Serum Series: Vitamin C

Over the years, I have been guilty of riding the waves of numerous fads...BB creams, blue mascara, glitter eyeshadow, Noxzema (remember that?)...you get the picture.

However, I have finally found a new obsession that will not only stick but will leave me thanking myself years from now. I have stopped being lazy about my skincare regime and started making the investment in preventing my potential future saggy and wrinkly face.

I can say, with some certainty, I will be a bag of bones and wrinkles if I don't actively start working towards some type of preventative anti-aging movement. 28 years of sun exposure and several of those years living in Florida equals bad new bears.

Lately, I've noticed my concealer gets caught in my fines lines under and around my eyes. I blamed it solely on my concealer. So, back to Sephora I went...numerous concealers later and I had to face the facts. My skin has lost a bit of elasticity around my eyes.

So, naturally I started frantically Googling what my favorite celebrities are doing to make their skin look like they just hopped out of the fountain of youth. I mean, is Jen Aniston 21 or 41? No one would know. So, after probably 75 different articles and interviews read, I knew I had to add to existing routine some Vitamin C (and other serums...to come in future posts).

I'm not trying to just think something is going to do miracles for me and waste money and then in a month from now notice that the bottle has collected dust. This is the new "anti-clutter" Kacey speaking, of course. Plus, when I step into the skincare aisles of Sephora, I'm overwhelmed by the immediate over-stimulation of what seems like millions of products and price tags that I'd have to hide from my husband (oh yeah, forgot to mention... I got married).

So, let me make this simple for you. If you don't have Vitamin C in your current face product rotation, step up your game. Here's why...as we age, our body's collagen breaks down and the collagen production minimizes. This is where the the devil's work (wrinkles) come in. Vitamin C serums pack their biggest punch by increasing the production of collagen, which means increasing your skin's elasticity. And boom, we are fighting wrinkles before they start OR helping to decrease wrinkles that have already formed.

If you're like me, you enjoy researching a gazillion products before making a purchase. I like to make sure I'm getting a good product at the right price. I won't overspend just for a certain brand name. It HAS to work. So, on to Amazon I went after scouring Sephora's site. Along came Eve Hansen products. I'd, personally, never heard of this brand but with hundreds upon hundreds of reviews, I felt confident giving it a whirl. For a 2 ounce bottle of Vitamin C, you're looking at a price tag over under $18 on Amazon. Compare this to the $60-$80 you could be spending elsewhere.

Bottom line...you can't argue with the science. This product is 100% vegan, fights free-radical damage, sun damage (YES!), improves pigmentation issues, improves skin tone AND texture and is good for all skin types. A few drops massaged and patted into your skin twice a day!

Call me when you're 65 and you can thank me then.

Routine Round Up

I feel like I have been posting a lot about facial products that I like but I can't help it - great skin is the key to life (...or something like that). So, I'm back to share my daily routine that has been working wonders for my skin over the past few weeks. In the winter months, it's easy to continue your routine of harsh toners and washes but it's important to moisturize all year long. Your skin in the winter gets dry and tight so here are some products that may save you.
For starters, I use this Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash year-round because it's dermatologist-recommended and does the trick for me. It's simple and works.
Next, I use this Ultra Facial Toner by Kiehl's. It looks, feels and goes on more like a lotion. It's definitely not a harsh toner that burns your skins and kills everything in sight.
My final step is this Nutriganics Serum by The Body Shop. It was on clearance for $10 and is great for anti-aging (never too soon to start fighting those wrinkles, gal pals!) so I thought I'd try it out...I was out of face lotion anyway. This product is my favorite! It glides on like silk and unlike some serums, doesn't have a greasy feel.
My skin feels amazing - give it a go!

Rodan + Fields: Product Review

When I got the opportunity to try out Rodan + Fields products, I jumped on it! Aja Sharp, a new Rodan + Fields consultant, sent me some amazing products to try and dare I say, I'm in LOVE!

The first product I tried was the Micro-Dermabrasion Paste. It's oil-free and gently exfoliates your face. It feels like a sugar scrub and left my face baby soft. After the paste, I slathered on the Night Renewing Serum which helps skin texture with retinol. The combination of these two products together is unreal...the softest my face has felt in years!

The third product I have become hooked on is the REDEFINE Eye Clothes. These makeup removing clothes serve a duel purpose. Not only does it take off any makeup after a long day, but they also help fight the visible signs of aging (I may be 26 but it's not too early to start!). The plastic box these clothes come in is durable and great for travel!

Since I spend so much time in the sun, living in Florida, it's important that I always have quality lip products to keep my lips soft and protected. The REDEFINE Lip Renewing Serum comes in a power-packed capsule. The serum helps retain moisture and smoothes the texture in your lips.

I'm a believer and my suggestion is...give these products a go! Contact Aja Sharp by phone (812-343-7280) or by email (ajarosesharp@gmail.com) for more information or to order your products!

Pregaming Wrinkles

In my amazing package of goodies from L'Oreal, I found something I was extremely excited about...anti-aging products. While I may be in my 20's, I want to do whatever I can to prevent wrinkles so I don't look like a bag of bones and wrinkles when I am a bit "wiser". I've been using these products twice a day (once before work and once before bed). The Revitalift for eyes is intended to not only help with dark circles, but also to fight the fine lines that accumulate around women's eyes. The concentrated serum is my favorite product of the three. It feels like silk when you apply it to your face. Who wouldn't like that? The moisturizer (in the jar) is a daily must. Overall, after over two weeks of using this line, my skin feels smoother and softer. I also think my dark under eye circles are not quite as dark. Mission "Pregame Wrinkles" accomplished.