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...

The Makeup Eraser Review!

I finally decide to try the Makeup Eraser and I'm SOLD! My hesitation was obvious, I thought it was another "trendy" product that popular bloggers where talking about that would eventually end up being another too good to be true product. Well I was walking in sephora completely uninspired and unmotivated to buy makeup, yes one of those very uncommon days..... I decided to pick this and another product. If you follow me on Snapchat you know I have been on a no makeup month and so this sat on my vanity for a few weeks. 

Today I took the dust off my makeup brushes and decided to look put together, and I finally got my chance to try this makeup eraser towel. I had a full face of makeup and after wiping my face a few times with the towel wet my makeup was completely off. I was impressed but not completely sold, it still had to pass the toner test. I could not believe it guys The cotton pad was completely clean!!! I swear even after washing my face with face wash a few times I never had pass the toner test. 

If you don't already make sure you follow me on Snapchat (steffschoice) so you can see makeup hauls, reviews, makkeup tutorials and so much more!

Purchased: Sephora

Price: $20

Glamglow Giftsexy Ultimate Anti-Aging And Clearing Skin Gift Set Review!

I took major advantage of Sephoras 20% off event last week to purchase some of the products I have been hesitant to buy but found over priced. I had my eyes on the Glamglow masks for some time, but I'm very picky when it comes to skincare products. My skin has been acting pretty good lately with the occasional little break out here or there, not complaining at all since I know it can be 10 times worst. 

This set contains:

- 1.7 oz Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment 

- 0.5 oz Supermud Clearing Treatment 

- 1 oz Youthcleanse Daily Exfoliating Cleanser 

- Dual-ended applicator brush 

This gifts set is amazingly priced at $69 and its worth every penny, I have been using the cleanser at night time to remove my makeup and it does a really good job at removing my makeup and exfoliating my skin but also super dry so I will not be using this everyday. The masks are really with all the hype, I tried the Youthmud first and my skin was glowing, like even my husband commented on how great my skin looked. 

Today I tried the Supermud clearing treatment and wow I LOVE it too, I could actually see it working on deep cleaning my pores. After 10 minutes I rinsed off and my skin looked so much brighter and clearer, I took a picture (below) right after to show you the results. The kit comes with a dual ended applicator brush and it helps you pick up the product from the jar and apply it effortlessly. 

Overall I am really happy with this purchase and will definitely be adding it to my beauty routine and even in my studio to use on clients! 

Remove after 10 minutes 

Right After Removing it!

The Ultimate Skincare Gift Set For Under $30

Kiehls is known for great skincare products but I never really thought of them when seeking out Christmas gifts on a budget but that all changed! 

I went to Saks the other day and while helping my husband pick out a new face wash I came across this gift set and many others. This one was a no brainer priced only $29 and it comes with one of my all time favorite body lotions so I figured if I didn't like anything atleast I'll have that. 

This gift set is definitely a must and I LOVE everything in it! The cleanser is the only thing I have been washing my face with and I can't believe I had never tried it before. It will be replacing my old cleanser for sure. 

Overall I rate this a 10 for either gift giving or for yourself. It's definitely a feat way to try out products at a lower cost. The products are all very rich and hydrating best for normal to dry skin. 

Set Contains:
• Ultra Facial Cleanser (2.5 oz) 
• Ultra Facial Cream (0.25 oz) 
• Creme de Corps (2.5 oz)
• Ultimate Strength Hand Salve (1.0 oz) 
• Lip Balm #1 (0.5 oz)

This Winter Get More Beautiful Skin And Hair/ Este Invierno Obtengan Una Piel Mas Hermosa Y cabello Mas Saludable!

I dont know about you, but I was not excited about winter this year. However I find that I am so much more motivated to work out, try out new skin treatments and let my hair rest. Below is a list of things that are better to do in the cold season.

• Try a new skin care routine, your skin probably feels drier and tighter.  The skin needs more moisture and richer so the light-oil free products might not be sufficient. 

• Add Retinol to your skin care. They're great for wrinkles and acne, but sun exposure can cause photosensitivity, so winter is best time to test them out but don't forget you still need to apply sunscreen. 

• Grow your hair! Taking supplements like biotin  may help... but they may also stimulate body-hair growth! so try them in the winter when you are no bare-legged or sleeveless. 

• Try a darker hue! Darker hair color looks healthier. 

Good Luck! Xxx

No sé sobre usted, pero estoy muy emocionada por el invierno. Me parece que estoy mucho más motivados a trabajar, probar nuevos tratamientos para la piel y mi cabello. A continuación se muestra una lista de las cosas que son mejor que hacer en la temporada fría.

• Probablemente la piel se te sienta bien apretada y seca es importante reemplazar su cuidado de piel con lociones mas ricas e hidratantes. 

• Agregar Retinol a su cuidado de la piel. Son excelentes para las arrugas y el acné, pero exposición al sol puede producir fotosensibilidad, de manera que es el mejor momento para ponerlas a prueba.
• Haga crecer su cabello! Tomar suplementos como la biotina y Viviscal puede ayudar... pero también pueden estimular crecimiento del vello corporal. Pruébelas en invierno, cuando no se usa pantalones cortos. 
• Pruebe con un tono más oscuro en su pelo. Color de pelo más oscuro parece más saludable.

Buena suerte! Xxx

Stretch Marks? Saggy Loose Skin? Try This...

 I decided to buy this product even thought I have already faced the fact that no product out there can make my now 10 year old stretch marks magically disappear.... I have seen a lot of improvement in texture and depth after using this product and they are staring to look less noticeable or maybe I'm just used to seeing them. 

This however is not the reason I want to share this product with you all. My weight is always up and down, I can go from 125 to 140 in a matter of weeks, luckily I can loose it very easy too. This however is terrible for my skin as I'm loosing tone and this is no good. I have been using this product for a month now and I can really see a difference, especially on my lower back where I was really starting to notice the skin starting to sag a bit. I will definitely continue to use this and I'm trying my best to keep my weight in control (keep my grandmother away from the kitchen) as I know the older I get I might not be able to reverse the effects as easy. 

Purchased: TJ MAX 

Me decidí a comprar este producto a pesar de que ya he enfrentado al hecho de que ningún producto  puede hacer mis estrías de ya 10 años desaparecerán por arte de magia... He visto un montón de mejorias en textura y profundidad después de usar este producto, y se miran con una apariencia menos perceptible o tal vez sólo estoy acostumbrado a ver. 

Sin embargo, esto no es la razón que quiero compartir este producto con todos ustedes. Mi peso es siempre hacia arriba y hacia abajo, me puede pasar de 125 a 140 en cuestión de semanas, pero por suerte la puedo perder muy fácil también. Sin embargo, esto es terrible para mi piel como estoy perdiendo tono y no es bueno. He estado utilizando este producto desde hace un mes y yo puedo ver realmente la diferencia, sobre todo en la parte baja de la espalda donde realmente estaba empezando a notar la piel comienza a guindar un poco. Sin duda, me siguen a usar este y estoy tratando lo mejor que puedo para mantener mi peso en el control (mi abuela fuera de la cocina)  los mayor que me ponga  no va a ser tan fácil de revertir los efectos de engordar y rebajar tan rápido.

Good Luck/Buenas Suerte! Xxx

My Holy Grail Eye Treatment!

I can't even believe how sensitive my eyes are. Know this,  nine out of ten my eyes are irritating me in one way or another. Dry eyes? Check! Watery? Check! Itchy? Check! Dark Circles? Check! Puffy eyes? Check! I'm sure there's a few more I'm missing but I won't bore you with all my sensitivity issues. 

I will tell you about my HOLY GRAIL eye treatment, I started using Clinique when I was in high school. To be honest with you this is the only department store product I use to buy. I stopped using this eye treatment a year ago to try out other eye creams and some were good, a lot of them irritated my eyes even more. I gave up my search and went back to the only eye treatment that  truly works for me. 

I love the silky texture and how I immediately see a difference after I apply it. The hardest part about using eye cream is that they tend to creep into the eyes after a few hours and burn, not this one! It has brightening ingredients that work instantly and also over time to diminish the look of circles and fine lines. It comes packed with botanical and proven ingredients to depuff and calm the eye area. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for new eye treatment to treat circles and puffy eyes! 

Una de las cosas que mas me molestan es lo sensitivo que son mis ojos, siempre me pican o están súper resecados. La verdad es que todo me incomoda en los ojos, después de dos bebes, la universidad, trabajos donde me tenia que levantar de madrugada me empezaron a salir unas ojeras horribles. He tratado de todo, desde tratamiento caseros a muchos productos y aunque muchos me ayudan a disminuir la apariencia de las ojeras, algunos me irritaban los ojos aun mas. 

Quiero compartir con ustedes el mejor tratamiento que yo he tratado para combatir las ojeras. Es de Clinique All About Eyes! Me fascina la textura sedosa que tiene y como inmediatamente veo una diferencia al aplicarme esta crema. Viene cargada de ingredientes botánicos que ayudan a ver una diferencia inmediata pero que también con el tiempo ayudan a eliminar los círculos negros y las hinchazón. Le recomiendo estos productos a todos los que como yo están sufriendo de ojeras! 

Good Luck/ Buenas Suerte! Xxx

Product Rave: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation!

I feel kinda embarrassed admitting that I had never tried this foundation until now. And now I understand what all the hype was about, this foundation is absolutely beautiful it looks analyzing and it feels like air. I actually had to look in the mirror to confirm that I actually had foundation on, thats how light it feels on my skin. Easy to blend, build-able coverage, healthy luminous look, non-comedogenic, I don't know what else I can say about this foundation. It is on the pricey side which is really the only negative. 

 This foundation is oil-free and works perfectly in filling lines and pores. It won't clog your pores or wash you out. This foundation has won so many awards year after year and now I see why.

 This foundation comes in 17 gorgeous shades so you are sure to find your perfect shade. I used my beauty blender sponge to apply it. I recommend this product to anyone and I have to admit I think I love it more then my Chanel foundation. Good Luck!

Purchased: Bloomingdales
Price: $59

Product Review: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Extra Strength!

You would think that as a makeup lover I like to wear makeup everyday! But I really don't like to wear too much makeup, especially foundation unless necessary. SOOO of course that means I try my best to keep my skin super clear! My skin has literally been through hell and back! It is really a struggle for me to keep it clear, but After getting an amazing peel in a spa, and loving the results. I have made it my goal to find an at home (budget friendly) peel. I decided to try the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Pads to keep my skin glowing and clear. This product has taken my tired skin from dull to radiant and even toned! To me, I love it when my skincare products make my skin look so good that it looks like I’m wearing makeup and that’s what this product does! I also love that it helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and soothes your skin! If you want perfect skin and are struggling with it for any reason, try this! Your skin will glow and it will seriously help with most skin problems!!

Will I continue to use? ABSOLUTELY...It is expensive, so I will continue to use it every other day and find a routine that will help more with the acne. This is great to help with acne scars, but I did not notice a decrease of breakouts. Also make sure if your skin is broken out to be careful and test the area first so you don’t cause irritations. Good Luck! Xxx

Purchased At Sephora: $85