The $1 Liquid Lipstick every makeup hoarder should own!

Hi, Lovies!! So, I got something in the mail today... and it's the Me Now Generation - II Long Lasting Waterproof Lip Gloss!! YAAAAYY!! *slowclap* I know a lot of girls are getting into liquid lipsticks these past few months. I mean why wouldn't we? it's easy to work with plus it dries matte! BUT. For some girls like me, a $25 dollar worth of lipstick + a $10 shipping fee is just too much. Until I found out about this magical angel poop made in heaven.. wait, that sounded wrong.

I know y'all are wondering.. "WTF! a Lip Gloss? Bitch I don't want a lip gloss!!!"

Calm yo tits girl. It is not a "Lip Gloss". Now I don't know why they called it that, but I can assure you, it dries up matte.

Let's start with the pros and cons of Me Now Liquid Lipsticks. This product is very pigmented, long wearing, waterproof and it will only cost you a buck! The downside is, it's really sticky, but I'll teach you a trick how to work on that (besides, liquid lipsticks are at one point sticky). Over all, I'd say it's a very good product and I'm actually obsessed with them. Proves us that we don't have to spend a lot of money to get a good product.

About the price... I know you are all questioning, "if it's a good product, then how the hell is it only 1 dollar?" I technically got mine $1.20 + free shipping. I don't know why I paid €1.70 lol (yes euros) but it's still a very cheap price for a good product. Maybe it's because of the card I've used or maybe the additional cents had something to do with the card fee or fee on something that I don't know. BUT! I found a better price for my beautiful little unicorns! ($0.99)! Here's the link

I didn't purchase all of the colours they have. I only got the ones that I like and the ones that I think will suit me. 

Lip swatches!! TENENEN. The trick I was talking about is tapping a translucent powder on top of the lipstick after it dries. This trick also works with normal lipsticks if you want them to last longer or to look matte.

Are you ready for my duck faces!

#30 brownish nude

#26 pinkish nude

#31 neon pink

#03 pale pink (one of my faves!)

#13 bright pink

 #27 deep red (LOVEE!)

#33 dark maroon (FAVE OF ALL) also what I used on my latest outfit post.

#28 bright red

If you want to see more lip swatches, click here to watch emilyyyx review on youtube!


You've reached the end of this post! And for that, Thank you!

Love you all! ♥♥♥

My current skincare routine! (Combination to Oily Dehydrated Acne Prone Skin)

I'm gonna divide my skincare routine in two parts; Morning and Night Routine. *duh* hahaha anyway, Let's get into it. wooooosh!

Before you try out my skincare routine, I want you to know that my skincare may or may not work  out with your skin. I have combination to oily skin, but sometimes I get dry and flakey because of the Salicylic acid I use. I also have dehydrated and acne prone skin. I used to get cystic acne, but Thank God I have't been getting any lately. I still get a pimple or two when I get my period. Meaning, I have hormonal acne. I think acne loves me too much to leave me alone. Anyway! If you think we have the same skin type and problems, this skin routine might actually help you. 

Starting off with my Morning Routine *sounds weird but I don't know how to call it* I'm gonna number each and every step... because I want to.. haha!

1.  Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. I use Pond's Acne Clear White. If it's not available in your country, too bad for you. I'm just kidding! haha! Here are some products I use whenever I ran out of Pond's. Garnier active fresh fruit energy, Acne.org's Cleanser. DON'T dry your face with a towel! Instead, Tap it dry with a soft facial tissue. Towel may still irritate your sensitive skin. Another tip! Never leave your skin air dry longer than 30 secs.
2. This is new to my routine and I think this has been helping my dehydrated skin a lot! I have started using a Thermal Spring Water Spray for about a month now and I must say, I've never broken out since! Even with my period! Thermal Spray's calms, soothes and restores skin's natural balance, good for any skin types specially on sensitive skin.
   
   What you do is, Spray a decent amount on your face while still damp from your previous wash. I'm currently using the La Roche Posay Thermal Spray but it's almost empty. I'm planning to try the Aveene one just 'cause I've read good reviews about it. Anyway, Let it soak in a little. You can pat it dry or leave it until everything is soaked up.
3. On damp skin, Apply your favourite moisturiser, let it soak in or set. I loved the Nivea Anti-Spot Super Light Day Cream, but unfortunately I can't find it anywhere anymore here in Milan. Please message me if you know where I can get one!! Right now I'm finishing the last tube I have. Please recommend other products to me that your skin loved!
4. If I'm somewhere important in other words, I need to be dolled up, I apply Primer. I use the Benefit Porefessional. I haven't tried other primers 'cause I don't use them that often.
5. Foundation! I know some of you might ask "No SPF?". They always say SPF is a very important part of a skincare routine,  but personally, I don't like wearing one. Basically because I hate it's tacky and sticky texture, it's reflection on photos and it's heavy feeling on the face. Luckily, There are foundations and BB creams with SPF in it! YAAY! I use different foundations depending on the current weather or season. Currently, I'm mixing Make Up For Ever's Velvet Mat with Sephora's 10hr wear Perfection Foundation. Wondering why? MUFE velvet mat is very mat and cakey looking while Sephora's 10hr is more of dewy finish, you mix two together.. and BAM! you get the perfect natural looking finish, not too mat and not too dewy.
   
   I stopped using the Clinique Acne Solutions Foundation 'cause I think it's breaking me out and I don't like the coverage. I'm still looking for the perfect foundation and if you think you have one please let me know!
6. I spray a thin layer of the Thermal Spray again. Let it dry.
7. Apply powder and Bake your makeup. Not in the oven dear! If you don't know how to bake, you can skip this step and just apply powder like how you normally do or look it up on youtube!
8. I finish the rest of my makeup
9. Apply a Setting Spray and your done! Go out and Let them look at your fine face!
   
   I currently use Urban Decay's De-Slick Oil Control Setting Spray. I'm kind of in a love-hate relationship with this one. I just think that it doesn't really make a change wether I apply it or not. 

Night Routine!

1. Remove makeup with whatever makeup remover you have. I use the Garnier Clean Sensitive makeup remover, put some on a cotton pad and wipe it all over my face.
2. I wash my face with my Pond's Acne Clear White then pat it dry with a tissue.
3. I spray a Thermal Spray and let it soak for a little.
4. I apply a mix of half water and half Apple Cider Vinegar on a cotton pad and pat it on my face.
5. I put on my moisturiser on damp skin. I use the Olay Regenerist Night Cream and let it soak in a little.
6. I then apply AHA+ from Acne.org or Biretix gel. These two are both glycolic gels that peels dead skin cells, basically removing hyperpigmentation or acne scars
7. Last! I apply eye cream. I use the Sephora Age Defy Eye Cream. Gotta give them eyes some love!

Pictures below are not in order

I'm the one wearing red&black flannel. Sorry I don't have a solo picture of my face, I couldn't find my camera lens. That's also the reason I haven't been posting lately.

Thanks for reading! Hope I've helped! ♥♥♥

How I Got Rid of My Acne and Acne Scars

HI LOVIES! Finally! After years of battling severe acne and bad skin, here I am getting compliments and questions about my skin! 

Long story short, I had Cystic acne 2 years ago (I was18 yrs old). They are these blister looking painful massive zits. Cystic acne is the most severe form of acne. It is not caused by chocolates, nuts, greasy foods nor by poor hygiene. The main factor behind acne is hormonal change. 

My acne was everywhere, it was all over my face, some on my neck, chest and back. I obviously lost my self confidence. I hated my skin. I hated my face. It was to the point where I don't go out with my friends anymore or even go out of my room. Even my relatives told me I looked horribly ugly (harsh right? as if I wasn't aware of how ugly and gross I looked like) Anyway, I was a woman desperate for a miracle. I did everything, I researched about everything! skin, pores, chemicals that are good or bad for the skin, medicines, machines, healthy diet etc... I bought and tried everything I thought will cure my skin. I never went to a Dermatologist 'cause I was scared. Scared that they won't be able to help me or prescribe me meds that can cause serious side effects. I had those nights where I cry myself to sleep worrying on how I will face tomorrow with a smile. It was only 7 months ago when my cystic acne looked a lot smaller and were lessen (Images below). I  remember it was March when I made a regimen for myself, then after 2 months, BAM! no more cystic acne! I only had scars here and there and some whiteheads. I felt like it was a miracle lol. Right before I left for the Philippines, I got the acne free skin I prayed for!


Before and After photos without make up
Sorry, I couldn't find photos of me 2 years ago :( I was too horrified at my face to take selfies.
7 months ago                                                               Now

I still have some acne scars.


with BB cream: 

 



What didn't work for my skin (my skin type is Combination to oily):


Gamila Olive Oil Soap


Didn't stop my acne but it lightened my scars.
Pharmacy/Farmacia  €25














Garnier Pure Active with brush



Broke me out.
Esselunga €6









The Regimen Moisturizer


Gave me flaky skin. 
Acne.org $28.24













Clinique Anti Blemish Solution 3 Steps System


Just didn't work.
Limoni/Douglas €30+ 












Cetaphil

Too gentle. Felt like it wasn't even doing anything to my face lol. 
Pharmacy/Farmacia €25












Antibiotics


Worked for a month. Stopped taking it 'cause I didn't want to be dependent on this drug, then my acne came back.
Pharmacy/Farmacia below €10










What worked for my skin:


Benzac


Dries acne fast. Make sure you only use 5% or you will burn your skin and get dark scars.
Pharmacy/Farmacia €13+









Tea Trea oil, Almond oil, Coconut oil


                                     


If you wanna go all organic and natural, this one will work well for you. I mix a drop or two of the Tea tree oil with 2 table spoon of Almond oil and Coconut oil. I apply it after washing my face at night.
Pharmacy/Farmacia Tea tree oil €8, Almond oil €9, Coonut oil €7





Castor oil and Olive oil



Works well on removing whiteheads.
Mix half Castor oil and half Olive oil, apply on face. Cover face with a steamed towel. Repeat twice then wash face with your facial cleanser and cold water. I used to do this everyday.
Pharmacy/Farmacia Castor oil €8, Olive oil €5





Garnier fruit energy 




Loved this! Dries out acne and feels refreshing on the skin. It has salicylic acid in it that's good with fighting acne bacteria.
Esselunga €7+













Pond's Acne Clear


I've been a Pond's girl ever since. Stopped using their products 'cause they don't sell it here in Milan. But I recently got back from the Philippines, and I bought 5 tubes of these wonderful facial wash. Never got acne again after I started using this. I'd recommend everyone suffering with acne to try this out. 
Any supermarket in the Phil 150+ Pesos


Currently using





The Regimen Treatment (Benzoyl peroxide)



Works well but dries out the whole face on the first month. You will flake out terribly, but this is normal. You're skin will eventually get used to the treatment. 
You'll be needing a deep moisturizing cream for this.
Acne.org $37.38


Still using 







The Regimen Cleanser



Very light cleanser, I'd say. Good for very sensitive
skin.
Acne.org $11.08














The Regimen AHA+



I love this. AHA+ or Alpha hydroxy acid + 10% of Glycolic acid. It chemically exfoliates skin and helps bring new skin cells to the surface. This cream is very powerful that if you use more than the advised amount, it will sting and you'll probably burn your face out. I apply this every other night.
Acne.org $33.21


still using (strictly use only at night)








Clindamycin or Clindamicina in italian



This and the Biretix gel are my holy grails. They cleared my skin unbelievably fast. 2 months to be exact. This is a gel like Antibiotic that basically kills acne bacteria.
I apply it every morning before I apply moisturizer. 
Pharmacy/Farmacia  €16


Still using
Highly Recommended


Biretix gel


This is kind of like the AHA+ I mentioned above. I apply this every other night, alternate to the AHA+. It basically repairs skin cells and remove acne scars. 
Pharmacy/Farmacia  €25

Still using (strictly use only at night)
Highly Recommended




Apple cider vinegar



I know.. it sounds gross. But it works like wonders! It helps with removing scars, tightening pores and balancing ph level (take note! unbalanced ph level causes pimples). Mix half water and half vinegar on a container or wherever you want to put it, shake, apply like a toner (your face will smell like salad).
Esselunga  €4

still using ( strictly use only at night)






Baking soda

Works like the apple cider vinegar. I use this as a face mask twice a week. I mix 2 tablespoon full of Baking soda and a little water to form a paste like consistency.
Apply on face for max of 10 mins (it will sting) then wash face with cold water.
Esselung less than  €5 I think.







PMD or Personal Microderm


It's a machine used to exfoliate skin's surface, removing scars and hyper pigmentations. Also removes wrinkles! I do this once a week.
Personalmicroderm.com $181







My Regimen:

Morning 
1. I wash my face with Pond's acne clear (picture above). 
2. I apply Erborian Herbal Energy Lotion Korean Medicinal Herbs (€20 in Sephora) or L'oreal Triple Active Fresh Toner with Salicylic acid (€7 Esselunga).
3. I apply Clindamycin gel and wait for it to dry.
4. I apply Garnier Essentials Intensive Hydration (€4 Esselunga it was on sale) or Nivea Anti Spot Moisturizer (€6 in Esselunga) . I wait for it to dry, then I go ahead with my  makeup.
5. I use Garnier BB cream for Combination to Oily skin types (€7 in Esselunga). It's Oil free, Dermatologically tested and Non Comedogenic. Very nice matt coverage.
6. Powder to finish. I use Maybelline clear smooth all in one with Spf 25 PA++ (99 pesos)

Foundations I use:
Clinique Acne Solution from Sephora €29














Makeup Forever Mat Velvet Oil Free from Sephora €41











Advice on choosing face products:
Always check the ingredients. Pick products that are Non-Comedogenic, Oil-free, with Salicylic acid, Paraben free.



Night
1. I remove my make up with Byphasse make up remover (€1 in Barcelona)
2. I wash my face with Pond's.
3. I apply Apple Cider Vinegar mixture as a toner. Use this toner only at night.
4. I apply the Treatment from Acne.org. Wait 5-10 mins for it to dry.
5. I apply AHA+ or Biretix gel, wait for it to dry (applied only at night). Done! 
















I am not sure that this regimen and creams will work for you as well as it did to me, mainly because we all have different skin types. But I hope I have helped you at something. I know how it feels to suffer from acne. "Been there, done that." That's why I blogged about this to help everyone who are still suffering and losing hope on getting clear skin again. If you have more questions, don't hesitate to e-mail me at aira_joy17@yahoo.com or comment below, I will be glad to help. :)



-Love, Ayra ♡