My Skincare Essentials and Favorites

It’s been awhile since I talked about skincare and I’ve updated my routine and found new products so wanted to share!

1. Earth Science Eye Makeup Remover Chamomile and Green Tea – I’m a pretty heavy eyeliner user and I am crazy about getting every last bit off.  I’ve been using Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover
for years but in the past few months, it’s been irritating my eyes and not getting the makeup off as much as I’d like.  I went searching for a more gentle, non-irritating product and came upon this one in the beauty section at Whole Foods.  It’s more of a gel but I like it because I feel like it does a better job of taking of the makeup in one clean sweep rather than having to go back and remove some more.  (Just a tip, it’s cheaper at Amazon than it is at Whole Foods so don’t get it there.)
2.  Xen-Tan Face Tanner – I don’t mind getting my body tan through the sun but I’m so paranoid of freckles and wrinkles that I use pretty strong SPF on my face and when I go on vacation, I always bring hats to wear in the sun.  To offset the weird pale face/tan body I use a face tanner.  I got this one as a sample but I ended up liking it so much I bought it and have been using it all summer.  Granted, I haven’t gotten much sun this summer so I’m not that much tanner but still it gives my face a slight tan and it’s a very subtle difference which is what I’m looking for.  Many formulas are for face and body which I don’t believe in as what you put on your body should not be the same formula as your face so I like that this one is specifically for your face.  

3. DDF Glycolic 10% Exfoliating Moisturizer – I get breakouts occasionally, especially on my forehead and hair line and my first defense against breakouts is glycolic acid.  It’s been pretty effective for me and I really like having something a bit stronger like this when it’s needed.
4. Alba Facial Scrub, Sea Algae Enzyme – I love exfoliating.  It’s so soothing and I love the feeling of getting all those dead skin cells off.  I spend a lot of time testing exfoliators and I finally found one that I love!  This one has the perfect size of granules where it’s not to harsh but also not too soft.  It just feels like it’s getting it’s job done, know what I mean? 
5. Glytone Mini Peel Gel – I was looking for something to make my skin glowy and “fresh” (which is a funny word for skin but I don’t know how else to explain it.  I caution if you have sensitive skin from using this.  It doesn’t irritate my skin or anything but it certainly reacts to it.  You put on a thin layer and leave it on for 10 minutes.  The whole time it’s on, your skin tingles like crazy.  You can really tell it’s doing something!  It’s not the most comfortable feeling but I do feel like it helps my skin as every time I do it my skin gets super glowy afterwards.  My husband even remarked on the glowineess of my skin!  I’ve used quite a few Glytone products and really like everything I’ve used from them.

One last thing worth mentioning that you guys may think I’m crazy for…

Yes, honey for skincare.  Specifically Manuka Honey.  So the story is, I have stomach/digestion issues and have had it for about a year now.  Doctors can’t tell me what’s wrong and no treatments have worked.  You don’t even want to know how much time and money I’ve spent on tests, labs, xrays, etc… to find out absolutely nothing.  Just guesses which leads to more tests which leads to more guesses and yeah, not fun.  I spend a lot of my days not being able to function because of my stomach.  ANYWAY, not trying to share my health problems but I was doing research on stomach problems and remedies when I came across Manuka Honey which is supposed to be this kind of “miracle” product that can heal a lot of things including stomach/digestion issues.  It’s also been found to be great for skin healing and acne treatments.  (There’s a ton more benefits but I don’t want to list it out so google it if you are interested in finding out more)  I figured, with everything I’ve been going through why not give it a shot.  It hasn’t cleared my stomach problems but my skin loves it!  Everytime I get a big ol zit that I have to get rid of, I just dab a little bit of honey on it and overnight it shrinks a ton and then disappears a lot faster than if I had used any other treatment.  The trick is DON’T SQUEEZE IT!  I know it’s so tempting with zits especially those massive ones that you want to kill, but leave it alone, put some honey on it and before you know it, it’ll be gone and you aren’t left with any ugly dark marks or scars.  I don’t know if this will work on everyone and obviously, proceed with caution if you have sensitive skin but it worked for me so wanted to share.
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  • TheTinyHeart
    August 21, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    I've heard rave reviews about the Xen Tan but I never tried it myself. I do prefer a natural tan but that would be great in the winter!

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart
    Enter my new giveaway open internationally!

  • simplyvonne
    August 21, 2012 at 1:40 pm

    I love exfoliating too and always looking out for a good one, I am using the natural neutrogena..I like it but dont love it. I will definitely try the alba once im done though!

  • Erica
    August 21, 2012 at 1:43 pm

    My best friend just went through all of your same stomach issues, she's literally gone through tests/x-rays/restrictive diets, etc. Our other good friend is a Physician's Assistant and told her to tell the doctor to test her gall bladder, he did and voila that's exactly what it was. She had to have it removed, she's now completely better. You may want to inquire about your gall bladder.
    On a lighter note, I love all of your posts, outfit ideas abound after reading your blog! 🙂

    • tiffanystylish
      August 21, 2012 at 7:27 pm

      Thanks Erica! That is one thing that I haven't had tested yet. I'm going to talk to my doctor about it. thanks so much for sharing… I'm really hoping to find the source.

  • Sheila
    August 21, 2012 at 1:57 pm

    I never knew that about honey on zits. Interesting yet good to know!

    xo – Sheila

    http://sheislovely1.blogspot.com

  • Lisa
    August 21, 2012 at 3:07 pm

    aww tiff i didn't know you were going through that with you stomach ::HUGS:: i'm so sorry! that blows!! but it's pretty neat how you found out about the manuka honey for your skin as a by product of it haha.. i will definitely be ordering the manuka honey to try!! 🙂

    • tiffanystylish
      August 21, 2012 at 7:31 pm

      Thanks Lisa. It's okay, I don't like to talk about it much, I'd much rather talk about fun things on my blog 🙂

      Yes, try out the honey. And if it doesn't work for your skin, it tastes good too!

  • k.
    August 21, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    Aw man, I hate reading about people with digestive issues, unable to function, because that was ME 5 years ago. Like you, I had tons of tests/x-rays/specialist visits but no answers.

    My feeling is, if you're obviously ill and medicine can't identify a good reason, then it's something you're ingesting. You might try keeping a journal of everything you're eating/taking plus note how you feel (if you're not already). Then maybe you'll notice some patterns and can try some self-experimentation.

    In my case, I've discovered I have issues with all grains (not just gluten), dairy, tea, and eggs…breakfast will never be the same. But at least I'm feeling better and have control over my health! (BTW I had suspected eggs for awhile, but an allergist shot me down because my symptoms weren't typical. Trust your instincts!)

    Yikes, long comment. I really hope you feel better soon! I definitely feel your pain.

    • tiffanystylish
      August 21, 2012 at 7:39 pm

      Hi K.! Thanks so much, I really appreciate the advice. I've done a lot of eliminating foods and now at the point of eliminating what vitamins I'm taking too. But I need to be better at keeping a journal like you mentioned.

      I'm glad that you've been able to narrow down the foods that affect you. I'm sure it's such a relief for you to feel "normal" again. I'm at the point that I'm just plain terrified of eating in general now. I hope to be able to figure it out soon!

  • Linda
    August 21, 2012 at 3:55 pm

    Honey is famous for it's healing properties. I've used various kinds in facials and had good results. I'm interested in the digestive benefits of this one. I'll keep an eye out for it.

  • Caroline
    August 21, 2012 at 4:02 pm

    Some great tips! I never knew about honey, but will def try it out!

  • Lily
    August 21, 2012 at 5:54 pm

    I am always looking for a good face tanner ! Adding it to my list !

    xxLily
    goldandgray.com

  • glitteratist
    August 21, 2012 at 6:59 pm

    Did you get tested for food allergies? You may be glueten or lactose intolerant. Also read about candida.
    I hope this helps 🙂
    I love your blog!

    Best,
    Celine
    glitteratist.blogspot.com

    • tiffanystylish
      August 21, 2012 at 7:42 pm

      Hi Celine, Yes, I already know that I'm lactose intolerant but I seem to be okay with gluten so I think at this point it's just eliminating everything else that I eat but it's a slow process to figuring it out. I'll look into candida, thanks for your help. I appreciate it!

  • Tiffany Truong
    August 21, 2012 at 10:23 pm

    You can try to take pro-biotic 3Billions start with and increase gradually. My boy(7), myself, my mother in-law (60s) are taking it daily. We haven't have problem. My boy claiming stomach ache everyday, especially before or during meals. The doctors couldn't find out whats wrong. But after taking it, voila, no more complaining.
    As for me, I have history of Ulcer and heartburn, Can't functions. But after taking it the problem has been diminished.

    • tiffanystylish
      August 22, 2012 at 5:37 pm

      Thanks Tiffany! I have been taking probiotics for about a year now and unfortunately it hasn't helped much. But thanks for sharing with me!

  • Trish M
    August 21, 2012 at 11:49 pm

    I have stomach issues as well. How much of the honey do you take each day? Do you take it plain, or mix it in something? Thanks so much for sharing your story!

    • tiffanystylish
      August 22, 2012 at 5:38 pm

      Hi Trish! I just take a spoonful of it. The taste is a little different from honey, but not bad (I like it) so I just take it straight but I'm sure you could mix it with water or juice if you don't like the taste as much.

  • the Beautynista
    August 22, 2012 at 12:12 am

    Hi Tiffany….I too, am obsessed with exfoliating….it's the best feeling. So sorry to hear about your digestive problems. I had some issues similar to yours a few yrs ago, indigestion, GERD, sour stomach, ulcer…theee wost experiences! Anyway… about 3 yrs ago I was online "researching" and came across an article about Aloe Vera. Long story short, I started drinking a few ounces a day, twice a day…and I kid you not…all problems gone within days. And the BEST part, I haven't taken ANY meds since then. I use GEORGE's aloe vera juice….no bitter taste….tastes just like water. I get mine from Whole Foods or Vita Cost. Get a small bottle, try it for a few weeks and see if it helps!!!!! ( http://www.vitacost.com/georges-aloe-vera ).

    • tiffanystylish
      August 22, 2012 at 5:40 pm

      Thanks so much! I haven't heard about Aloe Vera juice, I will give it a shot.

  • Janet Davis
    August 23, 2012 at 5:07 am

    Hi I love your blog! I've been through all the stomach tests too, and tried all the diets/medicines (Amitiza did help a little). The only thing that really works for me is to avoid leftovers (this includes most restaurant food because they prepare so many items ahead and let them sit in the refrigerator). And obviously nothing too spicy/tomatoey/raw peppers etc. I know it's different for everybody but I hope this helps! It took about 2 months to really see a difference. You will find something that works for you!! 🙂

  • A.Co
    August 24, 2012 at 7:10 pm

    Hey Tiffany, so sorry to hear about your stomach problems. A YEAR and still not knowing?! Must be so frustrating 🙁 Keeping my fingers crossed you find something out soon. BIG HUG.

  • jennigoldie
    September 1, 2012 at 7:46 pm

    thank you for recommending Alba Facial Scrub, Sea Algae Enzyme. i would've have never of known about his scrub. i love it.

  • Paula
    November 7, 2012 at 6:34 am

    OMG this eye makeup remover is great! Thanks for the recommendation – I just picked it up tonight and it worked like a dream with my gel liner and mascara