Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates.
Introduce Yourself (Example Post)
This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right.
You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click the “New Post” button, and tell us why you’re here.
Why do this?
- Because it gives new readers context. What are you about? Why should they read your blog?
- Because it will help you focus you own ideas about your blog and what you’d like to do with it.
The post can be short or long, a personal intro to your life or a bloggy mission statement, a manifesto for the future or a simple outline of your the types of things you hope to publish.
To help you get started, here are a few questions:
- Why are you blogging publicly, rather than keeping a personal journal?
- What topics do you think you’ll write about?
- Who would you love to connect with via your blog?
- If you blog successfully throughout the next year, what would you hope to have accomplished?
You’re not locked into any of this; one of the wonderful things about blogs is how they constantly evolve as we learn, grow, and interact with one another — but it’s good to know where and why you started, and articulating your goals may just give you a few other post ideas.
Can’t think how to get started? Just write the first thing that pops into your head. Anne Lamott, author of a book on writing we love, says that you need to give yourself permission to write a “crappy first draft”. Anne makes a great point — just start writing, and worry about editing it later.
When you’re ready to publish, give your post three to five tags that describe your blog’s focus — writing, photography, fiction, parenting, food, cars, movies, sports, whatever. These tags will help others who care about your topics find you in the Reader. Make sure one of the tags is “zerotohero,” so other new bloggers can find you, too.
FEBRUARY FAVORITES AND FAILS 2019
FAVORITES
Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner – This toner will help your skin reduce the appearance of dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles and help with texture. I’ve been loving this toner so much the past month it has noticeably reduced dark spots on my skin and has helped with my skins texture. You can read a full review on this toner here.
Meditamin Snow Glow Sheet Mask – I was gifted a pack of the Snow Glow sheet masks by Meditamin for an honest review. I feel like I have tried so many sheet masks and am quite an expert on them. I have only a few that I would recommend to people that I think are amazing. This one made the list of ones that wowed me! The mask fits perfectly and stays put on the face. It feels so lovely like a hybrid between a sheet and rubber mask and is packed with essence that your skin will drink right up. It brightens your skin and leaves you with a glowing hydrated complexion. There is a more detailed review on my instagram if you would like to know more about the product itself.
Neogen Real Ferment Micro Essence – Even though I try so many products out I am super picky about my skin care products as any good esthetician would be. I have had a long love with Amorepacific’s Vintage Single Extact Essence, which I still adore. The problem is while the essence is amazing leaves a lump in your throat when you buy it at a whopping $145.00. I’ve been using this Neogen one I picked up from Soko Glam for over a month and I can say it gives very similar results. It leaves the skin plump which is a must for me when using an essence. It hydrates and illuminates the skin with 93% naturally fermented ingredients. This amazing fragrance free essence won’t break the bank at $38.00 for 5.07 oz.
Neogen Real Ferment Micro Serum – I’ve actually had a couple serums I’ve been loving on this past month but this one pairs amazing with the Neogen essence, so I’ve been reaching for it a lot! Serums and moisturizers are tricky for me as some can break me out. I have had no issues with this serum. It gave my skin a smoother texture and is filled with antioxidants and nutrients for your skin. I love the light creamy texture after the water essence. It really absorbs into the skin well and leaves your skin feeling balanced and hydrated. I really recommend the essence and serum together they are a great pair!
French Girl Organics Rose Lip Polish – My lips need exfoliated almost everyday. I have had a love hate relationship with lip scrubs in the past and even did some DIY ones. My biggest issue with them is they tend to leave a residue on your lips, it’s not the greatest feeling. This is the first lip polish that I have ever used that doesn’t do that. It just leaves you with smooth lips that feel amazing. I am eager to try more from this brand because of my love for this perfect lip scrub. I highly recommend this one for anyone who battles with dry chapped lips.
Klavuu Glow Tinted Lip Balm – The older I get the more crazy picky I get about lip products. For every day I want a little color and something to make my lips look plump and hydrated. I basically want comfortable color on my lips. This Klavuu glow tinted lip balm gives me just that. It gives me a little color and moisture for a long time. It reapplies well to the lips never caking up. My favorite is the Aquarius that has a very subtle blue sparkle. This is my go to lip balm!
FAILS
Kai Body Wash – At $38 for body wash I’m not sure what I was hoping for. This over priced wash delivered none of it though. I can’t say anything bad about it but I also can’t justify the price of it. Sure it lathered up, cleansed me, and smelled decent but so do plenty of other body washes at less than half the price of this one. I would not repurchase this one because I could see no significant change in my skin and the scent honestly didn’t wow me enough to repurchase it.
Cle de Peau Illuminating Concentrate Mask – This pricey mask claims to exfoliate, make skin luminous, even out texture, hydrate, and firm the skin after the first treatment. I bought this mask on a whim because I love trying out new masks. I have used some of Cle de Peau’s products in the past and liked them so I felt good about this purchase. I was surprised to see it was a three step mask that came with lotion, essence, and a dry thick mask. While the process of it felt very luxurious that was as good as it was going to get. After removing the mask I felt like I needed more hydration which was very disappointing and rare when it comes to sheet masks. I saw no noticeable difference in my skin. I can’t say it did anything it claimed to do. This mask left me wanting to put on another sheet mask on.
OLE HENRIKSEN GLOW2OH DARK SPOT TONER REVIEW
PRODUCT DETAILS: The Glow2OH is a facial toner with glycol and lactic acids to help reduce the appearance of dark spots. Dark spots are lightened in as little as 7 days. The toner also helps with the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture. The toner is gentle enough for everyday use and also brightens the skin.
USE: After cleansing face. When face is dry use with cotton pad in circular motions. Follow with serum and moisturizer.
REVIEW: I picked up this toner over a month ago. I wanted to give it a good testing before I did a review on it. I was a little hesitant because some people said it was strong and I do a lot to my skin already. I didn’t want to get anything that would burn or irritate my skin. I was also afraid of it drying my skin out as I’m already dry and the winter has not helped. Regardless I decided to give this a go because I’ve had two small brown spots on the right side of my face forever. My first reaction to the toner was that it felt gentle, didn’t burn my skin, and smelled lovely. I kept using it for a week maybe switching out once or twice for another toner I’ve been using for a long time. I really didn’t pay much attention to what it was doing or not doing. I just liked the way it felt and it seemed like a nice enough toner. Then the second week I was looking in the mirror, I got closer tugged at my skin a bit and was in disbelief. I noticed one of my brown spots were gone and the other was a good 50% less noticeable. I had to stop and think what I had done differently. It didn’t take me long to remember the Glow2OH toner I had been using. So, obviously I highly recommend this toner for the brown spots alone. It also works brillantly for brightening skin, fine lines, and more even skin texture. I’ve really noticed a much more even skin tone as well. While I highly recommend this please be cautious while using this product as it contains AHAs which make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Always read directions carefully and understand what you are using on your skin. I like to alternate this toner and another I use. I’ve been doing that for a few weeks now and still works lovely.
TROIAREUKE GPS MASK REVIEW
PRODUCT DETAILS: The Troiareuke GPS Mask is a 3 step anti-aging mask set that helps deeply moisturize the skin. Each mask includes skinshielder cel-cleanser, GPS mask, and cell energy cream. The Skinshielder Cel-Cleanser is a bubble cleanser that washes away impurities, dead skin, and provides hydration and nutrients to the skin. The GPS Mask has high essence penetration to deliver nutrients into the skin. It maps the skin finding areas that need nutrition and moisture the most. The Cell Energy Cream helps lock in the nutrients and protect them from external pollutants. It replenishes skin hydration and activates cell energy.
USE: STEP 1. – You apply the cel cleanser to your face and wait 1-2 minutes for the gel to foam up. Rub the cleanser for one minute with wet hands. Then wash away with wet sponge.
STEP 2. – You remove the first layer of the mask and apply it to the face. Once applied remove the second mask layer. (The mask lays between two layers that need peeled off.) Leave the mask on for 15-20 minutes. Pat remaining essence into skin.
STEP 3. – Apply cream to face and pat until absorbed.
REVIEW: I bought the 5-pack of the GPS masks off of Amazon so I could really test them out. There is directions in English on the back but I couldn’t find how often you should use them. I messaged Troiareuke and asked them what they recommended. They kindly replied to use them 1-2 times a week. The first time I used the GPS mask I was shocked that it was three step process I thought it was just another simple sheet mask. I use a couple of Troiareuke’s products but have never tried the cleanser or cream so I was excited to use them as well. The cleanser was easy to use and left my skin feeling nice and balanced. I was in awe of the sheet mask, it felt like a second skin. When I looked up some product information on the GPS mask I saw they called it a second skin and that was EXACTLY what I thought! It fit so perfectly and stayed on my face. You can walk around with it and it won’t fall off. I honestly think calling it a sheet mask is doing it an injustice it’s in a league all of its own. The mask has a feel of like a sheet-gel mask hybrid it’s filled with essence and my skin drank it up! The cream felt very moisturizing without being greasy and my skin was glowing. The results I saw immediately were how hydrated and moisturized my skin felt. My skin was brighter, more even, and just happier looking! My skin had been dry from the cold weather and this gave my skin that boost it was looking for. The moisture stayed with my skin for a good week until I got a chemical peel. Then I used my second GPS mask a few days after my peel. I had some rough dry patches from the peel, when I took the mask off they were gone. That part about the mask mapping your face to find the spots that need moisture the most is very real! It cut my heal time from my chemical peel way down which was amazing. (Please check with a professional if you’ve had a peel, all peels are very different.) So, YES I would highly recommend this mask to anyone who’s skin needs some extra hydration, moisture and love. I adore this mask so much it is now in my top 3 sheet masks. It is by far the most comfortable sheet mask I have ever used. I would absolutely repurchase this over and over again and is worth its weight in gold.
ADDING ESSENCE INTO YOUR ROUTINE
Many people ask me questions about essences. They want to know if they need one, what they do, and how to work them into their routine. Essences are often confused for a toner or serum but are different and deserve their own spotlight in your routine. When working them into your skin care routine they would go between the two. So cleanse, toner, essence, serum, and so on. An essence is going to be more lightweight than a serum, products going from thinnest to thickest consistency leading into your moisturizer last. Their watery consistency makes it easier for the skin to absorb. An essence can be used on any skin type and at any age as they are a preventive measure but also target certain skin care concerns. They will make your skin more supple and ready to receive all the other skin care goodies that follow. That supple part I just mentioned is very real and you will wonder how you ever lived without it! They are extremely hydrating and nourishing and have active ingredients that will prep your skin. I like to think of them as a cheerleader for my serum and moisturizer. Your essence should make your skin feel rebalanced and hydrated. Hydration is the key to keeping skin youthful looking. They will treat fine lines, wrinkles, dull and uneven skin leaving you with a more even, brighter, and radiant complexion. I’ve also seen some essences do an amazing job at treating acne. While essences can be on the pricer side you only need a few drops in your hands. Then apply it by gently pressing your hands into the skin. I like to think of it as feeding my skin. I saw one of the biggest changes in my skin was when I added an essence in my routine. Once I started using one there was no turning back. Adding an essence between your toner and serum will be one of the easiest and most rewarding steps you will do. You will see a vast improvement in your skin and it only takes a few moments of your time everyday.
January Favorites 2019
I wanted to do a couple product reviews for you and also share some books I’ve read this month. So I figured why not do a favorites post for you. This way I can share everything I’ve been loving all at once. I love favorites videos and posts! It’s like a friend telling you “Hey! Check this out, this product changed my life!”. Every time my girlfriend and I get together we bring a bag of shit with us. The next few hours go something like this “Put this on your face you are going to die! Don’t bother buying this it’s the worst thing ever! Get online now and order this!”. So think of this as my list of loves to you. If you are looking for a new moisturizer or book to read these are just merely my suggestions. Some are new loves and others I have been using for months. Let me know the things that you have fallen in love with this month.
Click any of the product names below for a link to them.
MURAD PREBIOTIC 4-IN-1 MULTICLEANSER – It’s been a long time since a cleanser has wowed me. This one surely has with it’s 4-in-1 capabilities. It easily removes all my makeup and doesn’t strip my skin down. The reason I fell in love with it though is that my skin is so much more balanced now, the texture and dryness are gone! It leaves your skin deeply hydrated and even looking. Click here to read my post if you would like to know more about prebiotics and skincare.
MURAD PREBIOTIC 3-IN-1 MULTIMIST – I love this mist for the hydration alone but this past year I’ve had a love / hate relationship with setting sprays. Most them break my makeup up or just don’t work. I had given up on most of them. Then Murad came along with this amazing 3 in 1 product it primes, hydrates, and sets makeup to perfection. Whether you wear makeup or not this hydrating mist is a lifesaver.
HEIMISH ARTLESS GLOW BASE SPF 50+ – I’ve been using this product for sometime it is an absolute love of mine. It primes your skin, hydrates, and protects you from the sun. It is not greasy and gives you the most beautiful subtle glow. It is the perfect base for makeup or gorgeous all on its own. It never pills up or breaks me out. It is SPF perfection!
ERBORIAN CC CREME HIGH DEFINITION RADIANCE CREAM – I bought this on an extremely hot day last summer looking to replace my heavy foundations. I also wanted to simplify my everyday makeup routine. I immediately was in awe of this product. I couldn’t believe how effortlessly it made my skin look beautiful. Now through summer, fall, and winter this is still reached for all the time. It is one of the most beautiful products that makes you look like you have no makeup on and beautiful skin. It is sold as a primer but like me, most wear it as a foundation.
ALGENIST GENIUS SLEEPING COLLAGEN – This was a new product this month and quickly became a love. It takes me a bit to decide if I like a skincare product, if I hate it though I can almost immediately tell. I was eager to try this one and had high hopes because I already loved the liquid collagen by Algenist. I adore many of Algenist products they provide some of the fastest results in a bottle. Their sleeping collagen was no different! The texture of this cream is amazing and melts right into your skin. It will hydrate and plump your skin and help get rid of fine lines and wrinkles. If you have dry skin and or mature skin this product is perfect for you. It provides amazing results and is beauty sleep in a jar.
DHC EYELASH TONIC – This lash conditioner will change your lashes for $14.00! After using this for a month I can see I huge difference in my lashes they are stronger and longer. This is exactly what your lashes need after washing off eye makeup. If you have had extensions or wear falsies this is the T.L.C. your lashes have been asking for. I use it every night before bed and has become part of my routine.
SLIP SLIPSILK PILLOWCASE – Do you ever wake up with sleep lines on your face? Well, that’s exactly what pillowcase is for. Since I’ve had this I never wake up with crazy lines on my face that take hours to go away. It also helps to not absorb all those skincare goodies I put on my face at night. Not only is it good for your skin but also your hair, it is gentle as to not pull and damage your hair while you sleep. This is one of those little beauty things that make a big difference.
INDIGO WILD ZUM MIST LAVENDER-MINT AROMATHERAPY ROOM MIST – I’ve been using Zum Mist for a couple of years I absolutely love the way it makes my house smell. It is gentle enough to be used as a body mist as well but I solely use it for my home. This makes your home smell so fresh especially after you have cooked and that food smell lingers around. I even use it on my yoga mat to. It comes in a bunch of different scents. My favorites are lavender-mint, rosemary-mint, and lemongrass. The only downside is the bottle is a bit small for the price but when I get halfway through the bottle I fill it with water so it lasts a little longer. The scent is strong enough that it works well, it’s just a bit diluted then.
VIGILANT EATS SUPERFOOD CEREAL – My daughter found these for me at our local grocery store and we both think they are the yummiest thing ever! They come in a variety of flavors, though I haven’t tried them all yet. My favorite so far is the cacao banana crunch. These are perfect for on the go you can take them anywhere. They have a collapsible spoon inside and you can add hot water, cold water, or milk. I like mine with a bit of unsweetened almond milk. They are gluten free, USDA organic, vegan certified, and non GMO.
AGELESS BEAUTY THE FRENCH WAY CLEMENCE VON MUEFFLING – For the new year I bought myself a bunch of new books to read on all different topics. Of course there were beauty books and this was the first one I read. If you are into beauty the slightest bit this is a wonderful book to read. Filled with tips and tricks of three generations of beauty editors. Whether you are a beauty guru or a novice this book will teach you something! It’s filled with advice on skincare, makeup, hair, and nails. She touches on every age range throughout the book so it is informative to everyone. It is an easy read book that has stories about Clemence’s life and growing up around beauty editors and behind the doors at French Vogue. I felt like she magically transported me to France with her on more than one occasion. I loved reading what her family’s favorite beauty products are and why they love them because they have had access to everything imaginable.
THE SUBTLE ART OF NOT GIVING A F*CK MARK MANSON – While I was filled with anxiety the past few months I was reaching for everything and anything to help me feel better. I am working on a post about sharing that with you, it will be up sometime in the next couple weeks. Until then this book was one of my saving graces. In the first chapter of the book I was laughing so hard then crying so hard and this continued throughout the entirety of the book. Sometimes I was even agreeing loudly and yelling “F*ck that!”. This is not your typical self help book, if you’re looking for a book to tell you how wonderful you are, that you are special, and perfect in every way then this is not the book for you. Mark is basically going to tell you the complete opposite and tell you to take your head out of your a$$ and drop a lot of F-bombs in between. This book most certainly isn’t for everyone but it was everything I needed to hear at the time. It is filled with wisdom and clarity for the modern-day. It is well worth the read.
YOUPER APP – This app was amazingly helpful for my anxiety and it is absolutely free. Youper is an AI assistant that helps you manage stress, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, PTSD. It does a personality DNA for you and monitors your emotions. It has a journal like quality to it and will link things that make you feel good as well as things that don’t. It talks to you about how you are feeling and how to cope with it and will walk you through some amazing meditative exercises. If you ever feel out of sorts or even if you just have a stressful job download this app it really helps so much. I can’t say enough good things about it. It has amazing reviews by so many people. I have all my friends and family using it now.
