A Guide to the 5 Types of Face Acne and Helpful Tips to Reduce It

Hello, lovelies!

Face acne is surprisingly common. Many of us have dealt with it, and continue to. Acne affects teenagers and adults alike. I continue to battle against acne, into my 20s. For today’s post, I wrote a guide I refer to often to determine each type of acne.

Type #1: All-Over Facial Acne

This acne appears in clusters on the face. Is it prevalant along your t-zone (your chin, nose and forehead).  I combat this acne by washing my face twice a day with a gentle cleanser. My current favourite cleanser is Fresh Beauty Soy Face Cleanser. It gently treats acne without causing further irritation. Applying toner and lotion to the face after cleansing reduces inflammation. This balances oil production.

Type #2: Deep + Inflamed Acne

It is important to avoid touching the face when you have this type of acne. Touching the face attributes to further irritation. This type of acne responds well to acne treatments, especially those containing Salicylic Acid. It is important to be patient with this acne. It takes time for it to heal.

Type #3: Chin-Area Acne

I experience this type of acne often. Chin-area acne is caused by hormonal imbalances, and elevated stress levels. This acne responds well to spot treatments. Applying cold to the affected area also reduces redness.

Type #4: Forehead Acne

Dehydration attributes to increased oil production. Staying hydrated will reduce this type of acne. It is often caused by stress, but increased oil production from the scalp will also cause it.

Type #5: Nose Acne

Acne on the nose and surrounding areas results from excess salt intake. This acne is reduced with gentle exfoliation. 

Do you experience breakouts? If so, what are your favourite remedies to use?

4 Quick Tips to Help You Effectively Use a Daily Planner

Hello, lovelies!

Finding the right planner for you can take time. Picture this: After finding the perfect planner at your local stationary store, you stare at the blank pages, unsure of exactly where to start. Today I’ll share tips to help you use those pages!

1) Use a single planner, if possible 

It can be cumbersome to manage both a personal and work planner. Find a planner you can use to record business and personal tasks. This will streamline your tasks, due dates, and appointments. A bonus tip: It is a good idea to consistently check your planner to review the day ahead.

2) Create a list within your planner 

I make lists often. I list each task to be accomplished by the end of the day, and check them off as I complete them. I enjoy the motion of marking a check-mark next to my list during the day. It provides both a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

3) Slow down in order to speed up 

Set aside time each week to plan ahead. Inputing tasks and reminders for the week ahead offers you time to organize thoughts, de-stress, and provides a clear view of what you plan to accomplish. The act of physically writing out your to-dos is an effective tool for cognitive recognition.

4) Use a color-coding system 

My favourite method of colour-coding is using different pens or post-it notes. Use a different colour for each specific task you need to remember. For example, reserve a pink pen for exam dates, a blue pen for reminders, a red pen for appointments, etc.

Do you use a planner? If you do, is it an effective tool to keep you organized? 

3 Reasons Why a FitBit Will Become Your New Favourite Accessory

Hello, lovelies! 

I bought a FitBit last week, and I instantly fell in love with it. What exactly is a FitBit? It is a wearable fitness tracker that monitors everything from steps taken, heartbeat, hours slept, and food eaten. 

A FitBit is a valuable piece of wearable technology. Here are 5 reasons why you should invest in one:

1. The sleep tracker function 

We all know it’s important to get enough sleep each night. FitBit tracks your sleeping habits, which can help you improve them. You can view how long you slept for, how many minutes you were ‘restless’ for, and how long you were awake. 

2. It is also a watch 

I love this feature. The LED sceeen displays the time and date. I enjoy the convenience of having both the time and date right on my wrist.

3. It encourages you to workout 

After a certain period of inactivity, FitBit prompts you to move. You are also able to input workout challenges as motivation. Challenges such as “Workweek Hustle” can be completed with friends to motivate you to get more steps. 

3 Creative Ways to Use Activated Charcoal in Your Beauty Routine

Hello, lovelies!

Charcoal is an active ingredient in many beauty products. Active charcoal is medicinally used to remove toxic substances from the body, so it is no surprise that it is also an effective beauty ingredient! I use it in a face mask, but here are other uses:

1. Charcoal Mask 

A charcoal mask works by drawing impurities from your pores. It is a good idea to open your pores with a warm cloth before applying a mask. If you do not wish to buy a charcoal mask, it is easy to make one! 

Mix equal parts of the ingredients below until it forms an inky paste. Apply to the face and let dry. Rinse with warm water. 

• Activated charcoal powder 
• Water 
• Aloe vera gel

2. Teeth Whitening 

Charcoal is micro-porus. This means it will trap plaque and whiten. The charcoal whitens while removing impurities. After applying toothpaste to your toothbrush, dab it in charcoal powder and brush as normal. 

3. Create a DIY body scrub

Charcoal powder’s slightly grainy texture makes it a great exfoliator. Mix it into the sugar and liquid you plan to use for the scrub, 

The 3 Healthiest Items to Order at Starbucks (Morning, Noon, or Night!)

Hello, lovelies!

We’d all like to prepare healthy meals at home each week, but it is not always possible with a busy schedule. My go-to coffee choice is Starbucks. I actually drafted this post while sipping an iced coffee at my local Starbucks after work. I often add a food item with my coffee. These items range from chocolate chip cookies to a cup of oatmeal. If you’re looking for the healthiest items to order from Starbucks while on-the-go, look no further!

1. Classic Whole Grain Oatmeal 

Oatmeal is a healthy option. It is also nourishing and filling. Starbucks’ whole grain oatmeal contains just 160 calories, and 2.5 g of fat. Oatmeal is rich in fibre and other important minerals (e.g. magnesium, mangese, zinc)). These minerals support a healthy digestive and immune system. Starbucks’ classic oatmeal also contains nuts and berries for additional nutrients.

2. Basic coffee 

Stick to the basics when ordering your coffee. Coffee or espresso-based drinks like lattes, or blonde/dark roast coffees are light options. These options are low in sugar and extra calories. Asking for your coffee iced lightens it even more. A good rule of thumb is to skip sugary drinks like Frappuccinos. I’ve tried just about every drink on the menu. My main coffee order is now pared down to a Blonde roast coffee or iced latte.

3. Protein Bistro Box 

A bistro box contains the following items:

• Hardboiled egg
• Apple slices
• Grapes
• Peanut butter
• White cheddar cheese
• Muesli bread

This is a great option for breakfast or as a post-workout snack. It contains 15 grams of protein and 360 calories. A bistro box is healthy and portable. I often eat half in the morning then save the rest as an afternoon snack. The combination of fruit, grains, and protein keeps you full and satisfied until lunch.

What Starbucks drink or food item do you order? 

 

3 Tips to Help You Create a Better Breakfast Each Morning

Hello, lovelies! 

Breakfast is a versatile meal. It can involve grab-and-go options or a completely cooked meal. Here are five quick tips to help you develop better breakfast habits. 

1. Keep breakfast in mind when you grocery shop 

It is a good idea to create a list of potential breakfast ideas before you grocery shop each week. If you pick up breakfast items when the week begins, there’s a higher chance you will eat breakfast if the items you want are readily available. 

2. Add protein into your breakfast 

Protein keeps you full for longer. I am guilty of skimping on protein in favor of a bagel or slice of toast in the morning. It is easy to add protein into an otherwise carb-heavy meal by including an egg, lentils, or even peanut butter. 

3. Prep your meal the night before

Simple prep can make a busy morning a lot easier. Plan your breakfast meal the night before, and complete prep steps. This may include slicing vegetables, freezing smoothie ingredients, etc. 

What tips do you use to improve your morning meal? Let me know in the comments! 

A Quick Guide To the 7 M.A.C. Lipstick Finishes

Hello, lovelies!

I bought my first MAC lipstick last summer, and haven’t looked back. When I travel somewhere with a MAC store, I select a new lipstick to add into my collection. Today I share a quick guide to each of the 7 lipstick finish MAC Cosmetics offers.

1. Cremesheen 

A cremesheen lipstick is smooth and creamy. This lipstick finish is not as pigmented as others. However, it is not the same as a sheer finish. A cremesheen lipstick has a short wear-time, but this finish is hydrating. A creamier lipstick is richer in texture. 

2. Matte 

I favor matte finishes. A matte lipstick can be tricky to work with at first, because this type of lipstick begins stiffly. This finish is highly pigmented. 

3. Satin 

A satin finish is opaque. Satin finishes are hydrating, and give the lips a delicate sheen. A satin finish is versatile. A pale satin lipstick or a richer satin lipstick is easy to wear day or night, 

4. Amplified

Amplified lipsticks are a creme finish. An amplified finish offers an intense pigment without the drying effect of matte lipsticks. This formula is slightly creamier than a satin finish. 

5. Glaze

This formula is lightly pigmented. A glaze lipstick offers a hint of colour with a glossy finish. This finish is similar to a lipgloss. 

6. Frost

A frost finish is a mix of shimmer and gloss. It is not long-wearing, but it is creamy. The high shimmer in this lipstick gives it a “frosty” appearance. 

7. Lustre 

This lipstick finish is creamy but not long-wearing. Pigmentation in a lustre lipstick is limited. A lustre lipstick is sheer and glossy.