Best Face Foward

I've been meaning to write up this post for some time now, but just never got the chance. Well back in November I posted that I purchased a Clarisonic Mia and hoped that it would give me this awesome skin. Part of the reason it took me so long to write this post is that I didn't get the results I wanted right away. It didn't make my skin worse when I started using it, but it didn't make my acne any better.

Well I stuck with it and after using it for about 2 months things started to change. I noticed less blackheads and white heads, less clogged pores, and less breakouts. I am still having a few pimples and clogged pores pop up here and there, but I am still trying to figure out the best routine for my skin. One of the immediate results of the Clarisonic is your super soft skin. I noticed that after my first use.

Image from Sephora.com

Right now I am using my Clarisonic with my Murad acne face wash. I am just trying to finish this face wash up and start using a new face wash I purchased, Neaclear Liquid Oxygen Acne Wash with Saliclyic Acid. I used the Neaclear was a few times already and I love how clean it makes my face feel without being over drying, which the Murad one can be for me at times. I am really trying to focus on using "simpler" products for my skin because I think I have overdone it in the past.

Image from CVS.com

I have also been using the Oil Cleansing Method (also known as OCM). I always thought that I had extremely oily skin, but in reality it was just that my skin was overproducing all the oil I was constantly stripping from my face. In the beginning the thought of lathering my face with oil made me cringe. But I thought what the heck I might as well try it. Well, I am soooo glad I did. This method really helps unclog pores and it makes your skin super soft. I am using a mix of Castor Oil and Jojoba oil right now and I think I will stick to this combo.

The combination of these two in my beauty routine has really helped clear my skin up. I think with a few more tweaks to the routine I will have clear skin in no time.

Do any of you also struggle with acne after your teen years? What has helped you with your skin the most?

Talk to my agent.

You didn't know I had an agent did ya? Well I do and every one of you should too. You don't have to be some superstar athlete to need an agent, because I am definitely not one. OK the truth is my husband in my agent. Yes I realize that sounds completely cheesy, but hear me out.

All of us need an agent to help us realize what we are capable of. I will tell you from my own experience that sometimes I am timid when it comes to change. Not nervous because I don't want the change, but nervous because I might fail. My hubs (from here on out will be referred to as "agent" haha) helps me with this all the time. While I can't tell you the exact situation at this time, I will say that my agent made me realize that I am good enough, that I could do this, and that I shouldn't be nervous because I don't have anything to lose.

We need an agent to push us to our fullest potential and help us become who we want to be. Someone who believes in us when we aren't sure ourselves, someone who tells us that when its bad its going to get better, and someone who negotiates our contracts. Your agent can be anyone, your parents, siblings, boyfriend, husband, best friend. As long as that person helps you achieve what you want to achieve in life, I say you have yourself an agent.

That's my agent watching after me :)

I have my reasons

...for being absent. My computer was off to get updated (which is running much faster these days) and I have had a few things going on that have kept me busy. 2010 already seems to be an interesting year for me.

I wanted to show you all an fairly simple outfit I wore out to dinner with friends one night.

Tee and Skirt: Forever 21, Necklace NY&Co., Tights: H&M

This past month I have realized that my "go to" outfits seem to be a skirt with a long sleeve tee and a statement necklace (and if its cold I will add on a cardigan). I don't know what it is but I keep coming back to this type of outfit. Even when it rains, I substitute my heels for some boots because I don't like wearing pants and getting them wet.

I picked up this fun nail polish from Ulta last week when I went on a mini shopping spree. It is from Essie's spring line called Lilacism, a fun pastel-y purple.

The real color is little more "purple-y" than the picture. I am really feeling pastel colors and nude "mannequin nails" this spring.

Image from alllacqueredup.com

I am really loving the OPI color featured in the above image which is "Tickle My France-y".

Do you have a "go-to ensemble" or item? If so, what is it and how often to you put it together? What do you think about "mannequin hands"?

Just a Girl

One of my favorite magazines to read is Instyle. I was looking through the December issue and it featured so many goodies, great new pieces and some great ideas for party hair. What really caught my attention was the Beauty Talk with Gwen Stefani.

Image from justjared.com

When I think of Gwen, two things come to mind: platinum blonde hair and bright red lips. While I will never try to duplicate Gwen's hair color, I have tried to get those famous red lips. I was glad to see that she shared some of her favorite beauty must haves, including her red lipstick.

Russian Red from MAC. Image from maccosmetics.com

Gwen also uses MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation. I used to use this in college but then felt that it was making my skin oily. Well now that I realized that I was putting way to much on my skin (as far as cleansers and toner), I think I am going to try Studio Fix again soon. Gwen thinks that it still gives her a natural look.

Image from maccosmetics.com

So there are lots of ladies who are still on the search for a great mascara. What works for one girl might not work for another, but I am so glad I found this mascara a few months ago. It really adds volume to my lashes and its inexpensive. Gwen said her sister-in-law introduced her to this and it makes her lashes really thick and full.

Image from drugstore.com

I am sure that Gwen's hair needs some serious deep conditioning because she dyes it so much. But I was really surprised when she said that she uses Pantene Restoratives Time Renewal Shampoo and Conditioner, apparently her hairdresser gave it to her. Lots of people don't like to use drugstore shampoo brands because they feel that it doesn't do anything for your hair. I wonder if this particular shampoo and conditioner is an exception.

Image from drugstore.com

Are you surprised that Gwen's must have products are items everyday people use? Are any of her favorites your favorites or products you despise?

These boots were made for dancing...

Sorry for the lack of posts ladies, but I have been under the weather. Its been freezing cold (to me at least) in Texas and I caught this horrible cough. Two bottles of nasty cough medicine later and I am almost 100% better.

So today was a big day for lots of Houstonians, the lineup for the Houston Rodeo was released!!! OK I know many of you probably don't care for country music or seeing kids chase after some calves, but its just something hubs and I look forward to every year. The Rodeo lasts about the whole month of March and kicks off the the BBQ cookoff. Texans don't play when it comes to BBQ so they throw a big party for the cookoff to start things off right. The rodeo season is then followed by a month of awesome concerts! There is also the carnival that is fun for kids and "older kids", but if you don't care for the games you have to have the food.

Ever try fried oreos? How about a fried snicker? I know you guys are probably reading this in disgust, but seriously you need to try some fried oreos.

Image from wikihow.com

Rodeo time is also the time you see people dusting their cowboy boots. There was a time when cowboy boots were the trend and everybody was trying to get their hands on a pair, but here in Texas they are always fashionable :).

I wanted to show you ladies some pictures of some cute looks in cowboy boots.

Image from instyle.com

Image from splendicity.com

Image from hollyscoop.com

How do you feel about cowboy boots? Did you fall for the trend? Is it more than just a trend to you?

I Wanted to Love You

That is exactly how I felt about the Rodarte for Target line. I fell in love with a few pieces when I saw the pictures online so I bought 2 dresses not too long ago, but then after trying them on, I wasn't impressed. I purchased these the week before Christmas and the store was so hectic I decided to just purchase them and try them on at home.

I REALLY wanted to love this dress because it had bows and lace, but it really did nothing for my body type. Now I am not well endowed in the chest area, but it made me look really flat chested.

Now this next one worked better for me. I think it looks really cute with the lace pattern and the chiffon edging, but I really wish it were an actual lace overlay instead of just a pattern on the polyester fabric.

I don't think I will be keeping the lace patterned dress because I just don't feel that the material is worth the price.

What did you think about the Rodarte for Target line? Did you like and purchase any items? Or did you feel like me that it was all hype with nothing much to back it up?