Can A Facial Ruin Your Face?

The purpose of a basic facial is simple, its a multi-step skin treatment that involves cleansing, exfoliation, extraction and a mask. That my friends, is a basic facial and thats what I thought I was going to receive from a licensed Esthetician.

I had some breakouts on my cheek and I wanted a good extraction to help get rid of the impurities. This "facialist" was recommended to me as she is known to get every single blackhead and pimple out of your face. Unfortunately, what I received was some scaring and even more breakouts than I had in the first place. The sad thing is this all could have been avoided if I just went to my regular Esthetician who has extracted me many times, always leaving my skin better than she found it. The "she will squeeze the hell out of your face" sounded so appealing though... 

 Can a facial ruin your face? Absolutely it can. The main cause is trusting your face onto inexperienced hands but even licensed Estheticians can ruin your skin. In Esthetics school I learned that being "licensed' means that you paid thousands of dollars to get a certificate and you passed a test. However, in Esthetics school I came across so many of these woman that in all honesty did not deserve to graduate and be able to head out in the world with a license to ruin peoples face. I loved everyone in my class, but the truth is the truth and the truth and some of them should have chosen a different career (which some of them realized and did shortly after graduation) 

I want you to be clear that having a license does not make anyone an expert. What makes an Esthetician an expert is years of practice but most important is understanding moderation. Knowing what is ok to extract and when its best to leave alone is a true testament of a skilled Esthetician and always making sure that the skin is left better than it was when you found it. 

Another way your skin can get ruined by facials is by over treating it with harsh chemicals and peels. Beware of these Estheticians as well, you want to make sure that the two of you are crystal clear on what your goals are and a smart and safe way of achieving them. Facials can be very expensive, and I understand that you want to get the most out of your money, but trust me thats not the best approach to have when it comes to a facial. 

Last but not least DO NOT let anyone without a license touch your face... I know you are probably thinking "Steffany didn't you just say the whole licensed thing didn't matter?" Well it does, because that license will protect you. It is whats going to tell you that at the very least this person learned some basic sanitation. Having that knowledge will hopefully keep you from leaving there with an infection. 

My Dermatologist and I were speaking the other day and he was telling me how he had a patient come to him for a "pimple" that never healed after a facial. It wasn't a pimple at all, it was basal cell cancer. He also told me about patients with chemical burns that now have to spend thousands of dollars in laser treatment to correct the damage. 

My advise to all of you is simple, do your research and get multiple opinions. If you are dealing with breakouts on a regular basis start by addressing your health and or see a dermatologist. They are not exempt from making mistakes when treating you but the odds are less. Don't let the price of something be what convinces you to do a treatment, find a great Esthetician that will care for your skin and help you achieve your skin goals safely. 

To Be Continued...

Too Faced Hangoverx 3-in-1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray Review!

Setting sprays have become a vital product in most of our makeup and for some even their daily skin care routine. In case you didn't know, I would love to tell you what a setting spray is and why you might be missing out. 

The main purpose of a setting spray was to help "set" your makeup more flawlessly helping you avoid the "cakey" look. Thanks to brands packing so many skin benefits you have so many to choose from and there are options for oily skin, dry, dull, dehydrated and more. 

 Too Faced created  Hangoverx 3-in1 Replenishing Primer & Setting Spray. It can be used to Prime, Set, and Refresh. Its a weightless mist infused with Coconut water, probiotic based ingredient, and other great skin reviving ingredients. I have been using it daily on my skin for exactly for all 3 things. They created such an amazing product. I love it, my skin loves it, and you might too so give it a try! 

  Too Faced also has the Hangover primer, it came out a few years back, check it out HERE. 

Available: Too Faced Sephora Macys

Price: $32

Valentines Day 2018 Date Night Inspired Makeup Look Using Only One Eyeshadow Palette!

 Happy February my beautiful people, I am so happy to finally have a video up for you guys. If you follow me on Instagram (you should be) then you saw that I lost almost 4 hours worth of makeup tutorials! Completely erased and as you can imagine I was very upset, but the surprising thing is I was only upset for a few minutes. After that I was just back to business, I tried to recoup as much as I could save and here is this super fun makeup tutorial. 

So there is this "challenge" its been around for at least a year now, where the challenge is to create a makeup look using all the colors of one palette. The real challenge of course is to come up with a wearable look, and my friends I think I accomplished that! Would you agree? 

The Huda Beauty Rose Gold Edition comes with 18 colors, the palettes has mattes, chrome, pressed pearls, and metal eyeshadows. I was very impressed at how most of the eyeshadows blended do nicely together. The pressed pearls and chrome were more tricky to blend but that is to be expected with the formula. 

The staying power was very impressive, the above picture was taken 4 hours after I had recorded the look and everything was still very much set. For people with hooded eyes, this is very rare that the colors don't start to blend in with one another and crease. 

Check out the video below and let me know what other looks I should create for you? 

Products Used:

Huda Beauty Rose Gold Eyeshadow Palette

Ardell Lashes Demi Wispies 

Benefit Brow Pencil In Shade 5

Jouer Slim Eyeliner In Matte Charcoal

MUFE HD Foundation In Shade N153 Golden Honey

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder Medium 

Charlotte Tilbury Cheek To Chic The Climax Blush

IBY Beauty Highlight & Contour 

Huda Beauty 3D Highlighter Palette

Nars Concealer in Biscuit

Lancome Grandiose Extreme 

Urban Decay Gwen Stefani Lip liner in Ex- Girlfriend

Drugstore Skincare Product Of The Week: Nivea Moisturizing Body Wash Care Almond Oil Hibiscus Scent.

Nivea is one of my favorite brands for drugstore body care, their  body products are hydrating and just the perfect amount of scent. I started using the almond oil and hibiscus scent moisturizing body wash, and my skin loves it!  

It is formulated with Nivea's Hydra IQ Technology and Almond Oil, to intensely moisturize your skin, but without the greasy feel. Priced under $5, I have compared it to more expensive body washes and if not equally better its very close. 

What I like to do for extra dewy soft skin is to apply it with just my hands, like a lotion. Then I rinse it with cool to cold water. I pat dry my skin. I come out and hydrate with lotions and or oil to lock in the moisture. My skin has been so soft and hydrated this winter, I am so happy to have a budget friendly routine that works for my super dry skin. 

Sold: Target, Walmart

Price: $3.49

30 Minute Full Body Workout Using Dumbbells For Faster Results!

We all know that everything in life worth achieving takes time, but usually we don't always want to wait! We want to see that booty perk up, the abs to show a six pack, and shed 20 pounds in one week. Unfortunately, there is no such thing one can do to get results fast, even plastic surgery takes months to look "good" and well it also has a lot of risks and scars :(. 

Ok well now that I just depressed myself there a little bit, the reality of the situation is the time it takes to transform your body is precious. You'll always remember and appreciate the work you put in because it will make you a better person, and a beast at achieving what you want. 

Here are five of the exercises that help me see results faster when  done correctly and consistently: 

Dumbbell Squats With Shoulder Press

Burrrrnnnn thats what happens every single time I use dumbbells when I squat. Even the lightest weight feels so much more intense, and I can really feel the area I am trying to activate. What I believe makes this move so good is that you can tell after a few workouts that you can add more weights or add repetitions. Which means... you are killing it! 

Try It

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart with whatever pound weights you feel challenged but not too extreme. Squat down as if sitting on a chair. Keep your weight on your heels. Always squeeze your bum on the way up, and bring the weights straight up. 

3 Sets Of 15 Reps. Increase Weight As You Get Stronger. 

Tricep Dips With Dumbbells

This might be the hardest one for me to do without screaming out a few curse words. The burn is insane, but remember the burn is your friend... all its telling you is that your body is reacting. The burn by the way is lactic acid your body produces to let you know your muscles are being challenged which is exactly what we are trying to do! 

Try It 

Start with feet flat on the floor, hands behind hips fingers pointing forward, knees slightly bent. Gripping from the dumbells lift hips off the floor, slowly bend elbows as fas as possible and then squeeze your triceps to straighten arms lifting your body up. 

This move can be done in different variations, depending on your fitness level, and available equipment. 

3 Sets of 10 reps.

Seated Russian Twist 

This is probably one of my favorite ab exercises, if done correctly you feel the burn within seconds. Adding the weight makes this move so much more challenging but oh so worth it. 


Try It 

Only one dumbbell is needed for this move, sit on the ground with your knees bent and legs in front of you. Lean back as far as you can without rounding your spine, it is really important that your back is straight. Start twisting to either side, twist slowly bringing the weight to that side. Inhale when you are back to the center and then rotate to the other side, that equals one repetition. 

3 Sets Of 15 Reps.

Rotating Plank With Dumbbells

As if planks were not hard enough to do without shaking and begging for the seconds to fly by, adding a twist and weights makes this a real killer... A fat killer ;) Ok so why should you add the twist to this move you ask. The twist is key at targeting those really hard to get rid of love handles. Enough said! 

Try It

Start with a regular plank position but with dumbbells in each hand, feet a little wider than hip distance. Lift your right hand towards the ceiling twisting through your torso. Go slow with controlled moves, mind your posture. Bring your right hand to original position and lift the left hand. 

3 Sets Of 10-15 Reps. 

Sumo Squat With Shoulder Press 

This workout is one of my favorites, it works out every muscle in your body and even helps improve your posture. When I'm feeling a little extra I even add a calf raise to make sure those are getting nice and toned! 

Try It 

Grab your dumbbells at arms length in front of you, with your feet wider than shoulders. Slowly start to lower your body, bending at the knees, the dumbbell should almost touch the floor. Stand up to the starting position and when knees are locked press the weights directly overhead. 

3 Sets Of 10 reps. 

Watch the video here to see all the moves in action. Also, make sure to do some cool down/stretch work (not included in the video.) 

Lancome Grandiose Extreme Review With Pictures... Is It The Best Mascara?

 Lancome has been known to have some pretty great mascaras and I was anxious to try this one when it caught my eye. I have been slowly trying them out to find which is my favorite. I will be doing a review on all of them and rating them from 1 to 10.  

The first one I reviewed is their 'Grandiose Extreme' a mascara they claim will give you volume, length and up to 24 hours of wear. The wand is shaped in what they have trademarked " The Swan Neck Wand" which is what helps you achieve the latter.

Grandiose Extreme  

My first impression of the mascara is how beautiful the packaging is. I really liked the shape and details of the bottle. 

The curve of the wand is meant to help apply the mascara more precisely. It took some getting used to but after a few strokes I got the hang of it and it actually does help apply it more precisely. 

The texture of the “formula”that coats your lashes is very nice. It allows enough time for you to brush the mascara and style them to your liking then dries to a vibrant matte black 👌🏾

The real concern all woman have when wearing a mascara... Is it going to run on me? I have really sensitive eyes and they constantly get watery, so I’m very picky when it comes to choosing my ride or die mascara. 

The first time I wore it I had a full face of makeup on, I was in front of lights and I moved around a lot. The mascara did not run it held up well. So I’m starting to get really excited now.

However it looked spidery and clumpy, I was very disappointed at this. 

I was ready to put it back in the box to return it, then I realized why my lashes were so clumpy. I got eyelash glue on them . How does one forget to wait for the glue to get tacky. 🤷🏽‍♀️

I gave it a fair try again and my lashes looked a lot better. I worked out and cleaned the house, it did not run. My lashes held the curl and length for like 10 hours.  

The Score 

I would rate this mascara a 7, the wand design can be a little tricky and I smeared mascara on my eyelid and cheeks a few times.

The application of the mascara would go on so much more even and less heavy if the wand didn’t pick up on so much formula. The solution would be to wipe some of it off but then you end up wasting a lot of product. 

Overall it’s a good mascara with more positives then negatives but it’s definitely worth trying. 

What Mascara should I review next? 

Is This The Best Day Cream? It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+Illumination With SPF 50+ Review!

 I thinks its the first time that I sit down and review a product the first time I try it, thats how stunning It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream looks and feels on my skin. I have been on the market for a great day time routine makeup, and this will be my go to. The finish is perfection, one pump gave me a medium to full coverage but my face still looked "natural". The best way to describe it is it looks like your Your Skin But Better! 

I love when a product actually delivers what it claims to do, after wearing it for around 10 hours my makeup never cracked or budge. Every other product that I applied after it went on flawlessly. I am really impressed by this CC cream, and even with such a high SPF there was 0 flashbacks. I am very curious to see how it wears on me when my skin gets a little oilier in the summer time, but that will have be another review... 

 I'm Wearing Shade: Tan
Skin Type: Normal Winter - Combination-Oily Summer

Heres what It Cosmetics Has To Say About it: 

• Full-coverage color-correcting cream, anti-aging skincare, SPF 50+ UVA/UVB broad-spectrum physical sunscreen and illumination for your skin but better!
• Drops of Light Technology™ for a lit-from-within glow
• Anti-aging peptides, hydrolyzed collagen, vitamins and antioxidants
• Delivers 7 products, all in one:
• Full-coverage foundation
• SPF 50+ UVA/UVB broad-spectrum physical sunscreen
• Brightening color corrector
• Anti-aging serum
• Pore-minimizing primer
• Dark spot corrector
• Moisturizing day cream
• Price: $38
• Sold Here: It Cosmetics Sephora Macys Ulta