I’m kicking off my 9th blogiversary by giving away 9 (get it? 9!) of my favorite AVEENO products…
09.10.2014
L’OREAL PARIS Visible Lift Blur Blush
05.28.2014
No Makeup Wednesday
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Galderma Laboratories L.P. through their partnership with POPSUGAR. While I was compensated by POPSUGAR to write a post about Mirvaso, all opinions are my own, as per usual. 
Guys, I’ve worked REALLY hard on my skin over the past decade (see photo above with NO MAKEUP!) and so, when new products come out that will make my skin even better, well I get pretty excited about it. Rosacea (a chronic inflammatory skin condition), for example, is a skin condition that I was diagnosed with at age 22 and I distinctly remember the conversation going a little something like this:
Me: I’ve been breaking out a lot. I think I have adult acne.
Derm: Yes, I can see that…and you’re also about to get full blown Rosacea as well.
Me: What? No. I don’t think so…my face is just red from the acne.
Derm: Right now, yes, but in a year or two, the acne will clear up and you’ll have Rosacea.
05.21.2014
Beauty Tips for all the new college graduates
Sometimes when I look back at old photos of myself, I cringe…and then I think about how much I appreciate all of the “mistakes” I made back in high school and college when it comes to beauty (and, of course, life)…
02.26.2014
Make Up For Ever HD Blush
Blush has never really been my thing, I can’t lie. It’s not that I don’t like the idea of having some color on my cheeks, but basically because I have rosacea (e.g. rosy cheeks without blush), I’ve always just honestly been scared of the idea of adding a splash of pink to my already-red face…it’s a thing. I was recently introduced to a new blush, an HD (high definition) Blush, if you will, and I gotta say…color me impressed. At first I was intrigued by the idea that the blush is HD because, at least in my mind, anything HD is cool and hi-tech, but then I started getting tons and tons of compliments after the makeup artist put some on me which instantly had me SOLD. So what’s the deal? MAKE UP FOR EVER HD BLUSH is a cream blush (which can also be intimidating) and its formulated with a balance of oils, waxes, and powders that makes the blush really glide on your face easily. What’s also cool is that it can be worn over or under makeup, meaning if you’re not wearing any foundation (lucky you), you can still wear the blush without looking like a clown.
And speaking of clowns, here’s the best and most universal way to apply blush:
- Choose a full, rounded blush brush (like Make Up For Ever 158 Double Ended Sculpting Blush, featured in the photo above, which you can also use for contouring)
- Apply the cream blush onto the apples of the cheeks in a figure “8” motion
- Sweep from the top of the apple downwards, then up and back towards the top of the ear
- Set the blush (especially if you feel like it’s REALLY bright) with a pressed powder (like Make Up For Ever HD Pressed Powder), which reduces shine, slightly mattifies the skin, and softens the appearance of fine lines and pores. By the way, this pressed powder is best applied with a Kabuki Brush.
And, if all that seems like way too much work for you (hey, I get it), you can always just apply cream blush with your fingertips…just don’t go nuts.
Make Up For Ever HD Blush 210 | Make Up For Ever HD Blush 410
Gea isn’t amused by cream blush
11.11.2013
Three Questions With Cynthia Nixon
Anyone who reads this blog probably loooved the Sex and the City series and Miranda Hobbes was always one of my favorites. Well now that the series is over, Cynthia Nixon (e.g. the real Miranda) has decided to help spread awareness about Rosacea, something I’ve mentioned on my blog a TON of times. It’s crazy to think that nearly 16 million Americans suffer from the condition but only 78% even know what it IS…insane. Rosacea is often mistaken for acne, but unfortunately acne treatments can make rosacea worse, but the good news is that seeing a derm can help can your rosacea under control (like mine). Check out RosaceaFacts.com for more info and resources and, with out any further babbling, here are the three questions that I exclusively asked Cynthia:
Q: When did you first realize that you had rosacea and what did you do about it?
A: When I was in my 30’s, I started noticing that my cheeks would flush and blush and sometimes I would get pimples. I assumed it was acne that was coming back to haunt me from my teens. Once I spoke with my doctor I realized there were things that trigger my rosacea, like spicy foods and red wine, I knew what to avoid. She also gave me a prescription treatment to help manage my condition, which really helped get my rosacea under control.
Q: What are your favorite beauty products to use that help reduce inflammation and/or cover the redness?
A: I think what my dermatologist has really helped me identify is what I can do to help reduce flare-ups, rather than using make-up to cover it up. Some of that includes regularly using a prescription treatment, avoiding harsh cleansers and scrubs and my triggers, like red wine and spicy food.
Q: If you could give your 22-year-old self any advice, what would it be?
A: I think my advice would be to visit a dermatologist if there is something going on with your skin. Also, skin issues that pop-up as you age can’t be treated in the same manner as those you suffer from in your teens.
07.30.2013
Reader Question: do I really need toner?
Kiehl’s Cucumber Herbal Alcohol-Free Toner| Biore Blemish Treating Astringent | Kate Somerville Clarifying Treatment Toner | Mario Badescu Special Cucumber Lotion | Boscia Balancing Facial Tonic
Question:
Hey Jamie!
I have a question…what is the purpose of toner? Is it necessary? AND, after I take off my makeup (using Queen of the Quarter Life Crisis-approved Neutrogena makeup removing wipes) and wash my face, when I put the toner on should there be dirt or some kind of grey to brown on the cotton ball or does that mean that my face wash isn’t working well enough?
xo,
“E”
Answer:
Hey “E”!
That’s a great (and really common) question. My first experience with toner was when I did PR for Sea Breeze back in the day…that stuff was hard core, let me tell you, but it had a cult-like following. Here’s the story: toners are greatly misunderstood.
What are they? Toners are traditionally used to balance the skin’s pH and remove anything that your cleanser missed (hence why you see color on your cotton ball after you use it). Newer toners actually can be really hydrating and have added benefits with good-for-you ingredients, depending on the product.
Should I use one? Since there are so many different kinds, you just have to do some research to see which toner is best for your skin (my favorites are above). Some contain alcohol, which removes excess oil and helps prevent breakouts but can also dry out skin. However, most derms say that anyone with eczema or rosacea (ahem, me!) should avoid them due to sensitivity.
- If you have oily skin, look for toners with salicylic acid, sulfur, or tea tree oil
- If you have dry skin, grab ones with panthenol, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and glycerin
Good luck!
Jamie
