Dark Circles Under My Eyes

I have always had dark circles under my eyes, even when I was very young. I think it is genetics. Lack of sleep, age, allergies, alcohol, or too much salt can also contribute to those heavy bags under your eyes.

So I wear concealer under my eyes every single day. On days I have not worn makeup *out in public* people have actually asked me if I was sick, or if I got enough sleep. My under eye bags are that bad. I've moved past the embarrassment and onto concealer.

A little note about color theory. I use yellow concealer because my dark circles have an underlying purple tone. I also have a green concealer in my arsenal to cover very red flaws. But I have yet to try the red lipstick trick to counter blue undertone issues.

Choose a concealer that is lighter than your skin tone. The lighter color will disguise the darkness and brighten the eye area. I've practiced this one over many years, and now many people say my best feature is my eyes!

I have tried a variety of concealers, including many of the more expensive brands at Ulta, the drugstore brands, and for a long time I used Physician's Formula. Unfortunately, it was only available in one yellow tone.

I use AVON's Extra Lasting Concealer, and it is available in 6 shades: Fair, Light, Medium, Medium Deep, Deep, Chestnut, and Ebony.

I probably apply more than I should, but I seem to need the coverage. So I dot a bunch on, blend it in and around my eyes with my fingertips.

For what it's worth, tea bags, cucumbers, cold spoons, whatever other home remedies people come up... yeah, that never has worked for me. My dark circles are here to stay. At least I can cover it up! Sort of.

AlphaBeautyCream

What exactly are BB, CC and DD beauty products?!

BB is Beauty Balm, and is a combination of facial skin care and tinted foundation. It can be used like a foundation, to create a primer for the application of makeup colors. But it also has the benefits of a skin care cream. It can help even out skin tone and reduce redness. The hydration is intended to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Plus, it has 15 SPF.

BB

AVON's Ideal Flawless BB cream is available in 5 different colors: Light, Light Medium, Medium, Medium Deep, Deep

CC

CC is Color Corrector, and helps to correct the appearance of flaws such as acne, dark spots and redness. It primes and moisturizes with a lightweight feel.

AVON's Ideal Flawless CC cream is available in 5 different colors: Light, Light Medium, Medium, Medium Deep, Deep

DD

DD is Dynamic Do-All, or Daily Defense, and combines skin care benefits with body lotion.

AVON has a Skin So Soft DD body cream with SPF 15.

Manicure Infographic

I made an easy to follow, photo heavy manicure infographic to share!

 

I call this manicure "Winter Stars". 

I used AVON nailwear pro+ in cosmic blue and AVON Dazzlers in Disco Ball.

Eczema Relief

Eczema is skin that is chronically red and itchy. It can be so itchy that scratching makes it worse and the skin develops secondary infections. While it is difficult to identify the causes of eczema, certain triggers might cause eczema flare ups,  like specific products, allergic reactions, and stress.

Eczema can happen to anyone, from babies to the elderly. Red, patchy skin can itch like crazy. Of course, in the process of trying to relieve the itch, the skin can be further irritated. The result is raw skin, that swells, has little red bumps, can be scaly and tough, and might even have fluid oozing out. 

Skin issues like that can take over your life. It’s constantly hurting, embarrassing to look at, and trying to find solutions can be frustrating.

There are so many possible solutions for eczema. Benadryl, cortisone creams, moisturizing, even taking a diluted bleach bath! In fact, there are so many options it can truly become overwhelming. Trying every single option without relief can quickly become agonizing. 

However, two key things can help alleviate symptoms of eczema: washing with a gentle soap using warm (not hot) water, and moisturizing dry skin to reduce flare ups.

AVON Moisture Therapy DERMA is a mild, gentle formula to provide soothing relief for eczema. 

• STEP 1: Cleanse with scientifically formulated soothing body wash. The body wash cleanses while soothing dryness associated with eczema-prone skin and has vitamin E, aloe and chamomile.
• STEP 2: Moisturize with soothing body lotion. The lotion is a light cream enriched with Skin Lipid Complex. 

AVON’s DERMA products have been accepted by the National Eczema Association. 

 

Eczema is a skin condition and is not contagious. If you have symptoms of eczema, you should see a physician or a dermatologist. There has been and still is a lot of scientific research regarding eczema.

January Birthstone: Brilliant Garnet

January, your birthstone is a beautiful, deep red garnet. This ring has a genuine garnet set with rhinestones in sterling silver. Garnet symbolizes love, loyalty and friendship. Simply brilliant!
On sale for $29.99 until 2/6 (will be $59.99)

Nuclear Nails

I really struggle with painting my nails. This didn't turn put too bad considering it was $1 polish. I loved the name : Nuclear Energy.