Makeup

[Cin]

I have a friend who is a red head / light brown and her leg hair is sooo thin and light that you cant even see it after a week. So jealous

This is my punishment for being Italian.

If I wanted to be smooth all the time I would literally have to shave every day or every other day. Boo Hiss.

I am really pale with naturally light blonde hair. . . except legs. . .
Not fun at all.

 

[Angela Harlem]

I'm the same, cin. Restocked some makeup today. I can only buy 2 brands as no other is pale enough for me.

 

[Angela Harlem]

Oh, except the hair on my arms and legs is also white. See-through, almost.

 

[Cin]

Clear arm hair is awesome. Tilda Swinton-ish eyelashes aren't.

 

[Lila64]

Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations for teen acne? My daughter has tried a few things, like Pro-Active, and a couple others. I wonder if anything actually works. I told her that maybe things will improve after Friday when school is finally out, and she will get more sleep & be less stressed in that department.

And she's been using the Bare Essentuals make-up. She says she gets oily during the day and now wondering if we should try different make-up, or if we need to buy other Bare Essentuals products, etc. Don't know who to ask, since salespeople will just try & sell you whatever they want

 

[anitram]

Depends on how bad her acne is. If it's just the same sort of thing that 90% of teens go through, basically I think she's gonna just have to wait it out. If it's severe, you might consider meds. I think the most effective thing on the market might actually be a drug that you can't get in the US, it's a birth control pill called Diane-35 which is used in Europe, Canada and everywhere else but doesn't have FDA approval in the US for no medical reason at all but because Ortho-TriCyclen's lobby has insisted that Ortho-Tri be the only pill on the market that can advertise acne clearance.

I have to preface this by saying that I've actually never had a single zit/pimple in my life, something that I inherited from my father. But I'm familiar with Diane-35 because I have an enzymatic defect (gene mutation) that requires I be on it all my life.

 

[bonocomet]

Hi Lila

My youngest daughter got it severely, and it really took us by surprise as we couldn't think of anyone in our families who ever had it. (the really bad cases) We tried everything and I mean everything. It's really hard to see your kid go from being happy and active to being introverted, and not wanting to go and do anything anymore. I'd had some people tell me about a drug called accutane and said they swore by it as it was a miracle drug, and others tell me stay away from it. After years of nothing working and the problem getting worse and we could see scarring already on her cheeks we gave in and went for it. By CA law you have to have tried 2 other more mild types of prescriptions for acne first, we did, they didn't work. And the program takes 5-6 months to complete and they must monitor under strict care of a doctor. Blood tests in the beginning and monthly urinalysis during. The patient must also answer an online test monthly too. A doctor must also first certify the acne as a severe case and they evaluate them psychologically too during treatment as the drug can cause depression however my daughter never had a single side effect. I never in a million years thought I would allow my kid to undergo something like this, but all I can say is I am SO glad we did. It is a miracle drug. Within 6 mos her skin is the most beautiful skin I have ever seen. It is china doll gorgeous and over time the scarring has also disappeared. She finished the treatment over a year ago and has not had 1 blemish since then, NONE. And it will supposedly stay this way for life. (We were told that some patients need a smaller booster course a short time later, but so far my daughter has been 100% free of any blemishes almost a year and a half later.) We didn't realize it would not only make the acne disappear but she now has flawless perfect beautiful skin.

Not 5 months after having severe acne, we were getting glasses for me, and the woman there fitting them for me was sitting within about a foot of my daughter, she kept staring at her sort of distracted, and finally said to us, I'm sorry but I keep staring and I have to tell you, you have the most beautiful skin I have ever seen in my life. I can't tell you how it felt to see the look on my kids face. I explained to the woman and she could not believe it was true.
Anyways... I know this is for severe cases and I don't know how bad it is, but I just thought I'd put this out there for anyone else who might want to know too. I know of at least 3 people now who did this, one a 20 something woman, a teenage boy, and a 50 something man, all who say it changed their lives too.

By the way it's expensive, but we have Kaiser and it covered it 100%. Also that's good that she is using Bare Minerals, it's the only powder that ever helped my daughter (with coverage when her skin was bad), but don't use the mineral veil! That one can irritate the skin, but the colored foundation powders are great.

 

[Sicy]

I've actually never had a single zit/pimple in my life

 

[Lila64]

I concur Sicy

Thanks for the responses. I feel it's just typical teen acne. She has some pimples on her forehead, but she also has bangs. I'm sure the oil from her hair doesn't help things.

I just checked her stuff, and she does have the Mineral Veil. Isn't that basically the loose powder to set your makeup? Why is Bare Essentual's not good? Is there something to use instead? Do they have something for, perhaps, more sensitive skin? Is there something in it that we should stay away from (a chemical or something?). Would she benefit from washing her brushes more regularly?

Bonocomet - I'm glad to hear that the medications worked for your daughter. I pay a fortune for health insurance already, and can't afford to go through what you did, even if it is/were an option with my doctor. I don't think it's severe, though she'd probably disagree. I remember a friend of hers had horrible acne about 4 years ago. Apparently it's gone away according to Maddy. Anyways, I don't know what other factors to watch for. She generally eats well, but maybe didn't always get enough sleep during the school year. And she plays basketball, so there's that to factor in too.



For me, I've been using Lancome's liquid foundation for years, and was using their loose powder, but picked up MAC's last time. I think I did it to save money. Seems fine to me. And I have a Smashbox powder blush. I'm almost out of a couple of things, and never know if I should change/switch to something else. I have no idea if there's something better for me out there, and I don't have the money to sample different brands and test things out. Perhaps I should just stick to what works

 

[bonocomet]

As far the Bare Minerals go (I think it's the same as Bare Essentuals??) there's nothing wrong with them, they are excellent. I just am remembering when her skin was real bad, we were told by more than one skin care specialist that the mineral veil product (I think it's a whitish powder?) was the only one that there was something in it that would irritate skin and to avoid it. The regular Bare Minerals powders that come in the shades are excellent though and don't have that ingredient. I'd say though that if someone is using anything that doesn't seem to be bothering them then that's great (Also I suppose it's ingredients could have changed by now)

 

[WildHoneyAlways]

I uses MAC's Prep+Prime finishing powder instead of the mineral veil and I love it. The Mineralize skin finish is good too. (also by MAC)

Make sure she is cleaning her brushes regularly. I try to wash mine once a week (don't always do it though) but I use a spray brush cleaner daily.

 

[Illumination70]

I recently found out the only type of makeup I can really wear is the hypos-allergenic stuff such as Almay, Physicians Formula and Neutrogena.
I do remember trying the stuff from Cover Girl, Rimmell or Maybelline only to have breakouts of facial exzema or irritated eyes.

 

[Lila64]

I uses MAC's Prep+Prime finishing powder instead of the mineral veil and I love it. The Mineralize skin finish is good too. (also by MAC)

Make sure she is cleaning her brushes regularly. I try to wash mine once a week (don't always do it though) but I use a spray brush cleaner daily.

I use a MAC powder, but it doesn't have any special name on the container. It's just a dusting powder in Medium. I don't know who to ask at the stores, whether it be Sephora, a MAC counter, the Bare Essentuals store, etc. I just don't trust them, because it's generally their job to sell their product. And sometimes I feel that you are just taking someone's judgement or preferences when you go to Sephora

I'll have her wash her brushes this week. I don't have any special cleanser. I think I was once told that any gentle shampoo would work as well (I hope!).

Anyone ever use Lancome's Primordiale (sp?) moisturizer? It's what I put on before the foundation. It's really expensive (for me) and I'm almost out. I don't know if I should just give in and buy a new jar, or try & find something less expensive. Remember I have older skin than many of you... and pale too! It's always worked well, as far as I can tell... And I have to replenish the blush as well. Smashbox or something new, that is the question ...

 

[karinlv]

Anyone have any suggestions or recommendations for teen acne? My daughter has tried a few things, like Pro-Active, and a couple others.

I get regular facials and my aesthetician has a LED light therapy machine that uses colors to combat different skin problems. The blue light is what works on acne. She treated her 16 year old daughter and has many other teen patients that have responded beautifully with this therapy.

Here is a link, you can try finding a dermatologist or spa that offers these. They will usually give a discount if you buy a package, which will give the best results.


Light Therapy-LED Light TherapyTreatment, Red/Infrared

 

[bonocomet]

^ Just wanted to add that the light therapy was another treatment my daughter had tried with no effect. Not saying it doesn't help some people though! It just didn't work for her.

 

[blueeyedgirl]

Hi Lila

My youngest daughter got it severely, and it really took us by surprise as we couldn't think of anyone in our families who ever had it. (the really bad cases) We tried everything and I mean everything. It's really hard to see your kid go from being happy and active to being introverted, and not wanting to go and do anything anymore. I'd had some people tell me about a drug called accutane and said they swore by it as it was a miracle drug, and others tell me stay away from it. After years of nothing working and the problem getting worse and we could see scarring already on her cheeks we gave in and went for it. By CA law you have to have tried 2 other more mild types of prescriptions for acne first, we did, they didn't work. And the program takes 5-6 months to complete and they must monitor under strict care of a doctor. Blood tests in the beginning and monthly urinalysis during. The patient must also answer an online test monthly too. A doctor must also first certify the acne as a severe case and they evaluate them psychologically too during treatment as the drug can cause depression however my daughter never had a single side effect. I never in a million years thought I would allow my kid to undergo something like this, but all I can say is I am SO glad we did. It is a miracle drug. Within 6 mos her skin is the most beautiful skin I have ever seen. It is china doll gorgeous and over time the scarring has also disappeared. She finished the treatment over a year ago and has not had 1 blemish since then, NONE. And it will supposedly stay this way for life. (We were told that some patients need a smaller booster course a short time later, but so far my daughter has been 100% free of any blemishes almost a year and a half later.) We didn't realize it would not only make the acne disappear but she now has flawless perfect beautiful skin.

Not 5 months after having severe acne, we were getting glasses for me, and the woman there fitting them for me was sitting within about a foot of my daughter, she kept staring at her sort of distracted, and finally said to us, I'm sorry but I keep staring and I have to tell you, you have the most beautiful skin I have ever seen in my life. I can't tell you how it felt to see the look on my kids face. I explained to the woman and she could not believe it was true.
Anyways... I know this is for severe cases and I don't know how bad it is, but I just thought I'd put this out there for anyone else who might want to know too. I know of at least 3 people now who did this, one a 20 something woman, a teenage boy, and a 50 something man, all who say it changed their lives too.

By the way it's expensive, but we have Kaiser and it covered it 100%. Also that's good that she is using Bare Minerals, it's the only powder that ever helped my daughter (with coverage when her skin was bad), but don't use the mineral veil! That one can irritate the skin, but the colored foundation powders are great.

I'm glad to hear that Roaccutane worked for your daughter, cos unfortunately it doesn't for everyone and didn't for me. I had bad acne from the age of 16 and saw a dermatologist who put me on every drug under the sun. They would work in the short term and then the problem would reoccur. I was put on Roaccutane twice over a couple of years and yes would have miraculous results but six months after stopping the drug, yep back the acne would come. And I wish I had been told about the side effects in more detail, because looking back now, I'm sure I suffered depression badly during the second stint of taking the drug.

In the end, it took seeing a homeopath in my late 20s, a stringent diet and homeopathic remedies which FINALLY got rid of my acne for good.

I'm sure I was just a difficult patient and most people have good results with most drugs but geez, talk about messing with your head!!!

And the best thing? My best friend meanwhile was stuffing her face with chocolate and only ever had a zit if she ate GRAPEFRUIT

 

[karinlv]

I've heard it's a myth that eating chocolate causes acne.

I took special interest with your statement about seeing a homeopath. I believe very much in this line of medicine and there is no doubt a direct correlation between diet and our health. And I don't believe it's just an across the board 'eat healthy' attitude that will heal. I picked up Dr. J. D'Adamo's book 'Eat Right For Your Type' 4 Blood Types, 4 Diets.

I recently visited an M.D. who also practices integrative medicine/homeopathy as a last resort searching for an answer to why I feel lousy. My reg. Dr. has always said "you're perfectly healthy, it's your allergies making you tired" but never offered up a solution other than 'taking some pills'.

I've learned I'm O+, and there are specific foods I need to be eating, and specific foods I should avoid. I don't believe it's a coincidence that the medical risks for my Blood Type are all things I'm experiencing right now, some of which I have for years.

To concur with BlueEyedGirl's point about diet/skin connection..if diet has the power to change internal problems like digestive issues (I also just learned I'm lactose intolerant, all my bloating has gone away and I don't need a laxative anymore.) it would be reasonable to assume acne can be healed with diet change as well. The key is finding the trigger.

 

[bonocomet]

Thanks for posting blueyedgirl because it's good to see both sides of the story, and that it may not work for everybody. I'm really happy for you that the homeopathy and diet change helped you. Believe me, we also tried everything we could in those paths too. Especially diet. We tried every combination of diet change and testing for foods that might be problems for years. Everything from wheat, dairy, processed foods, etc... It was a very long process of trial and error, restricting her diet, etc... none having any effect. Going on the program definitely wasn't something that we rushed into, and I know we were lucky that she had no side effects, because obviously since they monitor it so closely it's a concern. I was just wondering if you had to use the ipledge program since that is the only way it can be used legally in the US I don't know if that's the case in other countries, or if the drug/dosages are the same everywhere in that case. Once her doctors confirmed that her acne was beginning to cause permanent scarring on most her face, and the fact that years of trying things had not worked, was when we decided to do it. We were told that the scarring would possibly be reversed only in some cases, but that it was most likely going to be permanent, so again, I believe she was a lucky one.
Anyways, I definitely recommend anyone try all the other possibilities like diet first. My first post was already so long I didn't go into detail of everything we tried first for years, but yes, always try that first!

 

[bonocomet]

I'm always on the lookout for good pencil/crayon type eyeliners. I just got this one and as of early today it's still looking good Went on nice and smooth too.

Avon (Anew line)

 

[blueeyedgirl]

Thanks for your replies karinlv and bonocomet, it's always interesting to read about other people's experiences. At the time I had no other point of reference except personal trial and error cos none of my friends were suffering in the same way. I think I had every procedure imaginable including ultrasounds to rule out ovarian cysts and tumours, every blood test which always came back normal, I was poked and prodded till the cows came home!!!

The homeopath (who was recommended to me by my leg waxer at the time ) worked with a mainstream doctor who integrated complementary medicine in her practice. Best move I ever made. I did the whole "wheat, yeast, dairy free" thing which I still pretty much stick to this day (well except for wine and sugar and chocolate ) and took prescribed remedies. It took about 18 months all up but it was a permanent cure.

Whenever I see any teenagers with acne or hear the stories, my heart goes out to them, I know what it's like and I just hope they have better experiences than I did. And it's incredibly good to hear that sufferers DO find remedies that work. Take care

Oh yeah bonocomet you were asking about the regulations here in Australia about prescribing Roaccutane. Back then I was put on the oral contraceptive (which I had already tried for my acne, grrrr) to prevent pregnancy and therefore any birth defects, the major side effect of the drug I was told. I may have had to sign a disclaimer or something. The only side effects I was warned about was the skin and lip dryness. I think 20 years ago any psychological side effect was unknown or ignored. I hope things have changed now and that doctors prescribing this do warn their patients.

 

[WildHoneyAlways]

Check out coastalscents.com for good, cheap, make-up brushes. Lots of MAC dupes for reasonable prices. I just can't afford all the MAC brushes I want. I found out last week Sephora's brushes are just as expensive as MAC's! Check out youtube for reviews.

 

[Lila64]

I heard on one of the morning news shows that Wet & Wild lip pencils are good. And they're only $1 at Rite Aid. Unfortunately they were out of any color that I would have wanted, but I'll go back and check. Worth a shot for a buck!

 

[tiny dancer]

I do use some Mary Kay products, and it does wonders to my skin.

 

[tiny dancer]

Also I always buy it when my consultant runs special discounts, forskin care, and make-up.

 

[karinlv]

My sister in law just started with MK. I am wearing their mineral powder foundation for the first time today. I like it

I probably will always be loyal to MAC's compact powder found., though. It's so fast and easy to apply and stays put.

 

[OrARoundabout]

LADIES, GOT A QUESTION FOR YA!

What's the best mascara out there?

 

[Lila64]

I was told that MK products were crap, no offense

Someone once recommended Lash Blast. I bought it and liked it. I have a new one here ready to go when the old one runs out

 

[redkat]

forskin care.

These were the first words I read when I came back to this thread I thought you'd gone off pretty far from the acne talk

sorry.

I tried the hello flawless from benefit today, don't even know why, it was just in front of me so I put it on my face lol.. i think I love it though. It's held up all day. Anyone tried this?

I've been considering accutane for the past 17 years, I almost wish I'd done it when I was a kid and it was first suggested. I can't get myself to make the time to take off work for the regular blood work. It's interesting hearing everyones comments.

 

[bonocomet]

I thought the same thing as you about td's post

If I remember correctly they stopped making my daughter get the blood work after the first couple months when they were sure she was tolerating it well. However the monthly urinalysis (pregnancy test because you CANNOT get pregnant while on this, extremely dangerous) and check in with a doctor or nurse was mandatory, but at least the time in and out of the office visit for that was much less without the blood draw.
Another thing I forgot to mention is that some people will get redness in their skin when the acutane first starts working (it goes away though), but my daughter didn't get that either.

The 50ish man I mentioned that did the treatment, did it after seeing the amazing results his 20something daughter had.

 

[bonocomet]

I'm always on the lookout for good pencil/crayon type eyeliners. I just got this one and as of early today it's still looking good Went on nice and smooth too.

Avon (Anew line)

I'm going to quote this now to say it is AWESOME. Goes on smooth and perfect in the morning, and looks perfect still when I get home at night with NO touch ups all day, and I had a really hard, active day today. Usually pencil crayon type eyeliners will require me to at least tissue off a bit of smudging or bleeding along the lower lashes at some point in the day but not this one. $8