Always put your best face forward....

 I wanted to buy this whether it worked or not...from an eye catching standpoint..fantastic. Very chic and very to the point with a hint of wittiness to it. For some reason the key words here I liked were the Formula 10.0.6..because it made me think the other formulas were out dated, and also the adjectives describing the product..fresh, forward, best, complexion, balanced..these words instill confidence and brought forth this mentality that not only did I want this..I NEEDED this. 
 


 I really do think Neutrogena has a great skincare line, but I feel as if some of their products are so outdated. This was one that made me not want to buy...and really the only word for some reason that made me rather off-put by this facial cleanser was, 'sport.' I was an athlete growing up and still play sports on a weekly basis..but this seemed rather unfeminine and more masculine. I do not think this is attracting women, but instead girls who are in their awkward, tom-boy stage and are afraid to walk out of the store with anything pink or "girly" in their hands.

This was another product that I was not impressed with. Perhaps it was how they misspelled synergy, or chose to use a font color that was so closely related to the bottle color it hurt my eyes to read. Or maybe I just have this preconceived bias that anytime I see Garnier, I automatically think of hair color. This makes my face hurt just thinking about a burning cream all over it. I know this is not what this particular product was intended for, but from a packaging standpoint...this is where I ...stand?

While I usually hit up CVS, Walgreens, or even the occasional grocery store for products...I am always a sucker for more expensive and product-specific stores such as Ulta, Aveda, or the Body Shop. When displays like this are in front of me, I tend to branch out of my comfort zone and spend more. I feel less crammed in a store of this nature, and the display makes me feel more superior and important. The products I walk away with, leave me feeling more excited to want to try.. yet also bring about way more moments of buyers remorse because of how much I spend. 

Always start and end on a good note I always say..or for this matter good pore. I have only had good experience anytime I used Tea Tree oil for problem spots, and until I came across this product, I had forgotten about how well this simple, inexpensive remedy works. Half of it is in a different language which is somewhat annoying..but again. When you buy something you have to go to a specialty store to find, the feeling of importance or confidence takes over. What I like about this product is not the adjectives it uses to sell...but the bluntness if you will, of the product. "Suitable for blemished skin." Done. Got it. "Intense..removes impurities." I was sold from the get go. Well done. 


Whilst writing about each of these products, I think I answered everything that was questioned. It is ironic, because I said in the previous blog how I wanted to try and spend less time on looks and more time on ingredients, but truth be told...I did not do this. I knew Tea Tree Oil, and looked on the back of these products to see where fragrance ranked since I do have a small allergy to this...but I did not find it beneficial to read the other ingredients. I do not know enough about them to make an educated decision on whether or not the product was good for me or not. There are so many chemicals listed...I think I started to fall asleep on the third row. Chemistry was kind of important I guess; who would've thought. Either way, I would have purchased the first and last and many other based on various things be it the packaging, infomericals, or price. The one thing that would never sway my decision would be the people that worked at the places where these products are sold. If they are on commission as most retail counters are such as Lancome, Clinique, and Estee Lauder... sometimes you find those people are less concerned with what will work for their customer, and rather how much money they will see off the sale. If I am having to take consulting from an employee working at a drug store or grocery facility...then acne products are the least of my worries. I would advise reading Consumer Digest or shoot even Wikipedia. I am by no means meaning to insult the intelligence or lack there of of these ladies or gents working at these places, but lets be honest...ten dollars an hour to talk to people about clearing up their acne is not near enough pay. This was a rather entertaining study though, and I hope that at least one company can benefit from a honest, Texas girl who is just another consumer in our day and age. 

Once, twice, three times a lady...

Not that I live two lives, but there is by FAR a difference in the daily life of my skin care during the course of a week. There is the weekday skincare regimen, who is responsible and tries hard to stay consistent, and then of course there is the weekend skincare, who maybe sometimes does not work as hard at keeping a timely schedule of when to use these products. Sad thing is, the weekend skincare needs it more than than the weekday! The nightlife skincare tends to wear more makeup, but on the flip side...the weekday skincare takes on way more stress. Either way, when I wake in the morning...I always use my Proactiv toner to wipe my face, but typically that is the only cleanser and/or moisturizer my face sees in the morning. I know I should probably use more, and sometimes during the summer months, I will use a little Olay because there is SPF but nothing else is used until later 5 or 6 PM, when work has ended. 90 percent of the time, I will come home and use the toner again, to wipe any dirt from my face before either going to the gym or just lazying around. Sometimes if I am feeling really crappy from a fun day at sales, I will leave my face makeup on when I go to the gym, because my marital status is still single and come on..you just never know. So yes, I am guilty as charged with that one. Before going to bed though, more often than not, I will wash my face with my Proactiv cleanser, use my toner yet again, and then depending on how dry or oily my skin is, Olay will then go on next. A couple times a week, I will use my antiwrinkle cream and Proactiv mask, but I do not want to do this every night for fear that I will start to need it or God forbid my face will actually expect it or it will turn on me if not received. I know this is paranoia to the 'enth' extreme..but the first step is admitting it. Now. If I would change these ratios to 100 percent of the time on when I use everything and how much..I would like to think I have my acne routine down pact. This is an almost flawless system that has proven effective when used correctly. The older I get, the more this routine seems to work because of how much better I make myself stick to it.


I used the word "almost" before flawless because lets be honest; the occasional breakout happens whether we are responsible or not. Especially as a woman, our hormones are out of whack from puberty to menopause so it is anyones ballgame. Thanks guys. So yes...when that breakout does happen though, I usually use my Proactiv mask and the third step of that three step process I mentioned before, which contains the 3rd step..the repairing treatment. This stuff is hardcore and I only use it when absolutely necessary because for some reason my skin just doesn't seem to need it as much. Also, I take toner to my cell phones to wipe any excess makeup or dirt that has accumulated that I have not noticed.


My Ideal Acne Product: "A hundred percent of the time...this works every time"
Form: Facial Cream with those little beads that you can feel exfoliating your skin. For some reason, I always feel like these are working better. That I love loofah's because I get grossed out by dead skin.
Application process: You would wash your face with this product like any other normal product, by dampening your skin then placing a quarter size drop of this product in the palm of the hand, and rubbing it in a circular motion around the entire face until every spot is reached. Then, almost like a facial mask, I think it would be pretty cutting edge if the next step was to leave it on, and the places where it hardened on the face showed where the lack of moisture was coming from. The places that remained damp and where the cream sat in more of a still liquid form, would show the places that attracted the most oil. This would help to identify where to place spot treatments, and where to avoid placing extra concealer or powder. After five to ten minutes, it would be necessary to completely wash the product off with warm water. I am no scientist, but this is my "dream" product...and they would have invented some chemical reacting agent that would somehow release some process that would further prevent acne or something...I don't know how they could word this, but I think it would sound neat and the words 'molecular' and 'reacting' would intrigue me.
Feeling:  I always liked using things that burned or hurt more when they were applied. This just showed and proved to me that the product was responding to whatever sort of issue I bought it for in the first place. So, while there might be a slight burning or discomfort, when completely washed off....this product would leave your face feeling tight, clean, and soft. These three things are vital to me when finding a new product. I cannot justify a product that does not bring all three of these elements to the table. My skin would respond well to this, and would not rash or require numerous usage of this product; at the most, twice a day. There would be multiple products to this as explained earlier, because one...this is key to selling a product..always have more to offer. And two, it is engrained in most women that we need more than just a face wash or a moisturizer..for we are all different and have different needs...so if this really WAS my ideal product..they would have a smart group of advisors within this company that would personalize their products, and only add to the wants and needs of their consumers. These people would be innovators and I would hate to see them stop there. 

Rarely is medicine ever found in these things...

                                                        

Since I "blogged" so much the first time around, I wont make these so lengthy and bore you to death with my attempts at adding humor to things. After looking at the pictures of what I took, inside the medicine cabinet..I would say that I finally have a grasp on what it is that works, and what it is that does not. As far as skincare is concerned, I would definitely like to "up" the current system I have working, because I am pretty sure I have taken three different lines and made my own concoction of what I think I should be using every night. For one, I am never consistent with this every night routine, and second...I just want to find a lotion that does not make me feel oily, and an antiwrinkle cream that kicks major ass. I see SO MANY different reviews and commercials..but this is one needed treatment that I can honestly say at 25...have no earthly idea on which path to take. Olay has some amazing products..but the last think I want to be is a consumer whore and only use a product because it is the only thing I know from various ads and my lack of self-educating on what may or may not work better and why. Now as I said before, Proactiv seems to be what I have fallen in line with, and I do not think I will venture over to any other acne line anytime soon. I say that, but if another product did hit the market that was suggested by everyone and their mother like Proactiv is, and is still relatively affordable..it might be something I would look into. I have learned though, that it is always best to stick to something that works. Really in anything in life, but we won't get all philosophical here tonight. The grass isn't always greener on the other side though, and sooner or later, as Apple has taught our generation, upgrades will not always be better than the original. What I would like to look harder into however, are the ingredients that are going into these lines. After personally throwing away a smorgasbord of towels, I have to say it is rather intriguing/worrisome in thinking about the different ingredients going into these products to react as the chemical agents that they do, to have the ability to reduce the scarring, outbreaks, and bring overall consistency to any acne fighting system. Researching what goes into these products is something I would like to try and begin in the near future. 


Favorite Product Numero Uno: Proactiv Renewing Cleanser
I LOVE how this product makes my face feel; from texture to cleanliness...this cleanser has it goin' on. It is by far the best one I have ever used and it would take A LOT for me to switch. I like simplicity and so the fact that it is not neon pink with diamond letters reaching out at me, makes this product also feel timeless in a way. By that I mean, there are certain products that stereotypically..just do not go with all ages. For instance, Teen Spirit; need I say more...and Estee Lauder has fantastic products..but for some reason I think of old ladies. Proactiv's packaging is modern, current, and to the point. For this, I applaud their marketing and graphics designs departments. This is the first step in their three step process, but sometimes I don't even do the last two because of how well I feel the cleanser has done. Also, I love how it washes off my eye makeup and if I accidentally get any in my eyes...no burning. I explained the reasons behind the original purchase and as far as I am concerned, there is nothing besides the bleach factor, that this product or  its advertisement could do better.


Favorite Product Numero Dos: Olay Regenerist: Filling and Sealing Wrinkle Treatment
I cannot express how well I feel this product works. Thing is, this is another product that does have other steps to it that I fail to do...but all the same, I can most definitely tell a difference after having used it overnight. The packaging is alright..but truth be told, I have no idea why I tried this product over their others. It must have been the packaging that caught my eye come to think of it, because I had not done previous research before making this purchase. Anywho, there is not much to say on this product other than that it literally looks like you are ten years younger after first applying it. It matches quite closely with medium skin tones and almost looks like a heavy concealer filling in your wrinkles. Thing is though, it feels so light and airy and does not feel caked on in the least bit. The great thing about this product also, is that it is relatively inexpensive and lasts forever. Probably not as long as its lasted me, because again, I do not use my products as often as I should, but you will get your money worth. My goal is to purchase the other lines of the Olay Wrinkle Treatment and see how much better my skin can look! They say 30 is the new 20...so I better be on my A game to hold this saying true!

Never judge a book by its cover...Wait, yes. Do.

             Howdy! My name is Taryn, and I am from the Lone Star State. I am a Sales Consultant for a technology company in Dallas, and contrary to popular belief, drive my car to work rather than my horse. I am a huge Cowboys fan, and did find it hard to house the Steelers and Packers in Jerry's new palace this past year. I have an enormous passion for life, which goes well with my chosen career path as of now, and love love love meeting new people. I am a procrastinator to the fullest, but somehow always seem to get the job done one way or another. Music is my second passion, as I did venture off to University of Kentucky to bleed blue and study vocal performance for a small time. I did however, obtain my bachelors from the University of North Texas in Communication Studies, and look forward to this study, as writing is my third passion. I am in the process of writing a book as we speak, and tend to  write conversationally, so I apologize ahead of time for any grammatical errors. I stress about getting old, and have a small (healthy, if that's even possible) obsession with skin care. Glad to be here,  and thank y'all for the opportunity!   

       I was lucky enough at the ripe young age of twelve not to endure total acne problems, whilst going through that crazy stage called puberty. I did however, experience common breakouts and still do today, on the verge of almost 25 years old. I do not like using the words, 'pimples or zits', for they leave me feeling disgusting and make me want to put on a facial mask at this very moment. I think the way you worded things, to answer your question, was not only politically correct but tasteful and appropriate.  Living in Texas, our humidity is killer and sometimes unbearable to deal with. I relied heavily on the harmful chemicals in our swimming pools to dry up my skin as much as possible so the breakouts did not have a totally disastrous effect on my dating life. I tried Neutrogena and Clean & Clear initially, as that is what the girls on the TV ads instructed me to do (I was a total sucker for sales). I played tournament softball at the time, and was experiencing breakouts on my back, chin, and forehead pretty frequently. When my mother could tell that these products were not doing the trick, we went over to Clinique to check out their "3 step" acne system. I must point out, that my skin has oily issues near the nose, and seems to be dry literally everywhere else. I also have always seemed to have a major issue with anything with fragrance. Anywho, the Clinique system was attempted for close to three months before enough was enough. I was breaking out even more, and when confronted about the issue, the esthetician working the counter explained that my skin was supposed to get worse before it got better. Pause. While this still makes no sense to me, my mother and I at the time, decided on visiting the dermatologist to clear this up (no pun intended). The creams prescribed did alright, but left noticeable discolorations on my skin. Because of this, I could not justify continuing on with the product.  When we finally stopped looking though, it seems as if the answer fell into our laps. Funny how that happens. A distant relative had caught wind of my "trial and error" with acne products. My family is Italian. Word travels fast. At the time though, my third cousin twice removed uncle's niece or however that went, sent my mother a product that her marketing company was doing work for. She raved about how amazing the product was, and how it cleared her skin completely in less than a week. I tried it. And sure enough, Proactiv did the trick. I have been a loyal customer of this skincare line longer than Jessica Simpson and Katy Perry, and sometimes feel as if they should notice because twelve years is a long time to use one product, and I am sure in that time I paid for some child's college. That and because of their use of bleach in their product, I should really consider buying stock in a towel company, as so many of mine have been ruined. Perhaps I am being overzealous, but in all seriousness, I have been nothing short of impressed by Proactiv. I still do have issues on my chin weekly though. I have started using toner to wipe off my phones, since I am one of those annoying, unsafe individuals who holds her phone with her shoulder to her ear while driving everyday, simply because Bluetooth looks ridiculous. I hear though, that this is not only hazardous to people on the road, but also tends to accumulate a lot of bacteria which in turn touches your chin. This sanitization using toner sort of helps, but I get rather frustrated with the issue, and am to the point where I feel as if sometimes, nothing works. And while I do agree you get what you pay for in life, make up counters such as Estee Lauder, Lancome, and Clinique should not be heavily relied on for assistance to acne issues. To be brutally honest, I can appreciate their makeups, perfumes, eye and wrinkle creams, but their acne products are overpriced and show little to no positive effect. I also do experience the occasional 'rando' breakout on my back as well. And that is unfortunate living in Texas and having your shoulders and/or back exposed 3/4 of the year. The hard part though of having acne at a time like the end of month, is that...sales is sales and numbers have to be up. And like I mentioned before, somehow I always get it done..but it does definitely makes me way more self conscious that people are looking at my breakouts waving at them rather than the product I am trying to sell them. While this may not even be the case, this causes a conscious as well as subconscious feeling of inferiority which in turn causes mood swings and ultimately could affect my numbers. I cannot have this happen, so the fact that it does, is really hard to cope with sometimes. I am a firm believer that you should always look your best, because you will always do your best. Also, it does say a lot about a person when they have gone beyond the confines of their own home, dressed for success. It is the sad, hard, truth about our society, but we care just as much about the outer beauty as we do the inner. Not everyone has to conform to this way of thinking, as we are a nation of free thought, but I think everyone should highly considerate it. It says a lot to the other person you are speaking with when you have a great smile, polished wardrobe, and good skin. This only shows them you cared enough to not only impress them, but restore and maintain great hygiene.  It never hurts to be aesthetically pleasing and do well at your job. The only other things besides stress that I can figure practicing more, are little things like washing pillow cases more often and also using a brush to put on concealer rather than a finger. I would LOVE to try a product that did not cover up blemishes per say, but instead rid of them completely. When my skin is clear and looks smooth, I have a glowing confidence and air about myself that enables me to perform better at work and also carry a better mood throughout the day. Today is one of those days though, that my face decided to go to war. It does not pick and choose battles well. I am currently losing..so any advice would be greatly appreciated! 

Acne 3  Taryn 0