Today, I am sharing something on the blog that I never in a million years dreamed that I would.
A make up free face.
My make up free face.
Complete with my own critiques on what I see when I look at these photos.
please note, I am ignoring the unruly eyebrows. and you should as well.
please note, I am ignoring the unruly eyebrows. and you should as well.
Following the birth of my first two children, I never knew that my skin would completely change.
It became ridiculously sensitive, particularly to sunlight.
I developed terrible melasma/sun damage on my forehead following a trip to Florida (this far before the days that I started using 70 spf on my face). Even though I did have it treated with microdermabrasion and tried many different "lightening" products, it is better but still visible.
The side profile shot above had me noticing some slight discoloration on my cheeks as well.
There are fine lines on the corner of my eyes that are even more defined when my eyes are closed. Fun.
And, to top it off, I had a crazy allergic reaction to what I've finally narrowed down to a new laundry detergent. Tiny bumps, redness and itchiness :: wasn't fun or beautiful.
And with this, my 10 day "more beautiful" challenge began.
I received the Algenist serum on Thursday and began treatment on Friday morning.
So far, I'm finding it quick and easy to use (a must for me), applying it just once in the morning and once at night. The smell of it (another biggie for me) is not offensive in the least AND it feels great on my skin; moisturizing but not oily.
Dare I say I even feel as though the tiny lines on the outside of my eyes seem a little less pronounced? I won't. Not yet.
And while you're at it, tell me, what makes you feel more beautiful?
For this girl, being rosy cheeked, be it because of a hot yoga class, a brisk walk or even a (lord, I need one so bad) great facial gets me every time.
For this girl, being rosy cheeked, be it because of a hot yoga class, a brisk walk or even a (lord, I need one so bad) great facial gets me every time.
Thanks to Algenist for sponsoring today's discussion.
If you hadn't pointed out your finest of fine lines or lightest of light red parts in your face, I never even noticed them!! You look beautiful without make up!
ReplyDeleteBut I understand the necessity of special treatments regarding sensitive or allergic skin.
Since I recently turned 50 (OMG) I cannot hide my wrinkles on my forehead and around my eyes but at least my skintype is normal and besides some extra moisturising cream quite easy to deal with.
Annette
Lady of Style
Thank you for your kind words! I truly appreciate it.
DeleteOh, I need to try out this challenge. I love how your skin could change to look more beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYou're lovely even without makeup on! Whereas I have the most ginormous eyebags ever (and yet I dared to show the world my bare face haha).
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Czjai! Speaking of #morebeautiful...I ordered the BB cream you recommended and received it today! Excited to try.
DeleteI didn't see anything wrong with most of those points on your face, you are pretty without make up. But we are our own worst critics.
ReplyDeleteI'm lucky these days if I wash my face, but I do avoid the sun as much as possible. Sounds like this serum would help with my imperfections I have. Thanks!
Oh wow what a fun and interesting challenge. I'm so awful with skin care and bad about not putting my make up on too =)
ReplyDeleteUmmm...you look gorgeous without makeup! But I totally get the desire to keep enhancing our skin.
ReplyDeleteI've been so bad about my skincare these past few weeks!!
ReplyDeleteYou look gorgeous with or without your makeup, Susan:) But I can't wait to see the changes in the next 10 days for you!
ReplyDeleteawww, thanks! Me too!
DeleteThis really looks like a wonderful product! I have lots of fine lines.
ReplyDeleteYou look amazing without makeup! Good luck on your challenge! ;)
ReplyDeleteI try to be a minimalist, but as I get older it's getting harder. Thanks for the suggestion I am heading now to check it out! Good luck on your adventure and btw you look great...we are our own worst critics ;)
ReplyDeleteWe are aren't we? I don't think men do the same thing about themselves or each other.
DeleteGood luck! I hope you are happy with how it works for you.
ReplyDeleteDearest Susan,
ReplyDeleteHaha, those wrinkles and fine lines are just natural and come from: A GREAT SMILE! You look great girl and I would always be cautious with using whatever product! Simply for the reason that you have still decades ahead of you. Maybe it's because of a young and drop-dead gorgeous lawyer friend that I've always checked into ingredients. Look here: http://www.cosdna.com/eng/product.php?q=Algenist+Concentrated+Reconstructing+Serum
Hugs to you,
Mariette
You are right Mariette! I am a smiler...I will chalk them up to that!
DeleteAnd the site you recommend is AMAZING. I will definitely be checking it out from now on. Happy to see this particular product rates very well on it's ingredient list and should be good for sensitive skin as promised.
Girl ... bare faced you remain as lovely and beautiful. We are own worst critic ~ I really didn't notice the lines and spots you marked (and I am wearing my glasses..lol) Seriously you look amazing.
ReplyDeleteBut I know what you are saying, I just went out this week-end and used my Shopper's points for some Roc products. I'm looking at ingredients more closely when it comes to skincare ... topical creams can only do so much - so it's important they have the benefit of great ingredients.
Do let us know your thoughts on this product after your 10 day challenge .. and yes a professional facial is a much required part of skincare regimen. Hugs, C. (HHL)
Celia, check out Mariette's comment above...and have a peek at the site to see what they think of ROC. I have heard very good things!
DeleteYou look gorg-- with or without makeup-- I would've never noticed any of what you are pointing out if you hadn't pointed it out :)
ReplyDeleteThis challenge sounds great-- I have terrible skin but I'm working out it- headed over to check this out
You have a beautiful face without any makeup, and what skin problems???
ReplyDeletehttp://MamaInHeels.com
How brave of you to be so honest and make up free. You still look great!
ReplyDeleteLeigh
www.oneandoneequalstwinfun.com
You look gorgeous, girl!
ReplyDeleteWhat makes me feel more beautiful?! Wearing pink and a smile, and dancing in my BodyJam class. Nothing better than when your feet are finally doing what your mind's been directing them ... all to a backdrop of great music!
{And you KNOW I'd send you tons of Dunkins' anytime you asked!} ;)
Thanks Michelle! PINK makes me happy too! What's up with that?
DeleteSusan,
ReplyDeleteI have a huge sensitivity to any product I put on my face.
I am willing to test this product.
Thank you for sharing your face with us!
Me too! And I am now on day 6 and have had no adverse reactions! I hope you give it a go.
DeleteYou don't look like you need thi product but hope you enjoy it!!! I could go for a day of pampering!
ReplyDeleteYou look beautiful without makeup. I hope you enjoy the serum and that the 10-day challenge is pampering and makes you feel more comfortable with yourself.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't even see your fine lines or wrinkles! You are looking great! I have those horrible wrinkles under my eyes, I'd love to diminish. I also have uneven skin tone. it would be nice to get it smoothed out.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Amber. I've heard their under eye moisturizer is amazing. I want to check it out myself!
DeleteYou do look gorgeous! Yes, we all have some imperfections as we age and our bodies change. I can't say that I don't want to try this serum... (of course I do!) but I think we all see more imperfection in our own skin than others do. :)
ReplyDeleteMy skin totally changed, too! Looking great still, good luck with your challenge!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the honesty, but you look great! Very brave to appear without make up and point out imperfections (not that they are very noticeable)! I cannot wait to give this a try! Good luck with yours!
ReplyDeleteso seriously what is up with the changes to your skin after babies??! no makeup? you look fab!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I need to try this challenge.
ReplyDelete-Vogue&Heels
vogueandheels.wordpress.com
My face changed after my second pregnancy. I have adult acne problems and it is no fun.
ReplyDeleteYou are beautiful even without makeup!!
ReplyDeleteMakeup makes me feel beautiful especially mascara. Thanks for the heads up about the sample!
ReplyDeleteYou look great without makeup!! And lines & wrinkles? Nah, wouldn't have even noticed!! I will have to try this product out! Thanks for the heads up!
ReplyDeleteSofia
From PDX with Love
Oh how I wish I looked that great without makeup! My skin has so many imperfections and I'm only in my early 30s...ugh! What makes me feel beautiful? I would have to say lip gloss and a great foundation and mascara----lots of things I guess! :)
ReplyDeleteAww thanks Mandee! I think we are our own worst critics. I am with you on the great foundation, mascara and lip gloss. My faves!
DeleteI've been struggling with uneven skin tones and would love to find something to help with that.
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying results like you wanted!
ReplyDeleteYou look great! This does sound like an amazing product too!
ReplyDeleteHope it works out for you, it sounds like a great serum!
ReplyDeleteTesa @ 2 Wired 2 Tired
I am jealous! You look so great without makeup! There were some things that I could not even see..for instance that allergic reaction? But I know that we see things on our bodies/faces that other people really would not notice.
ReplyDeleteI would never have noticed any of the "imperfections" without you pointing them out. That doesn't mean it is not a good idea to be using a serum that will prevent or slow down the process as we all get older.
ReplyDeleteI have been on the hunt for a new serum but have not had much luck as they all have a horrible smell. I will have to take note of the Algenist Serum and give it a try.