Murad for Acne

So I've used murad in the past and liked it a lot. I've had major acne since I went to London so I decided to give it a shot again. I'm pretty sure I 've got a full set of their acne car line (except their silver spot treatment which is fabulous for surprise blemishes). 

This picture includes a toner, wash, acne clearing solution, benzoyl peroxide spot treatment, and oil control lotion.

The toner probably my favorite acne product I've ever used. I've used it consistently for years and it's just phenomenal. It contains witch hazel as an astringent which doesn't dry like alcohol (which is in a lot of toners). It cleans and feels all tingly. If I use this in the morning I'm oil free for at least 8 hours. Of all murad products from all their lines, I would recommend this Clarifying Toner the most. If you're skeptical, ask for a sample at sephora- they're usually great about that, and will probably give you samples of a few toners to compare.

The wash is a basic salicilic acid wash, but has some sort of time-release deal going on. I've definitely noticed a difference when using it but I can only use it once a day because, like all salicilic acid cleansers, it's a bit drying. I'd recommend using it in the day and somethig gentle at night. Follow with a moisturizing night cream before bed. 

I'm not super impressed with the acne clearing solution. It's a low dose (0.5%) salicilic acid gel to use all over. It's just not very practical. It doesn't absorb well so you can't really use it under makeup. I guess it could be good at night but it seems a bit unnecessary to me.

The spot treatment is basic and I definitely prefer the sulfer one. But I do think using the combination of salicilic acid wash and benzoyl peroxide treatment is great- most dermotologists recommend combining the two. This products good for large pimples.

Finally, I have a couple comments on the lotion. It's truly great- does control oil all day. It's a little heavy but absorbs really well so you can use it in the morning under makeup if you want. It feels really good. But I still use my night cream for added moisture. 

Final overall comments:

Buy the toner. Seriously. It's something I'll always splurge on. The other products are a good investment, except I'd skip on the clearing solution. Most of the products you can get in a starter kit, which is the cheaper way to do it. I use the toner up in two or two and a half months. But the other stuff lasts longer. Enjoy!

5 Steps to Smooth Legs

We all cherish that wonderful feeling of fresh shaved legs, but with exfoliation it can be smoother, softer, and last longer.

Here are my 5 steps to perfect, goddess-like, silky legs.

Step 1. 

The night before you shave lather on an excessive amount of moisturizing lotion. Don't choose something strong scented- the scents dry your skin out. I would recommend Avon Skin So Soft or a Vaseline Lotion or some type. Alternatively you can try shea butter or coconut oil. Let it soak in and go to bed. 

Step 2. 

Make a olive oil and sugar scrub. For a delicious-smelling one I love to make, check out this post:

http://be-you-tyfine.blogspot.com/2014/03/earl-grey-and-lemon-face-scrub.html

Step 3. 

In the shower, shave once.

Step 4. 

Use the sugar scrub and then shave again. This will scrub off all of the dead skin. Rinse your legs well but don't use soap, you want to lead the olive oil really absorb.

Step 5. Use the sugar scrub at least once a week, between or during shaves.

Enjoy your soft legs, and show them off!!

Warning: may invite unwelcome petting by girl friends:)

Bonus tip: sugar scrubs are great on your face too! I use mine a few times a week.

Bubble Bar - The Comforter

This LUSH Bubble Bar smells soooo good:)

It's relaxing and puts me in a really good mood. The bath is also very colorful- even a little bit of it will make the water a magenta-purple color. I'm not used to bubble baths being colored so that was a little off-putting at first but it IS pretty cool looking. Check it out: 

The amount of bubbles you see are from less than 1/6 of the bar so it's a good deal for the price. I've also done it with 1/3 of the bar which makes a lot of bubbles. The suggested amount is half the bar but I'd say 15-30 % is plenty! 

Overall I'm pleased with this bar, especially with the scent. However, I do love the bath bombs more, even if they are more expensive per bath. Try it for yourself and let me know what you think:)

Dragon Egg Bath Bomb

LUSH's 

Dragon's Egg Bath Bomb  

Check out how pretty this is: it fizzes, it smells good, and OOOO SPARKLES!

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Oh my gosh if i could only explain to you how much i LOVE this bath bomb! It smells delicious, all citrus-y and delicious. When you drop it in the tub it starts to fizz and the scent shows up pretty quickly. Next beautiful gold glitter begins to spread out from the bath bomb. The glitter is more like a soft shimmer and not chunky sparkles- it's gorgeous. My only complaint would be that it has these pieces of confetti in it and they're pretty and all but they dissolve too quick to really enjoy them. Other than that I love everything about this product. Do you want to bathe in sweet-scented liquid gold? Then you need this:)

Ready to Tan!

I just finished exfoliating and moisturising so I can try out some fake tanning products tomorrow:) look out for upcoming reviews:)