Masking Mondays: The Neutrogena Update

December 19, 2016

Today's shop has been sponsored by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!
#Lights2ClearSkin #CollectiveBias

Alright, as promised here's my update on lighting my way to clear skin with Neutrogena® Light Therapy Acne Mask. And if you haven't read that post, I recommend checking it out here.

Let's backtrack a little bit first. Neutrogena recently launched a hands-free plastic mask that has been all the range on Instagram. The mask powerfully treats acne with light therapy. It kills off acne-fighting bacteria while allowing skin to heal itself all within ten minutes a day!

I've been loving the results and the ten minutes of zen the mask forces me to take. Busy bees shouldn't be alarmed since there are eye holes for those on the go. It's also harmless to your vision. For instance, there are times I lean back and meditate or it's my accessory for washing dishes. It never once felt uncomfortable and since the activator is attached, I simply slip it into a pocket for the ease of movement.

A few benefits I discovered after my month-long use of the blue and red light therapy was that my skin had less inflammation and zits were appearing less and less. And when they did appear, they weren't the ginormous monsters they once were. In their clinical trials, most participants saw results in as little as one week, but for best results it's recommended to wear for 12-weeks (i.e. daily).

For those of you curious about my full routine (since we all know how I love a great layering routine), here it is in its full glory:

- Use Clean & Clear® makeup dissolving wipes for freshly, cleansed skin for optimal results
- one session of Neutrogena's Light Therapy Mask
- your favorite face oil (great way to beat winter's drying air)
- your favorite face moisturizer (huge fan of Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel)

After a month of use, I definitely recommend incorporating the Neurtogena Light Therapy Acne Mask into your full nightly (or morning) routine. The price tag is insanely affordable compared to the one's seen in dermatologist offices and on celebrity Instagrams (aka $39.99 compared to $500+). The activator is even less ($14.97) and comes equipped to provide 30 get-gorgeous-skin sessions. For the best deal, I'd advise on getting yours at Walmart. If you rather hint at this for your Christmas wishlist feel free to send over my blog posts (wink).

*Pssst... here are my before and after shots from one month of using. Insane right?!*

Masking Mondays: A New Way to Fight Acne

November 21, 2016

Please raise your hand if you've been personally affected by stress acne? Yep. Me too.

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but all the shopping, eating, and traveling can leave me feeling depleted. As much as I try to stay zen, it's pretty hard and becomes apparent in the form of stress acne. Not a cute look since we all know cameras go into overdrive during the last few months of the year. So I'm super pumped to try out a new innovative product from Neutrogena!

Let's backtrack a little bit first. Remember a while back how celebrities were posting selfies wearing these insanely pricey white UV masks? Oh, how I lusted for a moment to be able to wear one! But without unlimited funds that moment seemed highly unlikely. (For reference, treatment could cost up to $500).

Enter Neutrogena® Light Therapy Acne Mask. It's like they heard me pining for an affordable version that would still offer me all the amazing benefits of UV masking. They made their patented Therapy Acne Mask readily accessible at Walmart's acne aisle so there's no need to save up or visit a dermatologist to get clear skin. You can do it all from the comfort of your home.

Now you're probably wondering what comes in every box?

Glad you asked! Each Neutrogena® Light Therapy Acne Mask box comes with the patented mask (which is chemical-free and FDA cleared) and a 1 month supply mask activator (the refill which you'll need to purchase monthly at $14.97). While you're in the aisle you should also pick up Clean & Clear® Makeup Dissolving Facial Cleansing Wipes. You'll want to use the mask only after cleansing your face for the best results.

How the mask works is that it targets and kills bacteria with light instead of harsh chemicals and leaves behind glowing skin instead. There are also two modes of action when using - a blue and red light. The blue light kills 99% of acne-causing bacteria and the red light reduces inflammation caused by acne.

The mask is pretty easy to use and forces you to sit and relax (me-time is always a good time).
- Clean your face of makeup, sweat, and debris using Clean & Clear® Makeup Dissolving Facial Cleansing Wipes
- Simply put on the mask
- Flip on the activator
- Enjoy your me-time for 10 minutes

*The Activator shown here has a handy countdown indicator and keeps track of how many uses you have left. PLUS, it keep track of your 10-minute sessions when in use. Cool right!*

The mask is lightweight so if you rather wear it while doing an errand (washing dishes anyone?) - you can.

Results begin in a little as 1-week, so I'm taking the Neutrogena challenge and using this mask during the busiest time of the year for the next 30 days. I'll do a before and after image so you guys can see how the mask kept me acne-free.

Challenges are better in groups, so why not do it with me? Pick up the Neutrogena® Light Therapy Acne Mask at your local Walmart and keep me posted on your progress.

Get the Look: Smoky Neutral Eye for the Holidays

November 10, 2016

After Halloween, there seems to be this full throttle push into the holidays. If we were able to put it on hold until life felt a little more balanced I’m sure we would. Instead, we have to ride out this crazy wave!

It can get a little hectic with the errands and parties (so many parties!) but think of it as a chance to dress up and glam out. And being the makeup fanatic I am, I'm going all out until January 2nd hits. The key to maintaining your sanity and while looking flawless is conquering a smoky neutral eye. Trust me, it's a lot easier to do than it sounds and the transitional look can take you from work to play.

As a contact lens user with a bad case of dry eyes, I always prep my eyes with Clear Eyes® Pure Relief™ Multi-Symptom. It moisturizes my eyes and gets rid of redness associated with wearing lenses and slight makeup irritation. Lucky for us in the states, the preservative free eye drops come in a multi-dose bottle and make it easier to use. It’ll also make your eyes look brighter which is always a nice plus!

If you're anything like me, I highly recommend adding these eye drops into your beauty routine so the focus can be kept on your makeup and clear eyes (pun intended).

Now for the full-on tutorial

FIRST
Prep your eyes with Clear Eyes® Pure Relief™

SECOND
Apply an eyeshadow base over your entire lid and above the crease, I’m using a shimmery nude color

THIRD
Apply the next eyeshadow, I’m using a light copper shade to shade the lid under the crease and blending

FOURTH
Blend a darker eyeshadow into the crease of your eyelid, I’m using a light brown color

FIFTH
Now blend until obvious harsh lines from your eyeshadow are gone

FINAL/OPTIONAL
For a little more ‘tude, I love lining my top lash line with a shimmery dark brown eyeshadow and relining it with a black or dark brown eyeliner

Don't forget to fill in your browns and apply your favorite mascara to frame your face

As for the rest of your face, finish up with CC cream, a peach-like blush, and a pale pink nude lip color. Hopefully, the pictures helped tremendously, but if you rather see a video tutorial next time – let me know!

Keep in mind that Clear Eyes® Pure Relief™ provides up to 12 hours of soothing relief so depending on how long your days go during the holiday season it may be beneficial to carry a spare in your purse.

And being the thrifty shopper I recently turned into I figured I share the best place with the best deals. I found Clear Eyes® Pure Relief™ line at my local Target which was conveniently located near my favorite drugstore makeup brands. It’s like they knew! Combine Target’s Cartwheel offer (25% off) with this $3 manufacturer coupon on your next purchase.

Have you ever used Clear Eyes as part of your beauty routine before?