My new favorites! (Feat. Double Duties!)

I've recently discovered some great beauty products. I'm always on the hunt for a miracle. Maybe one day I'll have to invent what I think should exist.

Some of my new favs are great low maintenance *double duty beauty!

1. * Neutrogena Naturals Fresh Cleansing + Makeup Remover
I just absolutely love this cleanser. It's creamy and foamy and it takes off everything! I hate having to remove my makeup AND still have to wash my face. This takes care of both things in one step. I wouldn't recommend this for dry skin types though. I'm writing from an oily skin perspective, and it doesn't dry me out, it actually balances me. Most cleansers that are just meant for your skin - don't do the trick (for eye makeup or foundation). This one is brilliant.

2. * University Medical AcneFree Oil-Free 3-in-1 Night Repair Leave-on Foam
I was using this brand's acne system before I tried ProActiv, and it was pretty good. I also used their night-time treatment, which was a retinol cream. Retinol (Vitamin A) is great. It treats acne AND wrinkles. Not to say I have wrinkles - but I don't want them either! This foam has salicylic acid & retinol. And it also has hyaluronic acid - basically a super moisturizer. So this is really more like a 4-in-1. It treats acne in two ways (retinol and salicylic acid), and treats wrinkles in two ways (retinol and hyaluronic acid).

3. * L'Occitane Cleansing and Soothing Shower Oil with Almond Oil
I still haven't found a shower gel/oil that truly acts as a cleanser and body lotion. My dream is to wash in the shower and come out with super smooth skin, as if you used body lotion. But this one comes close! I have INCREDIBLY dry body skin and it usually cracks if I get out of the shower and don't use body lotion. That didn't happen with this one. You should still use a good body lotion, but your skin will be super soft! Bonus: It smells heavenly!

4. Make Up Forever Professional HD Microfinish Powder
This stuff is almost like a miracle. Remember, I have oily skin. That gets really shiny. If this is also your problem, this might be a life changer for you. I saw some crazy reviews on Sephora about how this is bad and turns your skin white (it IS a white powder), but if that's happening...you're using too much! You want to barely touch your powder brush to the product, tap off excess and use a tiny bit at a time.
This goes well over liquid, cream or (mineral) powder foundation. When I use this, my face doesn't get blindingly shiny and greasy - even HOURS after I apply it! Even after sweating!

5. Too Faced In Your Dreams Makeup Collection
Ok. This is my favorite because my mom got it for me for Christmas and I LOVE IT! The eyeshadow is beautiful. It's definitely my new favorite thing. At least for a couple more weeks! :)

Introducing: Rava Beauty

I know my next post was supposed to be my current beauty wish list, but that can wait.

I've decided to start my own beauty business. For now, it's just make up artistry because that is mobile. People can come to my humble abode, or I can travel to where they are. It's also easier to start up...
Eventually I want to incorporate skin care into the mix. I am an esthetician after all. I just need a space to use for facials, waxing, body treatments, etc. - because I think it's a bit unprofessional to have someone spread eagled in my apartment for their awesome brazilian bikini wax...although I'm sure my good friends wouldn't mind it one bit.

So, here are my pages on the web:

Official: www.ravabeauty.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/ravabeauty
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Rava-Beauty/118535728225418
(when I get 25 "likes" it will eventually be facebook.com/ravabeauty)

I am finding it a bit difficult to find models who are willing to let me put make up on them and take their picture for my portfolio. I don't know why this has been difficult. I guess I have to turn to craigslist for strangers. I don't understand why my friends don't want to do it! But whatever, I'm done complaining.

I'm excited. A little scared, but excited nonetheless. Since I'm unemployed, it will be tricky to get the few things I need to start things up. But I'll find a way. I always do somehow.

Peace, love and lip gloss!
-Melissa

Winter/Spring Skincare Tips

It's Springtime...although in California, some days it feels like Summer and other days it still feels like Winter. Like today.

We all know our skin gets a little extra dry when it's colder outside. Sometimes it's a good idea to have two different kinds of cleansers, moisturizers, etc. Unless your skin is ALWAYS dry (Oily skin is definitely not always oily).

If you have normal to dry skin, using a creamier cleanser is probably better for chilly weather. Basically, something that DOESN'T lather. That might be hard for some people to wrap their brains around. Just because it doesn't lather, doesn't mean it's not working. If it doesn't lather, it means there are fewer harsh detergents (surfactants) to cause havoc to your skin. That's a good thing! I don't have very many (non-professional) suggestions for this type of cleanser, because I have oily skin...

Oily skins can use foamy, bubbly, lathering cleansers. Even in winter time. They don't have to! But I usually use something that foams up. But, a word to the wise - use a skin balancing toner/astringent afterwards and please...use a moisturizer! I've been using "Yes to Cucumbers Daily Calming Moisturizer" it's very soothing and provides that extra needed moisture. It would even be great for normal to dry skin types. I'm running out and I'd like to try their "Yes to Tomatoes" balancing moisturizer (as the weather gets hotter).

Oily skins, don't shy away from oils...they are not necessarily bad, pore blocking or acne causing. I could get into that in another blog post...

I've been using Proactiv Solution lately...and I LOVE it! It's the best thing I've used so far, but it is causing excessive dryness. Good thing I know what to do and what products to use! Ok, I'm blathering on...

Basically, the tip for colder weather skincare is use gentle products that don't have harsh detergents and ALWAYS use sunscreen. Even if the sun is not out. I will sound like a broken record about this.

In the next blog:
Another beauty wishlist! Yay! (hehe)

Beauty school graduate

I was almost a beauty school dropout...

It seems like yesterday that I started the esthetics program at (insert beauty school I choose HERE). It's been slightly over four months and I'm really glad I stuck it through.

I actually DID learn some stuff I didn't know how to do before. Like, um...eyebrow shaping! I could have done a basic waxing, but would I have been using the right techniques? Probably not. Yeah, I never thought I could reach for someone's face with wax and be so confident in knowing; that they will not only look amazing when I'm done, but they will NOT have a missing eyebrow afterward.

It seems that I have a knack for eyebrow waxing/shaping, facials and make-up application. Says my instructor, that has way more experience doing all those things. So, I trust that. I'm ready to get out into the world and beautify it!

Oh wait...I still have to take and pass my state board exam. Dang. Well, once I do that I'll have a license and I can do all this stuff legally.

In the meantime I need to be getting my make up artistry portfolio started! I need women of all age groups, races and skin tones/types. It's free. So if you want to volunteer or know someone that would like to volunteer, please send me a message!
e-mail: lissa.christian(at)gmail.com (remove the "at" and place an @, of course)

In the next post...
Winter skincare tips!