And away we go. . .

When I launched ThisThatBeauty on April 28, 2008 (with this inaugural post) I had no idea where my little blog that could would take me. Almost four years later — oh the places we’ve been. . .I’ve been featured in publications Lucky, WWD and Ebony. I’ve worked as a lead makeup artist (twice – here & here) during New York Fashion Week. I’ve covered New York Fashion Week and red carpets for my own brand as well brands like Sally Hansen, ideeli, and Aveeno to name a few. I’ve freelanced for countless online beauty mags and even spent a year as the Beauty Editor for a print fashion & beauty publication, Jones. I’ve had the pleasure of leading beauty/blogging discussions at industry events in Paris, Berlin, and all over the US. If you live in NY/NJ, CHI, ATL, DC, PHILLY, NC,  MI — over the last few weeks you’ve likely heard me on the radio offering my plucky brand of beauty wisdom as Johnson & Johnson’s “Beauty Expert”. About a year ago, after contributing as a guest blogger, Bergdorf Goodman (yes, “the!” Bergdorf Goodman) offered me a very unique opportunity to join the team as their Beauty Editor and oversee the brand’s beauty content both on and offline. . .talk about a dream job!

I say all of this to say — The universe has truly been good to this ambitious little lady from Newark , NJ.

And it gets better. . .

Starting this month, I further extend the ThisThatBeauty brand by launching The ThisThatBeauty Show — a monthly beauty focused talk show. Each month I will air one segment, complete with candid beauty chat with incredible guests and up close and personal dish on my of-the-moment beauty faves. . . I call this segment, “Felicia’s Picks”.

It’s a proud proud moment for ThisThatBeauty and I am delighted to share the journey with you.  I am incredibly thankful for the unwavering support that has been shown over the years. You guys rock!

Without further mushy delay, I invite you to enjoy episode one. We feature:

Emmy Award Winning Makeup Artist Kevin James Bennett — Our on-camera chemistry is electrifying! We chat 2012 trends and so much more.

All Sports Everything Sports Blogger, Shana Stephenson — In honor of Superbowl Sunday, Shana breaks down the ins & outs of the game and shares useful tidbits on how to bond with your guy during the game…and not just be that girl who fills up the chip bowl. Shana and I also chat about the evolution of athletes…and how they’re expanding their brands beyond sports. I learned so much during our segment!

Felicia’s Picks — I share my beauty crush du jour…you so don’t want to miss this!

 ON WITH THE SHOW. . .ENJOY !

(and please please please leave a comment to share your feedback. AND tweet, facebook, etc to share with your friends. pretty please?!!)

Ownership ,control and copyright of audio and video podcast segments are the intellectual property of Elesia Carey and Murray Hill Studios

Lately I’ve found myself on the road just a bit. A beauty press trip here, a family wedding there…let’s just say I’m racking up my fair share of frequent flyer mileage. And while I’m a girl who’s naturally attracted to scent, when traveling I heavily rely on scent to elevate my mood and calm my surroundings. I thought I’d share a few of my favorites with you:

NEST Travel Candle

I am nothing without this little travel friend. While I’m an all-day sucker for the fragrant floral arrangement of Peony Blanche, less girly types will appreciate Bamboo or Grapefruit, two incredibly soothing scents.

bliss Lemon + Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash + Bubbling Bath

When traveling, the best part of waking up (aside from room service) is bliss Lemon + Sage Soapy Suds Body Wash + Bubbling Bath. Nothing energizes my soul like this citrus-scented body wash. The lush, whipped lather makes turning off the shower impossible!

fresh Citron de Vigne Shower Gel

I like to call this my “wind down” wash. Though slightly effervescent, the earthy, sensual qualities of dark almond, musk, and white sandalwood make this the perfect end-of-day simmer down scent.

Lavanila Healthy Roller Ball Fragrance

It’s pretty, portable, and plane friendly. For tranquil travels, I highly recommend Vanilla Lavender, a blend of Spanish Lavender, rose absolute, violet leaves, and Madagascar vanilla.

**********

Travel well!

If you follow my 140 character beauty outbursts via Twitter (@ThisThatBeauty), you are well aware of the fact that I am having a hot and heavy, rich and inky, love affair with Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal. Why just this Friday, I tweeted this pic…

….while looking over my shoulder and keeping a watchful eye out for the Khôl Police – I mean, is having this much fun with Khôl during the daytime even legal? Can’t be!

Well before I’m carted away by the Khôl Coppers, I thought I’d share the deets on the dramatic daytime look I’m currently coveting.

Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal in shade Black Frida has earned permanent residency in my purse. It’s another one of those products (like my classic red lip) that gets the look “done” in an instant. The richly pigmented (yet non tear-inducing) Khôl is perfect for us beauty girls about town who go from the office, to events, to cocktails…with little time to spare in between.

A quick rimming of Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal is all it takes to amp up your eyes….in a flash!

While I generally pair Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal with a nude lip, last week (at Thierry Mugler Angel launch party for Eva Mendes) I went hog-wild and partnered Guerlain Terracotta Khôl Kajal with red lips…surprisingly, it works!

Are you crazy for Khôl? Share your thoughts on my new found love!

I am incredibly passionate about skincare. Just take a peek at the innards of my medicine cabinet…. obsess much?

Around age 21, which marked the ceremonious start of my battle against adult acne, I embraced skincare lotions and potions with open arms. I have always taken great pride in the care/management of my skin. After all, skin is the body’s largest organ. While many facets of skincare float my boat and light my fire, two groups of products in particular have made the biggest impact on the quality of my skin.

1) Sunscreen

2) Peels

You all now that sunscreen is an absolute MUST for me. I have written countless blog posts on the importance of a daily stand-alone SPF product. In my opinion, sunscreen protects against a multitude of skin issues like pre-mature creasing, hyperpigmentation, age spots, and uneven tone

The second most important area of skincare, in my opinion, is chemical exfoliation….i.e. chemical peels, alpha hydroxy acid, glycolic peels, etc.

Earlier this year I wrote about my battle with hyperpigmentation and graphically detailed my process for ridding my skin of dark (nearly black) post acne spots. In the post I discussed the importance of at-home chemical exfoliation. Today I will elaborate on this most important step as well as highlight several products that I have used over the course of the year and ABSOLUTELY LOVE.

I have been d-d-dying to write this post for months and share with you the at-home peels in my life that truly ROCK.com!

If you’re not currently including at-home peels in your skincare regime, sister — you are totally missing out! Peels are incredibly effective at improving texture, increasing luminosity, reducing pore size, correcting uneven tone, and restoring skin’s overall brilliance. Even though I embrace a very complete and through skincare regime overall, I strongly feel that the process of chemical exfoliation is what has made the BIGGEST difference in my skin. Without sounding like a narcissist, because believe me I am not, my skin’s texture is incredibly smooth and brilliant…even when I’m battling a breakout. The pimple is there, don’t get me wrong…but the surrounding skin maintains a certain level of smoothness. And quite honestly, the surrounding “smooth” skin is what keeps me from slitting my wrists when I’m dealing with the routine dastardly cystic zits!

Over the last year I have had the pleasure of trying many at-home peels and I am delighted to share with you my faves! Each product mentioned below is ThisThatBeauty tested. I have used each for at least 4-6 weeks and honestly love them all. I whole-heartedly stand by my recommendations. My rationale behind listing several products is this: I wanted to recommend a variety of products based on various skin types, budget, ease of use, and regional availability (I recently had a Canadian follower email me regarding products that I recommend that are not available in her neck of the woods).

So without further ado, here are my current favorite, most effective at-home chemical peels. I hope that you will find a product that suits your skin type and budget.

For those of you (like me) who deal with the occasional acne bout, I very highly recommend Cane + Austin Acne Treatment Pads with 5% Glycolic Acid and 2% Salicylic Acid. This one-step acne/glycolic acid treatment is derived from pure cane sugar, which acts as an exfoliator to gently resurface skin while salicylic acid treats acne. What I love most about this product (and its sister product, Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads with 10% Glycolic Acid) is that the treatment is delivered in a single step. With many glycolic treatments, you are required to rinse or use a neutralizer. With Cane + Austin, you simply apply day and night and follow with a moisturizer. Super simple! A 30-day supply is $60.

ThisThatBeauty Tip: When I used this product for 30 days, I used the acne treatment pads during the day and the glycolic ones for night. Admittedly, I tend to overdue it…and I have a very high tolerance for glycolic products. You might choose to start slow with evenings only.

Talk about an unsung hero…I wish this product received more buzz. I first learned of Actifirm Z Peel a couple of NYFW’s ago and it sat in my beauty closet for months before I decided to give it a whirl. If you’ve got three minutes and ActifirmZPeel, you’re well on your way to brighter and smoother skin. Z Peel is marketed as a “smart” peel that targets specific areas and exfoliates only where you need it. If you’re sensitive to glycolicpeels, you might find this product of interest because it is said to mimic nature’s own exfoliation processes and does not cause excessive redness, scaling or irritation. Instead of glycolic, Actifirm Z Peel uses exfoliating enzyme from Japanese mushroom along with 14 additional botanicals. The formula also includes a soothing cocktail of extracted oils from lavender, coriander and Roman chamomile flowers.

ActifirmZ-Peel is sold in two at-home concentrations – 10% for those with sensitive skin and 15% for folks like me who always want MORE MORE MORE. In fact, I totally wish I lived near a licensed professional who does the professional strength Actifirm Z Peels peels (30-60%). I would absolutely do the occasional in-office peel! $66.30

Naturopathica Glycolic Refining Peel – I cannot say enough wonderful things about this product. In just four minutes a night, this potent exfoliating treatment lives up to its claim. It promotes more youthful and radiant looking skin by increasing cellular renewal. The potent alpha hydroxy treatment is balanced with the inclusion of soothing aloe verato cool and calm the skin. This refining peel contains a concentrated blend of five botanical extracts (bilberry, sugar cane, sugar maple, orange, lemon) that contain naturally occurring AHA’s like citric, glycolic, malic and tartaric acids. This one definitely tingles, ladies. The recommend dosage is four minutes per evening. If you’re new to AHA treatments, I highly recommend starting slow with about 1-2 minutes. $68.

For my “go green” girls, try this: jeune d’age organics 5% Glycolic Pumpkin Peel. I have written about this product before, as part of my Hyperpigmentation Series, but could not resist including it in my “fave peels” roundup (in case ya missed it before). jeune d’age organics 5% Glycolic Pumpkin Peel is an excellent product for individuals who prefer organic skincare. Click here for my previous review. Since my review back in May, the brand has launched new packaging! $23.95

Get the glow you desire with Votre Vu Nouveau Glow. Through a gentle blend of bergamot, healing bilberry, and AHA loaded citrus fruits like lemon, grapefruit and orange, the formula resurfaces skin without irritation. What separates this at-home peel from the other recommendations in this rundown is the use of highly emollient ingredients like Vitamin E, papaya extract and sunflower seed oil….making this peel deeply moisturizing and incredibly soothing. While the product is labeled as safe for all skin types, I imagine that more mature skin types will appreciate the hydrating benefits. $45

Continuing with the trend toward sugar cane derived exfoliants, Bambola Glycolic Sugar Cane Exfoliant is effective at accelerating the removal of dead skin, increasing collagen production, and reducing the appearance of slight facial creasing, sun spots, and hyperpigmentation. This serum also incorporates a balance of smoothing and soothing ingredients…Apple Acid is used to smooth and firm while cucumber nourishes and clarifies. $48

The name says it all. LIERAC Comfort Peel is a 2-in-1 daily moisturizer and face peel treatment. This ultra gentle formula contains time-released glycolic and salicylic acid which leaves skin deeply exfoliated and perfectly hydrated. The slow release of 1% salicylic and 4% glycolic acid optimizes effectiveness, while living up to the product’s claim of “comfort”. No tingling or burning sensations here! $52

Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel is a sure-fire oldie but goodie, and is widely available online and in-store via Sephora. The two-piece kit contains a 2 oz container of Lactic/Salicylic Activating Gel and a small 2 oz tube of Vitamin C/ Peptide Resurfacing Crystals. I love products that have a “participation” element and Philosophy The Microdelivery Peel satisfies. After applying the Resurfacing crystals to dry skin, the activator gel is applied over the crystals. From there a warming sensation takes over and a foam appears…this tells me that the product is going to work to break down the yucky disgusting layer of dead surface skin…and fresh, rejuvenated skin in en route! $65

I hope you’ve enjoyed my run down of my favorite “peels” of the moment. I tried to cover a range of products at different price points that work well for a variety of skin types – acne prone, oily, mature, dry.

Please comment and share your thoughts. Do you see a product that appeals to you? Have you tried any of my recommendations? Was this post over-kill with 8 recommendations? Do you feel there was something for everyone?

Cat got your tongue??? Share!!!

xoxoFelicia

More than two years ago, I went through the worst acne bout of my entire adult life. While I am affectionately known to be a bit of a Drama Queen, I exaggerate not when I say my skin was totally out of control. This was an incredibly frustrating phase of my life. By the time I figured out how to get the acne under control, I was left with dark, frightful, pigment marring spots all over my face. While clever skin mimicking concealers and foundations helped keep my dirty little secret, my nightly face wash revealed the horror beneath the guise.

In an effort to help others, I wrote an epic post on the topic of Hyper pigmentation…and later started a blog series titled, what else: Hyper pigmentation Series. In the series, I highlight the many products on the market designed to treat hyper pigmentation.

If you go back and read my inaugural hyper pigmentation post, you will note that Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel was an integral part of my hyper pigmentation recovery routine. That stuff WORKS. PERIOD! Within 3-4 weeks of continued use, my spots diminished…A few more weeks later and, what spots? That stuff WORKS. PERIOD!

GIRRRRRRLS..and boys (like my beloved twitter Beauty Boy @calebjf) –

Hold the phone! Dr Murad has improved on perfection.

“Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum” fast tracks results in as little as one week. The next generation of Murad’s award-winning Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel is more advanced because it targets, treats and prevents future pigmentation. I have always said that Murad is the gold standard when it comes to spot lightening. The enhanced formulation is appropriate for all ethnicites and appropriate for a wide range of spots including: age spots, sun spots, freckles, post acne spots, and other unwanted pigmentation.

Key features (via Murad):

• Clinically proven to restore clarity and even skin tone by reducing the appearance of sun spots and age spots 33% in 1 week
• Hydroquinone fades dark spots, age spots and freckles, evening skin tone to reveal a clearer, brighter complexion
• Hexapeptide-2, an advanced skin lightening peptide, complements the results of Hydroquinone, helping block future damage by prohibiting pigment formation
• Glycolic Acid exfoliates to remove dead skin cells, helping the active ingredient penetrate quickly for faster results
• 88% of study participants saw a more even skin tone in 2 weeks

If clear, vibrant skin is on your wish list for the new year, mark your calendar for next month’s launch at Sephora, Ulta…and leading spa/salon locations beginning 2012.

It is $60…and worth E-VE-RY penny!

Does your pretty little face require specific skincare at different times of day? It’s a question worth pondering, particularly given the financial investment we make in our arsenal of topicals, lotions, potions, serums, and creams. Let’s face it (pun intended), keeping 30+ skin disguised as 25+ comes at a price. Isn’t it worth it to go the extra step and make sure you’re getting the absolute most out of your products?

While anti-aging, reparative ingredients (like retinol and glycolic) are highly effective at improving tone, texture, and easing the appearance of creasing, they’re best applied at bedtime, as skin goes through its regenerative process. But what about day?…what’s the best possible way to treat skin during the day?

For daylight hours, skin requires an antioxidant rich regimen designed to fight free radicals, pollution, and the photo-aging affects of the sun. SkinCeuticals AOX EYE GEL‘s triple antioxidant treatment (Phloretin: increases eastin, Vitamin C: promotes collagen production, Ferulic Acid: neutralizes free radicles) is perfectly suited for daytime use and is effective at combatting the plagueing signs of fatique. For the last month, I have been generously applying the gel-like serum under my eyes and around my brow area. The immediate benefits are increased hydration, luminous texture, and vibrant appearance. The formula penetrates easily without a sticky residue. I generally apply my CARGO under eye brightener directly over SkinCeuticals AOX EYE GEL and the product does not run, fade, or crease…a major feat! Over time, I have noticed that my eye area appears more supple and fresh. The added caffeine in the formula gives my tired, puffy eyes a much needed boost in the a.m. and also helps to improve circulation.

Keeping in mind that this particular product is antioxidant packed and suitable for daytime use, for evening I recommend an eye cream that is formulated for overnight repair. I like ROC Retinol Correxion Eye Cream.

Do you adjust your routine from day to night? You should!

I’d love to hear about your skin rituals. Leave a comment & share.

More youthful looking eyes by morning? Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye says yes!

The nighttime miracle worker boasts a restorative blend of concentrated ingredients formulated to target what plagues eyes most – puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles. The paraben-free, sulfate-free, fragrance-free, mineral oil-free overnight treatment combines active essential and botanical oils to restore, re-balance, and improve under eye circulation.

As we all know, the night time is the right time for repair and renewal, so Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye makes perfect sense as a nighttime go-to treatment. Rise and shine with younger looking eyes!

@Plushpinkallure saves the day with her recent hair care review……

Frigid, cold weather taking a toll on your precious strands? Aveda Damage Remedy Collection is here to help. The line includes:

1. Damage Remedy Restructuring Shampoo & Conditioner
2. Damage Remedy Intensive Restructuring Treatment
3. Daily Hair Repair

The three-step “restructuring process” rejuvenates hair and restores vitality. The line is ideally suited for hair (like mine) that has endured lots heat styling and/or chemical processes. The formula is jam packed with brilliant hair-saving ingredients like quinoa protein to repair and wheat protein to protect against heat. A gentle mix of babassu and coconut cleanses while jojoba oil moisturizes. The collection is definitely a cold weather treat for stressed hair.

Daily Hair Repair is my favorite of the collection. It instantly repairs damaged hair after only one application, and it helps to protect against heat and future damage.

Ready for the best part? Now through January 31^st, Aveda offers free shipping with any Aveda.com order with a purchase of Damage Remedy Daily Hair Repair, shampoo, conditioner, or treatment. Enter DAMAGE11 at check out and prepare yourself for luscious locks!

While we generally, wholeheartedly embrace bursts of color during the playful spring and summer months, I challenge you to give your fall routine a little shake up-wake up and introduce faint streaks of color NOW!without flash/ with flash

Here I am sporting a flash of NARS Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner in Abbey Road on my upper lash line and MILANI Blue My Mind haphazardly smudged on the bottom. It’s a very subtle introduction of color….and a great way to accent your eyes without loads of color on the lid – which sometimes requires more artful blending than this busy beauty maven has time to implement.

So for a quick and easy flash of color, try this!

Fear not color this fall.

]]> http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2012/02/fall-color-nars-abbey-road-milani-blue-my-mind-pow/feed/ 4 http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2012/02/thisthatbeauty-vs-hyperpigmentation/ http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/2012/02/thisthatbeauty-vs-hyperpigmentation/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:26:09 +0000 Felicia http://www.thisthatbeauty.com/?p=4140

Grab a cup of tea, a big bowl of (ThisThatBeauty’s fav) popcorn, glass of vino, yummy cocktail, or what ever it is you reach for when you settle in for a good read. This article promises to be the longest post in ThisThatBeauty history.

I am often approached regarding my exact skin care routine. I must confess. This is an extremely difficult question to answer for a number of reasons:

1) Everyone’s skin is different and the results I achieve may or may not be similar for your sweet little face.

2) My skin care routine changes from season to season…and when I say “season to season” I am not referring to weather. I am referring to my different “skin seasons”. For example, there’s the “acne season”, where my primary focus is managing my annoying adult acne. There’s the “dry season” where I incorporate products that help remedy excessive dryness. Currently my skin is in “hyperpigmentation season” so my routine is very heavily and aggressively focused on remedying the dastardly dark spots that have taken up residence on my otherwise pristine (I kid) mug.

3) I regularly (and cheerfully) review/test/and flip flop from product to product….and allow me to clarify what I mean by “flip flop”. I only flip flop from product to product after I’ve used for the recommended time frame (usually 4-8 weeks). If there’s no adverse reaction, I generally stick with a product until its used up. I then write a review and decide to re-purchase or move on to the next one. However, I should note that even though I regularly review and switch products, there are certain skin care principles that are constant (more on that later).

4) My overall skin care routine is somewhat extensive. Just ask @KatAragon. We recently roomed together in LA and she lovingly poked fun at my diligent day and evening skin care rituals…but she also all but licked my face and marveled at how smooth and even my complexion is. (I kid about the licking, but I could tell she wanted to-LOL).

So for reasons 1 through 4, it is hard for me to give an exact run down of what my skin care routine is….No two faces are the same, my skin issues and products change often, and my overall routine is quite intense…I’ve actually seen eyes glaze over when I’ve tried to explain it all.

The main focus of this article is my current “skin season” – HYPERPIGMENTATION, which is in bold and spelled out in caps to signify that I am yelling the word at the top of my lungs. Hyperpigmentation is no joke! It makes me feel angry, sad, insecure…and basically unpretty. So for this article I will share with you, the intimate details of my struggle with hyperpigmentation and the products I am currently using. Once I am through this particular “skin season” some of the products will likely change.

Before getting into the actual products, I have to take a small step back and talk a bit more about my overall skin care routine. As I’ve already said, my routines are “skin season” specific and change often. HOWEVER HOWEVER, there are CORE PRINCIPLES that are constant….cleanse, tone, eye cream, treat issues, anti oxidant serum, sunscreen, special treatment masks, regular facials and regular dermatologist visits.

PROPER CLEANSING

I generally tend to favor gentle cleansers. I am usually on some sort of topical medication for acne management (currently using Evoclin foam) so I steer clear of harsh cleaners that will possibly conflict. However, the cleanser must clean deep enough to control my excessive sebum and oil production. A few of my fav cleansers include:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser – It is super gentle and does no harm.

KISS MY FACE Exfoliating Face Wash – Don’t let the word “exfoliating” scare you. The formula is gel-like with no bits or particles. The cleanser gently uses the power of natural fruit acids to exfoliate the skin. Lemon Grass Oil is incorporated as an anti-inflammatory and astringent. Antioxidant Green Tea repairs damaged skin.

Lancome Creme Radiance – This clarifying cream to foam cleanser contains antioxidant White Lotus and soothing Rose de France to penetrate deeply without drying out the skin. I always feel brighter after using.

GRN Blue Chamomile Cleanser – Certified Organic Extracts of Chamomile, Rosemary and Green Tea. This gentle cleanser provides deep cleansing without harsh chemicals. It does not dry or irritate my skin.

So you see, I mainly use cleansers that are gentle and free of harsh irritants. My cleansers do rotate from time to time, but GENTLE is key for any cleanser I use. In addition, my Clarisonic Skin Care Brush is a staple. This brush is working miracles in my skin….*cue the parting of the sea and the conversion of water into wine*

This brush saves lives! I bought my first Clarisonic a few years back when Lady O (not Michelle, Oprah) touted the brush as one of her fav things. The brush flew off the shelves like Free Pancake Day at IHOP, but I was lucky enough track one down (and was later rather unlucky because I left it at a hotel and was forced to buy a replacement). For some odd reason I abandoned using the brush…bad move. During a skin care convo with my sister from another mister – Adri, she encouraged me to get back on my Clarisonic grind. I charged up the super sonic brush and have not looked back. My skin is, at this very moment, the best it has been in a long time. Regardless of the different cleaners I rotate, my Clarisonic skin care brush is a staple.

TONER

The next step of my skincare routine involves the use of a “gentle” toner. There’s that word again, “gentle”. My current favs are all awesome with a capital “A” because they are non-drying, contain no alcohol, and help to restore my skin’s balance after cleansing:

Chella Refining Tonic – Contains zinc and pomegranate. Is gentle and refreshing. The yummy pom scent is a bonus!

Renee Rouleau – Moisture Infusion Toner, Revitalizing Ginseng Toner, and Balancing Skin Tonic are my favs.

KISS MY FACE Balancing Act Facial Toner – (Description from KISS MY FACE) Tone and nourish skin with organic ingredients. Revitalize tired skin with this blend of certified organic grapefruit, orange, ginger and lemon balm essential oils and extracts. Seaweed extract provides trace minerals while antioxidants Ester C® and Vitamin E help fight the signs of aging.

Again, the trend is “gentle” yet effective!

The last few steps in my general routine include acne medication, serum, eye cream, SPF, special treatment masks, regular check-ins with my derm, and somewhat regular facials.

And now, getting back to the main focus of this article, the next few products in my routine are formulated specifically to address my current “hyperpigmentation season”.

Are you surprised that I stated there will be a “few products” required to address hyperpigmentation? Well don’t be. Often times we expect one miracle product to solve our issues. I wish! The reality is that good skin takes a concerted and continued effort.

While this post is intended to share with you the products I am using to win my personal battle against hyperpigmentation, I also want to express my opinion that a lot of folks out there are slackin’ on their skincare pimpin’ and expect one miracle product to improve your skin. Girlfriends, I am here to tell you that if you are not properly addressing your skin from all angles, don’t expect the two or three hyperpigmentation remedies I’m about to recommend to work for you.

For example -

• If you’re sleeping in your makeup….your skin is filthy and not properly repairing itself so don’t expect these products to work for you.
• If you are not using sunscreen daily (preferably SPF30)…. don’t expect these products to dramatically diminish your hyperpigmentation.
• If you do not properly exfoliate…do not expect these product to magically transform your roughness.

Am I making myself clear:) Good skin care is a multi-pronged approached. Whipping your skin into shape is serious business, kids. I highly suggest that you evaluate all aspects of your regime and not just place a band-aid. I am taking the time to highlight my core principles of skin care because I want you to understand that it takes a certain level of sustained commitment to achieve your desired results.

So having said ALLLLLLLL that (Whew, momma’s tired), I now want to share with you the products that I am currently using to address my hyperpigmentation. But remember, overall good skin care habits in conjunction with these products is the route that ThisThatBeauty wholeheartedly recommends.

********************************

I did not always have post acne hyperpigmentation. When I was in my early twenties and first started breaking out (Hello Adult Acne), my pimples usually healed without leaving a trace of its existence. This is no longer the case. I went through a terrible breakout phase last summer. The pimples were often cystic and extremely painful. After months of a couple pimples here and a couple pimples there, my face transformed from relatively blemish free to a face full of dark spots.

I went from skin like this (no makeup in pic):

To occasional breakouts like these (NSFW):

Which eventually led to lots of dark spots like these (DOUBLE NSFW):

I even ended up in my derm’s chair for cortisone shots:

With the help of great concealers by Cinema Secrets, Make Up For Ever, CoverFX, and BECCA, I was able to conceal the dark spots with minimal effort. But that was a band-aid, not the solution. The products I am recommending in this post are tried and true skincare solutions!

First and foremost, not to beat a dead horse because I already mentioned my Clarisonic in this post but ….hats off to my Clarisonic skin care brush. Its sonic technology gently and effectively cleanses my skin, clears pores, and really helps to improve my tone and texture. Everything about my skin improved once I started back using my Clarisonic skin care brush. Without proper cleansing, environmental stressors like pollutantion, oil and bacteria accumulate on the skin, clogging pores which causes blackheads, blemishes and dullness. Clarisonic’s gentle cleansing and massage help to prep my skin to better absorb my skin care products. In a study Clarisonic reported that after cleansing with their brush, skin showed a 61% improvement in the absorption of Vitamin C. They claim that skin becomes clean, clear and smooth—allowing skin to experience the full benefits of serums and moisturizers. I co-sign. The proof is in my gorgeous glowing skin….and did I mention I bought two Clarisonic brushes? Yea, its that serious!

For daytime I use Kiehl’s Highy Effective Skin Tone Corrector (KHESTC). This has been a staple in my anti-hyperpigmentation arsenal. I’ve been using for over four weeks and already see significant improvement.

KHESTC is formulated with a blend of antioxidants and acids that help to lessen the appearance of dark spots, sun spots, and uneven skin tone. KHESTC does not contain Hydroquinone. Instead it is made of a unique blend of Glycolic Acid, Emblica Fruit extract, and HEPES which KHESTC claims is as effective as 2% Hydroquinone and a safer, gentler combination of ingredients to achieve almost similar results.

Emblica Fruit extract contains a large amount of Vitamin C which serves to protect the skin from sun damage, promote collagen production, reduce inflammation, and help repair damaged skin. It is a natural antioxidant, which means it eliminates free radical damage to the skin. Emblica extract also works as a skin lightener. HEPES is an organic chemical buffer and acts as a hydrating agent to the skin. HEPES helps to eliminate roughness. It is as powerful as Glycolic Acid.

Glycolici Acid, a long time friend of mine, is essential because it works to dissolve the outer skin layer, breakdown hyperpigmentation, and reveal fresher looking skin. Glycolic Acid also helps to even out skin tone and improve texture/scarring.

I like that KHESTC is a corrector and antioxidant in one. That’s very important because it cuts down on the need for a separate antioxidant serum. The product comes in a gel like formula which is quickly absorbed into the skin. My one complaint about the product is the packaging. The metal tube oozes product long after you squeeze and dispense. This leads to the wasting of product. Here’s how I worked around this annoyance…I squeeze less than I need and allow the tub to ooze out additional product. Does this make sense?

After applying KHESTC, I follow up with a healthy slathering of Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF20. I am eternally grateful to my beauty blogger bud who was kind enough to give me her press sample of Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer SPF20. I had heard buzz from several friends in the industry that the moisturizer is effective in correcting hyperpigmentation. I used the product every morning for about 6-8 weeks and noticed that my dark spots were beginning to fade. Over time they became less and less obvious. After going through one full sized container, I rushed out and purchased another. I continue to use it today.

In the evenings, for the last 2-3 weeks, after cleansing, toning, eye cream, and Evoclin, I have been applying Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel. Once again, I have my sister from another mister, Adri, to thank for turning me on to this product. I was complaining that I need another product in my anti-hyperpigmentation arsenal and she suggested stepping up my game with Murad Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Gel. NOTE: Your Hyperpigmentation might not require a treatment for day and a treatment for night….but you saw my pictures. I did not have time to play games. I should disclose that Murad contains 2% Hydroquinone. Momma’s not hear to judge, but merely inform. My dark spots, in my opinion, require a product like Keihl’s that’s safe for daytime use…AND a product like Murad’s that’s highly effective for evening use. Once my spots fade a bit more, I will transition off of the Murad because I don’t want to use a product with hydroquinone for an extended period of time. You definitely need to think long and hard about the severity of your hyperpigmentation and then choose a product accordingly. Consult your dermatologist…which is actually a very important step that I won’t spend too much time on today. But see your derm…I do, regularly. Over the counter products can be expected to do but so much. I usually get regular facials and Silk Peels (but I haven’t made time for either since starting this new regime…bad girl!).

After applying Murad, in lieu of a night cream I rotate between one of two Vitamin C serums. In the evenings I alternate between Mario Badescu Vitamim C Serum and MD Skincare Hydra Pure Vitamin C Serum. Both contain potent doses of Vitamin C and have proved effective in diminishing my dark spots. Sometimes I skip the serum and go straight for Creme de La Mer.

On a weekly basis I use enzyme masks like Chella’s Enzyme Exfoliating Crema Mask. I also alternate between at home peels like Erno Laszlo C Peel or MD Skincare Alpha Beta Peels.

I am incredibly pleased with the improvement I am seeing in my skin. If my skin remains on its current course, I hope to slay the hyperpigmentation beast and be blemish free by summer.

Here’s what I look like today…WITH NO MAKEUP!!! You will notice that my hyperpigmentation is SIGNIFICANTLY improved. Perfect? No! But definitely much improved. I feel I’m well on my way….

Hyperpigmentation is no joke! In my day to day as a makeup artist and beauty writer, I often come across women who struggle to remedy their hyperpigmentation. Often times in our insecure moments of weakness we purchase some random snake oil in hopes that we’ll wake up looking like new money. This is almost never the case, love bunnies. You must commit to improving the overall health of your skin. And that has everything to do with how you care for your skin from sun up to sun down and from “skin season” to “skin season”. Make the investment!

This is an extremely personal post for me. I went back and forth in my head debating whether or not to leak my “un-pretty” photos. In the end I decided to share my photos/experience and pour hours into writing this post because I want to help other women in the hyperpigmentation struggle. I want to arm you with the information and resources to improve your skin. Be empowered! I also want you all to know that you’re not alone…ThisThatBeauty’s been there too!

Please share this post with your girlfriends, aunties, roommates, etc. I hope this extremely long article is in some way helpful!

Please share your thoughts! Have I helped…or run-on for way too long? Leave a comment:)