Mischo Beauty School: Facial Masks 101

As a follow-up to the question I answered earlier this week on mask types, I thought I'd repost this lesson on masks. A great mask can do wonders for the skin. Masks are designed as an intensive treatment for different skin needs/issues. Generally, there are two types of masks: setting masks and non-setting masks.

Setting masks, which normally use clay as their base, harden and dry and absorb oil and remove dead skin cells. Non-setting masks are for dry or sensitive skin and are primarily moisturizing and soothing. Benefits of masks include the following:

1. Tighten and tone the skin
2. Draw impurities out of the pores
3. Clear up blemishes
4. Hydrate
5. Nourish
6. Calm and soothe
7. Rejuvenate the skin

Now that the weather is seriously cold and dry (at least in the midwest and east coast), consider investing in a non-setting mask (if it works for your skin type) which will keep your skin nourished and hydrated throughout the winter season! Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Love your skin.

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Mischo Beauty Loves DECLÉOR

I've got the worst case of spring fever- seriously! I now, finally, really understand the purpose of "spring break", and I need one now!!! But, what's been saving me as of late is the regimen of Decleor products (Aroma Night, Nutridivine, Aromessence Rose D'Orient and Harmonie Calm Comforting Milky Gel-Cream Mask) I've been using daily, as well as during my mini-facials. My favorite product of the group- well, it's actually a tie between the Aromessence Rose D'Orient (it's a serum I've been using at night and my skin loves me for it in the morning) and the Harmonie Calm Comforting Milky Gel-Cream Mask (smells good, feels good on and it's extremely nourishing- a must during my mini-facial). They're all definitely worth checking out!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Loves Clarisonic Opal

I've mentioned my love for the Clarisonic Skincare Brush like a million times, so it's only natural that I share with you all how much I'm loving the Clarisonic Opal. It's a new beauty tool by Clarisonic that uses the "sonic technology" to infuse it's anti-aging sea serum into the skin. It's great for those with fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area - whatever the age, whatever the reason! And for those of you with great skin- well, it's a must-have prevention tool (think hydration and nourishment). I use this a few times a week and it's now a part of my weekly mini-facial regimen. Love it!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Ask Mischo Beauty...

This week's question comes from Monica, who asked the following:

"After reading your blog for over a year now, I've finally made the decision to invest in a serious skincare regimen. But, there are so many steps and products to buy! Do I really need to purchase a toner?"

Thank you so much for your support! I really, really appreciate it! Now I'm biased (I'm a licensed esthetician), so yes, I do recommend you purchase one and here's why. I believe that toners are a necessary step in a skincare regimen. And just to clarify - toners, fresheners and astringents are all essentially the same type of product. But, it is important to note that the products do have different properties and vary by strength and alcohol content.

Most often these liquids are used after cleansing, just before a moisturizer is applied. If using during a mini-facial, for instance, then multiple applications are required. Toners are applied by using a cotton ball/pad or by spraying directly onto the skin. Most fall into the following categories below:

- Fresheners: Beneficial for dry, mature and sensitive skin. Often have the lowest to no alcohol content.

- Toners: Beneficial for normal and combination skin. Very low alcohol content; tones or tightens the skin.

- Astringents: Beneficial for oily and acneic skin. Higher alcohol content; helps remove excess oil on the skin, but can be too drying and may cause more harm than good.

So, here are the benefits:

- Removes residue left behind by cleansers.
- Restores the skin's natural pH after cleansing or other treatments.
- Prepares the skin for increased product absorption.
- May improve certain skin conditions (some toners contain
vitamins/antioxidants, etc.).

I hope this helps. Please stop back by and let us know how you decide to move forward! And as always, please feel free to send me any additional questions you might have. Love your skin.

If you have beauty questions you'd like answered, please send them to mischobeauty@gmail.com.

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Mischo Beauty School: Facial Masks 101

As a follow-up to the question I answered earlier this week on mask types, I thought I'd repost this lesson on masks. A great mask can do wonders for the skin. Masks are designed as an intensive treatment for different skin needs/issues. Generally, there are two types of masks: setting masks and non-setting masks.

Setting masks, which normally use clay as their base, harden and dry and absorb oil and remove dead skin cells. Non-setting masks are for dry or sensitive skin and are primarily moisturizing and soothing. Benefits of masks include the following:

1. Tighten and tone the skin
2. Draw impurities out of the pores
3. Clear up blemishes
4. Hydrate
5. Nourish
6. Calm and soothe
7. Rejuvenate the skin

Now that the weather is seriously cold and dry (at least in the midwest and east coast), consider investing in a non-setting mask (if it works for your skin type) which will keep your skin nourished and hydrated throughout the winter season! Please feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Love your skin.

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Mischo Beauty: Mini-Facials with Caudalie Skincare

After reviewing Caudalie's Pulpe Vitaminee Eye and Lip Cream about 3 years ago, I was definitely interested in exploring a full regimen of the skincare line specific to my skin type/issues. Well, the opportunity recently presented itself and I've been using a few products from the "oily skin" regimen both morning and night and during my mini-facials.

I used the Instant Foaming Cleanser (which feels like a mousse and is suggested for all skin types) both morning & night, with no issues. I will tell you though, that I felt I needed to use it along with my Clarisonic skincare brush just to ensure all makeup, dirt and oil was removed. My favorite of the products I was given to try was the Purifying Mask! Now I have combination skin, so normally I'd use a setting mask, such as this, only on my oily t-zone. But because (well, until now) the weather has been so hot and humid, my skin has been especially oily and so I used it all over. Can I just tell you that after each use, my skin felt BRAND NEW! This mask is a winner!

The combination of essentials oils in the Purifying Concentrate were great for helping me get to sleep at night, but I can't say that I noticed much of a difference with the excess oil build-up. I must also add that I used my own toner, exfoliant, eye cream and moisturizer with these products in order to complete my regimen.

Would love to know if you've tried products from the Caudalie skincare collection. And if so, what are your thoughts?

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty: Mini-Facials with DERMAdoctor Skin Care

I've been tweeting for the past couple of weeks about using a regimen of Dermadoctor skin care products during my mini-facials, and I'm finally ready to share the results with you! And just to refresh your memory, my mini-facial steps are very easy- and you will benefit from making them a part of your skincare routine. So the steps are simply:

- Cleanse
- Tone
- Steam Treatment
- Exfoliate
- Tone
- Mask
- Tone
- Apply eye cream & serum
- Apply moisturizer

I used an anti-aging regimen of Dermadoctor products which consisted of:

- Wrinkle Revenge 1 (cleanser)
- Physical Chemistry (exfoliant)
- Wrinkle Revenge Rescue & Protect Eye Balm (eye cream)
- Litmus Test (moisturizer)

I also added the following:

- Clarisonic Skincare Brush
- Dermalogica Multi-Active Toner
- Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Masque

Now I opted not to add a steam treatment to this regimen because of it being exfoliant-heavy (the cleanser acted as a gentle exfoliant, and the exfoliant itself was a combination of a peel and microdermabrasion treatment!), and I didn't want to over-stimulate my skin. The "less is more" rule applies here!

I used this complete regimen every Sunday evening for a month and my results were exactly what I'd hoped for- radiant skin each time! This regimen is rich in glycolic acid (exfoliating) and antioxidants (repairing & protecting), so it works for a variety of skin types and issues. But, my best advice is always to buy for your particular skin type and conditions. Search for a regimen that works for you, and when you find it- use it consistently and you should experience results similar to mine!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Loves the Clarisonic Mia

It's been about two years since I first introduced you to the Clarisonic Skincare Brush. And since then, if you've been following me on Twitter, you know that I tweet almost weekly about my mini-facial regimen, which most definitely includes the use of this brush!

Well I think it's time you met the Clarisonic Mia, which is a smaller version of the classic brush and perfect for those of you who love to travel. This new one-speed brush fits perfectly inside a makeup bag, which means there's never a need to skimp on your skincare regimen. And you all know I swear by a consistent skincare regimen, right?! The Clarisonic Mia is a hands down must-have, period!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty School: Facial Masks 101

After tweeting last Sunday about my mini-facial regimen, I received quite a few emails requesting recommendations of a good mask. But, before I suggest a mask, I always need to know your skin type because generally there are two types of masks I recommend: setting & non-setting masks.

Setting masks, which normally use clay as their base- harden, dry, absorb oil and remove dead skin cells. Non-setting masks can be used for normal, dry or sensitive skin and are primarily nourishing, hydrating and soothing.

Benefits of masks include some of the following:

1. Tighten and tone the skin
2. Draw impurities out of the pores
3. Assist in clearing of blemishes
4. Hydrate & nourish the skin
5. Calm & soothe the skin

I personally use a combination of both mask types. I use a setting mask on my oily t-zone and a non-setting mask everywhere else. So there you have it!

Please continue to email your questions! Love your skin.

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Mischo Beauty School: Toners 101

I've received quite a few emails lately asking me if toners are a necessary step in a skincare regimen. And in response, I prepared this post in hopes that it will answer most, if not all, of your questions. Toners, fresheners and astringents are all essentially the same type of product. But, it is important to note that the products do have different properties and vary by strength and alcohol content.

Most often these liquids are used after cleansing, just before moisturizer is applied. If using during a mini-facial, for instance, then multiple applications are required. Toners are applied by using a cotton ball/pad or by spraying directly onto the skin. Most fall into the following categories below:

- Fresheners: Beneficial for dry, mature and sensitive skin. Often have the lowest to no alcohol content.

- Toners: Beneficial for normal and combination skin. Very low alcohol content; tones or tightens the skin.

- Astringents: Beneficial for oily and acneic skin. Higher alcohol content; helps remove excess oil on the skin, but can be too drying and may cause more harm than good.

Benefits:

- Removes residue left behind by cleansers.
- Restores the skin's natural pH after cleansing or other treatments.
- Prepares the skin for increased product absorption.
- May improve certain skin conditions (some toners contain vitamins/antioxidants, etc.).

So there you have it! Please feel free to email me with any questions. Love your skin.

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Mischo Beauty: Ole Henriksen's Dry/Sensitive Skin Starter Kit

I love investing in myself! My focus last week (please accept my apologies for the unexpected blogging vacation!) was on a class I was taking at the International Dermal Institute called "International Skin Care Techniques". The class focus was on analyzing various skin types/conditions and then designing customized treatments. There was tons of theory to learn and of course, my favorite part, practical application techniques and routines to master! The class was amazing and the instructor was PHENOMENAL!

And so with that said, those of you with a dry and or sensitive skin type should check out Ole Henriksen's Dry/Sensitive Skin Starter Kit. As I've said many times before, the most important step in a successful skincare regimen is knowing your skin type and then using products specifically formulated to treat it! I love this kit because it includes:

- Apricot Cleansing Lotion
- Balancing Cucumber Tonic
- Skin Insulator SPF 15
- Nurture Me
- Blue/Black Berry Enzyme Mask
- New Beginning Scrub

So you see, you have everything you need to get started and be consistent with your skincare regimen- AND you have all the products you need to begin treating yourself to mini-facials at home. Don't you love it?!

Also, the winner of the Motions Hair Care Giveaway is:

- danabrown18

Please email me your mailing address. Thanks to everyone for entering!

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty: Biore Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser & Deep Cleansing Pore Strips

I hope you all are enjoying the new year- new decade! I can't begin to tell you how anxious and excited I am about all the possibilities ahead, but more on that later- and back to this post! I was recently asked to test out Biore's Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser and Deep Cleansing Pore Strips. Now I know I'm not a candidate for either product because- 1) I don't have oily/acneic skin and 2) Though I do have an oily t-zone, since I'm an esthetician, I pretty much know how to treat excess oil/congestion (remember my mini-facials?).

But, I decided to mention these products, because after browsing Biore's website, I was pleased to see that there was a whole regimen of products, and I love that! Remember- I'm always encouraging you all to start at-home skincare regimens, right! Anyway, for those of you who do have oily/acneic skin types- this is just another option for you (I promise to include more information, reviews and recommendations for your skin type on the blog!). Be sure to check it out and let me know what you think.

Disclosure: Products in this post were provided for consideration by the company. For more information, please see my disclosure.

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Sjal Kashmir Saphir Perfecting Mask

Before the Thanksgiving holiday, I gave myself a mini-facial using Sjal skincare samples (I used Eau Thermale Avene as my toner). And just to review, my mini-facial steps are simply:

1. Cleanse
2. Tone
3. Steam Treatment
4. Exfoliate
5. Tone
6. Mask
7. Tone
8. Moisturize

I always use my Clarisonic skincare brush to cleanse, and I also use it to assist with the removal of dead skin cells during exfoliation (results in a deeper exfoliation!). The fan-shaped brush, pictured above, is by Dermalogica. I use it to apply facial masks and it gives great coverage.

As so, of the Sjal skincare products I sampled, I really liked the Kashmir Saphir Perfecting Mask. It's a "restorative, firming & pore minimizing mask", and because life has been somewhat hectic lately, I hoped it would help revive my skin. I loved the results- my skin looked fresh, and felt soft and smooth- and, that was the goal!

Questions about mini-facials?

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Mischo Beauty Pick: Vespera Bionic Serum by Exuviance

So by now you all know that I'm a huge advocate of healthy skin, knowing your skin type and at-home skincare regimens. I'm a fan of Exuviance skincare products and wanted to introduce you to their newly launched serum called Vespera Bionic Serum.

If you're asking "why should I use a serum", then please review my "Mischo Beauty School: Serums 101" post. This serum is an anti-aging treatment and can be used alone or with other treatments (for example, a mask!) to boost their effectiveness. It is recommended for all skin types. Visit Neostrata.com to learn more.

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Mischo Beauty School: Mini-Facials 101 & Mario Badescu

So those of you who follow me on Twitter know that I sent out a few "tweets" yesterday about the mini-facial I was giving myself. Mini-facials, like facials, are my "essential beauty product" - they're vital to maintaining my skin's health in between facial appointments.

I've decided to share my mini-facial routine with you because everyone can benefit from it- whether you receive monthly facials or not. My best advice is to invest in great products for your skin type/issues, and make mini-facials a part of your skincare routine. My skin type is normal/combination, with an oily t-zone and I used the following Mario Badescu products:

Cleanser: Enzyme Cleansing Gel ( all skin types)
Toner: Cucumber Cleansing Lotion (combination & oily skin types)
Exfoliant: (my own)
Mask: Enzyme Revitalizing Mask (combination, dry & sensitive skin types)
Eye Cream: Hyaluronic Eye Cream (all skin types)
Night Cream: Seaweed Night Cream (combination, oily & sensitive skin types)
Moisturizer: Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15 (combination & sensitive skin types)

So the steps are simply: Cleanse (Enzyme Cleansing Gel), Tone (Cucumber Cleansing Lotion), Steam Treatment, Exfoliate, Tone, Mask (Enzyme Revitalizing Mask), Tone & Moisturize (Hyaluronic Eye Cream, Seaweed Night Cream or Collagen Moisturizer SPF 15)!

So there you have it! Very easy- and anyone can do this! Please leave your questions in the comments section below and I'll get right back to you. Love your skin.

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