE...icy white eyes

I love the simplicity of the white, but I think if I'm stepping outside my makeup box, I'm really liking the blue eyeliner. It's just so FUN!

I'm linking up with Mix it Monday, Monday Morning Gossip, Manic Monday, and Funday Monday.

Oh, Winter Skin

I probably should have written about this topic before the stupid Polar Vortex blew through the Eastern side of the country, but I didn't. And now that the flu bug has bitten my arse, I have some down time while my brain is awake but the rest of my body is motionless. GO WIN GO! These body aches really BLOW!

What's the one thing that really bothers me during these winter months? DRY SKIN. It gets rough and flaky and just gross. Nobody wants to see that. There have been a few things that have helped me so far that are a little different that my summer routine.

one. The first thing that I think we all have been told time and time again would be to moisturize your skin. If you asked me 10 years ago if I used this on a daily basis, I would have just said...

No Mirror Makeup Challenge

Song provided by SundLY, called Through Emotion, and can be found on this site.


Products used on my face:

Foundation: Clinique Even Better Foundation in Ivory
Concealer: ELF Studio Under Eye Concealer and Highlighter in Medium
Setting Powder: Covergirl Professional Loose Powder
Bronzer: Sephora bronzer in Los Cabos

Pink Lip Ladies

Beauty trends change. Remember feather extensions? Yuck. What about brightly dipped hair, overly bronzed skin or too nude lips? Yeah, I think I can admit to doing all but one of those things. A couple have been out of style for a while now but the others are just now slipping out, leaving room for beautiful change.

Up until about six months ago, I was still using too nude lipstick. I'm not saying it was exactly my skin color, or lighter, but I wasn't following that suggestion where your lipstick should be no lighter than your gums. I needed to reevaluate my stash of lipsticks.

So I went to the store and picked up three brands of light pink lipsticks. I have a fourth I will talk about that came from my December Ipsy bag as well.

NYE: UD look no.2

So I don't know about you, but I love going out on the town for New Year's Eve. Going out as in getting all gussied up with sparkles and falsies and champagne in our hands. Even though I'm still learning my own MUA secrets and signatures, I wanted to show you what my face would be like on NYE.

From what I've seen, most girls either go with golds or silvers with a LOT of whites/creams in their outfit. And since I've been coveting gold lately, I wanted to change it up a little and go with silvers and grays!

Beauty Haul

This is my first "Beauty Haul" blog post. Get excited!! I know I don't always post about beauty related topics, other than eye shadows or lipsticks, but I wanted to share what I recently purchased at the drugstore. Some are a little unexpected and others are just things I wanted to try out.

And I realize now as I'm about to display this list to you, five out of the six are eye or lip products. Obviously I need to branch out for the next time I go shopping. For now, I hope that at least one of these six items will end up in your makeup bags.

[one] Maybelline Master Smoky Longwearing Shadow Pencil in Emerald Fury
In my last haul, I purchased this pencil in Blue Blaze and was in love. I knew I wanted to go back and try one of the other colors. They also offer a black, brown, gray, and purple. All of those I could achieve with eye shadows already in my makeup bag, but not the dark green.

When I think of a smoky eye, I always think of blacks or browns, so that is what interests me about using the green. The pencil is thicker than a normal eye liner so you can line your eyes quickly, smudging it with the sponge on the other end of the stick.

1) Line your eyelid with a thick line almost up to the crease. 2) Blend to a little above the crease and out to the corners making a wing. 3) Line your lower lash line all the way out to the corners meeting with the color above. 4) Blend both lines until you achieve the smokiness and wings that you desire.

Someone remind me in a couple of days because I definitely want to show you a pictorial!!

[two] Rimmel Scandal Eyes Eye Shadow Stick in Tempting Turquoise
I've seen so many MUAs using this type of blue pencil on their lower lash line and I wanted to try it too! The color might be more something that you use in the Spring or Summer, but none the less, it's still something fun to use.

I didn't realize that I bought it in waterproof so it was a little difficult wiping it off at night. The consistency was just as creamy as the Maybelline pencil above. Many people complain about how "cheap" Rimmel products are but I have yet to be disappointed. Here are some pics of celebrities that I hope might inspire you to create the same look.

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[three] Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Sultry
I've mentioned this stuff in a previous post, but I can't say enough about it. Before this, I think the only Revlon product I owned was some old foundation. And I haven't used that stuff in years. BUT, I know that they have their shiz together when it comes to makeup products.

Because of my big lips (not bragging, just a fact), it's hard for me to pull off certain lipsticks. I can't wear lip gloss at all because my lips will look ginormous shine of the shine. And I have to be super careful that the regular lipsticks don't have much of that gloss-effect either. Then last year sometime, I started wearing the matte lipsticks and have been in love ever since.

Sultry is the perfect brick-red color that can be worn with anything. I love that even though it is brick-ish, it is still blue-based, so it will flatter every skin tone. Some matte lipsticks can dry out your lips, but this stuff doesn't, surprisingly.

[four] L'Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara
This particular mascara has only been out on the market for a few months now and I really like it. It's got longer bristles on the ends to make your outer lashes super thick and long...like a butterfly's wings!!

My co-worker bought it before me and said she couldn't use it because she applied her mascara with the same hand. So when she applied it to her left eye with her right hand, the longer bristles were on the inside of that eye, and that just didn't work. She gave it to me and now I'm using it.

I like that the bristles are more plastic-feeling as opposed to brush-feeling. New mascara with brushes feel very light when I use them and I feel like the plastic bristles really coats each lash a lot more. So I've been very pleased with this stuff.

[five] Sinful Colors Nail Polish in Easy Going
When I used to work at Francesca's, they sold these mini nail polishes by Bonita. I had what I thought was my perfect nude/pink color, but I've misplaced it. I remembered it was called Salmon but have since found out that they have renamed some of their colors.

I bought this new polish at Target and am in love all over again. I know everyone's perfect nude is different, but this is it for me. The best part about this polish is that it's thick enough to paint over the white tips of my nails. Most pale colors like this are too see-through, but not this one. I'm super happy that I randomly picked it from the shelf. I know it looks super white here, but it's really a pale pink in real life.

[six] Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Shameless
This is the same stuff as number three just in a different color. I wore it in this outfit post and will wear it for a very long time. This is seriously THE PERFECT purple matte lipstick. It's not too much of the traditional purple. And it's not too dark either. Jiminy Crickets!! Just go out and buy it. DO IT!!

Have you guys been doing any beauty hauls lately? Pick up anything from Black Friday that you've been dying to show the world? Comment below on any suggestions for me to buy or link up your blog and I'll check out your haul!

I'm linking up with Join the Gossip, Monday Bloom, and Monday Mingle.

Updated Skincare Routine

I was prompted by a reader to write about my skincare routine a couple of months ago. You can read about it here. After getting another comment recently, I realized that I no longer follow that routine and wanted to update everyone. My skin has changed since then and I'm sure several of your faces have changed as well. We grow, gain weight, lose weight, stress out, and so many other things to affect our skin. So things need to evolve.

I don't think I mentioned this last time, but I went off birth control last year and come three months later, my face was a HOT MESS. That's when I started using the OXY Maximum Face Wash. After many many months of nothing happening, I decided to finally see a dermatologist.

She recommended switching to a very mild facial soap and prescribed an acne medicine called Ziana. After using it for a few months, there has been improvement, but it's not completely cleared up yet. If you've been prescribed a similar medication, you were probably told that it would get worse before it got better. And it's true. It sucks, but it's true.

This is now how I clean my face:

I first use a facial cleansing wipe (or two) to remove all of the makeup. Any hypocomedogenic brand will work but I use wipes by LA Fresh. It was free in my October Ipsy bag so why not, right?!

I then cleanse my face with Cetaphil oil-control foam wash. I first bought Cetaphil daily face cleanser but it was not foaming so I didn't feel like my face was getting clean. The foaming soap is nearing its end so I'm thinking about pouring the other in its' bottle. I've read on Pinterest that when you do that, the foaming action will still hold true.

Next I shake the bottle of makeup remover, pour a little on a cotton ball, and swipe off the remaining eye makeup from the surrounding areas. My favorite is the Wal-Mart brand that compares to the Neutrogena makeup remover.

I apply a pea-sized amount of Ziana to my entire face and wash my hands afterwards. I'm not really sure what happens if I leave it on my hands but they stress to always wash it off.

Finally, I apply moisturizer to my entire face and neck and call it a night. I didn't use to regularly wear it but I swear by it now especially in these colder months. My absolute favorite is Neutrogena oil-free moisturizer for combination skin.

And to add that extra special step, I like to either schedule a facial at my local spa once a month or apply my own mask. I'm still on the hunt for my favorite brand of at-home masks. So if you have a brand you can't live without, I'd definitely LOVE to hear about it in the comments below!

If you're curious about an acne medication, please visit your dermatologist and let the experts advise you. Ziana works for me but it might not for your skin.

I'm linking up with Random Wednesday, Whatever Whenever Wednesday, and So What Wednesday!